In a significant diplomatic move, the Namibian government has reached out to Nigeria for assistance in its ongoing battle against corruption. During a recent meeting, Humphrey Desmond Geiseb, the Namibian High Commissioner to Nigeria, emphasized the importance of collaboration among African nations to combat this pervasive issue.
High Commissioner Geiseb highlighted Nigeria’s role as a leader in the fight against corruption on the continent. He praised Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts and expressed a desire for Namibia to learn from its strategies, particularly in asset recovery. “We would like to learn how you are fighting corruption; your challenges and all,” he stated, proposing an exchange program between Nigeria’s Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Namibia’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
Geiseb pointed out that corruption is a widespread problem affecting all African countries, with common issues such as misallocation of funds and lack of accountability. He stressed the need for African nations to unite in their efforts to tackle these challenges through shared information and best practices.
The ICPC Chairman, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, welcomed the proposal for collaboration, noting that Nigeria has faced significant challenges in its anti-corruption efforts, including human capital deficits and budgetary diversions. He outlined the commission’s three-pronged approach: enforcement, prevention, and public enlightenment, which aims to curb corruption effectively.
The High Commissioner also underscored the importance of transparency in governance as a crucial factor in combating corruption. By sharing successful strategies, both nations can enhance their capabilities to address this critical issue.
