The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has forged a significant partnership with the London-based Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) to enhance efforts against corruption in the public sector, particularly in addressing environmental crimes.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has forged a significant partnership with the London-based Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) to enhance efforts against corruption in the public sector, particularly in addressing environmental crimes.
On September 20, ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Aliyu, SAN, and Justin Gosling, EIA’s Securing Criminal Justice Programme Lead, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that facilitates greater cooperation and information sharing between their organizations.
Dr. Aliyu highlighted the pressing need to combat corruption linked to environmental crimes, stating, “Crimes such as wildlife trafficking and pollution pose serious threats to Nigeria. Public sector corruption in these areas is intolerable, and ICPC is eager to collaborate with EIA to strengthen our response.”
For nearly five years, EIA has been active in Nigeria and across West and Central Africa, focusing on building investigative capacity, enhancing understanding among legal practitioners, and fostering partnerships within the financial sector. The agency also works on developing endangered species legislation and supporting local civil society organizations.
Gosling emphasized the importance of the new partnership, remarking, “Environmental criminal networks operate for profit, and corruption in public sectors is a critical issue. This agreement with ICPC is a major step forward, and we look forward to developing strategies to combat wildlife trafficking and other environmental crimes.”
EIA’s initiatives in the region receive support from various international organizations, including the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and the Defra Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund.
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