Marine and Blue Economy Ministry pushes integrity drive as ACTUs peer review opens in Lagos
Maureen Aguta
The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has reaffirmed its commitment to ethical governance, transparency and operational efficiency, as stakeholders gathered for the 6th Peer Review Conference of Chairpersons and Secretaries of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs) in Lagos.
Declaring the conference open, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Fatima Sugra T. Mahmood, said the forum reflects the government’s resolve to deepen accountability across agencies under its supervision. She was represented by the Deputy Director, Special Duties, Comfort Madichi, who described the gathering as a strategic platform for institutional self-assessment, knowledge exchange and coordinated action against corruption within the marine and blue economy sector.
Madichi noted that the peer review mechanism would strengthen internal controls and promote best practices, enabling agencies to improve service delivery and reinforce public trust.
In his welcome address, Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dayo Mobereola — represented by the Agency’s Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Chudi Offodile — expressed satisfaction at hosting the sixth edition of the conference.
He said the theme, “Advancing Ethical Reforms: Institutionalizing Integrity and Sustained Ethical Governance,” underscores the pivotal role of ACTUs in driving organizational reforms and preventive anti-corruption strategies. According to him, ethical governance must be deliberate, embedded in strong internal systems, backed by robust accountability frameworks and supported by technology to curb leakages and enhance efficiency.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Musa Adamu Aliyu, represented by the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for Lagos State, Alexander Chukwurah, commended agencies under the Ministry for embracing the peer review framework.
He said the initiative demonstrates a growing institutional commitment to transparency and continuous improvement, stressing that collaboration among agencies remains critical to sustaining gains in the fight against corruption.
The conference is expected to produce actionable recommendations aimed at strengthening ethical standards, enhancing compliance systems and reinforcing integrity across the marine and blue economy ecosystem.