By Barnabas Esiet.
The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN), a global business network of over 130 companies working together to tackle corruption in the maritime industry, is expanding its collective action initiative in Nigeria with the support of the Siemens Integrity Initiative.
In a statement, The Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Convention on Business Integrity (CBi), Soji Apampa, said the project will be implemented by MACN and the Convention on Business Integrity and run from 2020 up to January 2023.
“Through the generous support from Siemens AG, CBi and MACN will be able to contribute to a stronger government and port authority compliance environment and encourage public private oversight of compliance in ports and terminals.” The statement read.
“We believe this will lead to more effective seaports and terminals services, and improved corruption prevention practices that, ultimately, will benefit any business using seaports or terminals in Nigeria.” Apampa said.
The Siemens Integrity Initiative promotes projects around the world that seek to combat corruption through Collective Action. The selection process is highly competitive and favours projects that have a direct impact on the private sector and that strengthen compliance standards and legal systems. Over the years, it has supported some of the leading anti-corruption initiatives globally,
Nigerian Port
“For MACN, CBi, and our local stakeholders, the support from Siemens is fantastic recognition of our Collective Action work, and the impact we had in the Nigerian port and maritime sector, we are grateful for the support and excited to add Siemens to the list of donors supporting MACN” The Executive Director of MACN, Cecilia Müller Torbrand said.
According to Torbrand, with the Initiative support, MACN will expand its work into multiple agencies and port users, enabling greater public-private sector dialogue on integrity issues, equipping local players with proven Collective Action methodologies to drive change, and supporting maritime industry Collective Action initiatives.
The CEO of Siemens Energy Nigeria, Onyeche Tifase, said the initiative has boosted Siemens efforts to support the establishment of higher integrity standards and fairer market conditions in Nigeria.
“Over the coming three years MACN and CBi will enable port users to demand, track, and ensure greater compliance in Nigerian ports, help strengthen government capability to establish compliance systems and collaboration between business, government and civil society.” She added.
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