By Julius Peter
The Imo State Office of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has engaged the management and staff of the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Physical Planning on measures to strengthen transparency, accountability and integrity in land administration.
The engagement, which focused on identifying and addressing corruption risks within the land administration system, underscored the importance of clear procedures, effective internal controls and ethical conduct in the management of land-related transactions and public resources.
Speaking during the engagement, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr Emedoronwa Cliff, and the Deputy Director, Mrs Chinwe Egbeocha, highlighted some of the corruption vulnerabilities that could undermine efficient and transparent land administration.
They stressed the need for the Ministry to strengthen its processes and institutional controls to reduce opportunities for corrupt practices, while ensuring that members of staff discharge their responsibilities in accordance with established rules, regulations and ethical standards.
The ICPC officials noted that transparent and accountable land administration was essential to building public confidence in government institutions and ensuring that citizens could access land-related services without unnecessary delays, abuse of office or other forms of malpractice.
They further emphasised the importance of clearly defined processes and responsibilities, effective monitoring mechanisms and responsible conduct by officials involved in land administration.
According to the Commission, strengthening institutional safeguards would not only help to prevent corruption but would also promote efficiency, professionalism and fairness in the delivery of services to members of the public.
The engagement formed part of the ICPC’s broader efforts to work with public institutions to identify systemic weaknesses that could facilitate corruption and support the development of preventive measures.
Responding, the Director of Lands, ESV Igiri Chidimma Irene, appreciated the ICPC for the intervention and the engagement with the Ministry.
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to embracing integrity and improving the land administration system in Imo State.
ESV Igiri said the Ministry was prepared to work towards strengthening its processes and ensuring that its personnel uphold the principles of transparency, accountability and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
She acknowledged the importance of collaboration with anti-corruption institutions in identifying potential weaknesses within public service delivery systems and developing measures to address them.
The engagement therefore provided an opportunity for the ICPC and the Ministry to examine practical ways of improving institutional safeguards while promoting a culture of integrity among personnel responsible for land administration.
The Commission’s intervention is expected to contribute to efforts aimed at making land administration more transparent, accountable and responsive to the needs of citizens, while reducing corruption risks associated with land transactions and related government services.
The development also reinforces the importance of preventive anti-corruption measures in public institutions, particularly in sectors where complex procedures, discretionary powers and interactions between officials and members of the public can create vulnerabilities to corrupt practices.
Both sides expressed commitment to promoting integrity and strengthening institutional processes as part of efforts to improve public trust and ensure more efficient land administration in Imo State.
