Integrity Workshop: Enhancing Ethical Standards in Nigeria's Business Sector

Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) Director General, Agabaidu Jideani, has emphasized the importance of promoting business integrity and accountability through training and sensitization programs. Jideani recognized these initiatives as key drivers for enhancing transparency and smooth operations within Nigeria's economic value chain He stated this in his remarks at the opening of a two-day workshop with the theme, "Procurement Integrity and Transparency Training: The Role of Vendors & the Private Sector in Ensuring Procurement Integrity," organized by ACCI in partnership with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE). He emphasised the importance of training and sensitisation programs in fostering transparency, integrity, and accountability within Nigeria's economic value chain. He commended the efforts of the ACCI, in collaboration with CIPE, in promoting business integrity through various initiatives. Jideani also expressed gratitude towards the ICPC and CIPE for their steadfast commitment to partnering with ACCI in driving positive change in the nation's business landscape. ... Speaking on behalf of Mr. Shintema Binga the Director of Procurement, ICPC, Hajia Habibat Umar stressed the significance of adhering to procurement integrity principles and outlined the consequences of breaching these standards. He urged businesses to uphold ethical conduct and assured vendors of continuous improvements in the ICPC procurement infrastructure. The training sessions, presented by a panel of experts including Dr. Tinuke Temitope, Aisha Ado Abdullahi, Amina Akai, Mrs. Lola Adekanye, and Ms. Yetunde Audifferen, covered various topics related to business ethics, risk management, and the importance of core values in daily organisational activities. Participants, including vendors and suppliers, actively engaged in the interactive sessions. After the workshop, several recommendations were made which include; involving more government agencies in future events and training sessions, expanding the participation of vendors to other Government organizations, emphasizing the importance of risk management, providing vendors with transparent feedback on unsuccessful bids, improving the ICPC procurement process, and raising awareness about the Procurement Debriefing process and standards. Overall, the Procurement Integrity Workshop organized by ACCI highlights the crucial role of ethical standards and practices in Nigeria's business sector. By fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and integrity, the workshop aimed to create a conducive environment for sustainable economic growth and development. Through strategic partnerships with organisations like ICPC and CIPE, ACCI continues to spearhead initiatives that promote positive change in Nigeria's business arena.