The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu, has assured the British High Commission of Nigeria’s continued support in tackling visa racketeering.
Dr. Aliyu made the commitment while receiving the International Liaison Manager of the Home Office International Operations at the British High Commission, Mr. Coran Oakley, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
He acknowledged the existing working relationship with the British High Commission and pledged that the ICPC would prioritize this collaboration under his leadership.
He further stated that the ICPC was mindful of how hard it was to tackle corruption, especially as it concerns the issuance of visas, stressing that “the Commission is ready to work with the High Commission to checkmate the criminals involved in visa racketeering.”
The ICPC Chairman expressed his pleasure at the visit and assured Mr. Oakley that the Commission would provide staff with the necessary capacity and integrity to carry out this important assignment.
He also stated that both organisations would explore additional avenues for collaboration in other mutually beneficial areas.
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Mr. Oakley stated that his visit to the ICPC is aimed at enhancing the collaboration initiated several years ago.
He said the relationship with the ICPC would be a long-term one that would make it quite hard for criminals to target innocent Nigerians and make it a lot easier for the citizens to get British visas.
Mr. Oakley informed the ICPC Chairman that he would need officers who are adequately trained and specifically tasked with investigating issues surrounding British visa fraud, which may also involve countries like Germany, France, and Canada, as they face similar problems.
He added that the ICPC team should include a member from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to serve as a point of contact. This inclusion would facilitate smooth information flow between the two agencies, ensure timely access to necessary documents, and reduce delays.
