Mission

Work towards the elimination of all forms of maritime corruption

Goals

The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) is a global business network working towards the vision of a maritime industry free of corruption that enables fair trade to the benefit of society at large.

MACN identified Nigeria as one of the most challenging countries to do business in. Corrupt demands posed a major risk to its Members. Companies faced cases of extortion, harassment, and threats of violence. Moreover, regulations and procedures in ports were lacking in detail and consistency, giving authorities wide discretionary powers.

Since 2012, MACN has implemented a Collective Action initiative to reduce corruption in the port sector in Nigeria. MACN’s strategy aims to have a long-lasting impact and has focused on conducting a comprehensive risk assessment, engaging with stakeholders, implementing actions to improve transparency and governance, and driving institutionalization and capacity building to combat corruption in the Nigerian maritime industry.

Stakeholders

MACN partners with CBi in Nigeria. As MACN’s local partner, CBi assumes a pivotal role in implementing project activities, conducting training programs, liaising with government officials, and actively participating in the project steering committee appointed to drive the port integrity project forward. One important element of MACN’s project in Nigeria is the training of public officials, delivered by CBi. CBi also acts as a liaison with senior government officials and can escalate issues through the HelpDesk and ensure challenges are appropriately addressed.

MACN Nigeria received funding from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DANIDA) and the Siemens Integrity Initiative.

Activities

The anti-corruption solutions adopted by the Nigerian government are the result of several years of engagement with the Vice President’s Office and key governance agencies by MACN and CBi. Outcomes include:

• Anti-Corruption Toolkit: MACN and CBi contributed to the development of anti-corruption measures including the SOPs, the Port Service Support Portal (PSSP), the NPPM, and the establishment of a Grievance Mechanism.
• High-Level Support: The Federal government provided significant support through the Vice President’s involvement which facilitated the development of the Anti-Corruption Toolkit, indicating a commitment to combat corruption at the highest level. Support by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, previously under the auspices of the Ministry of Transportation, has led to national-level emphasis on SOP compliance by port agencies in Nigeria.
• HelpDesk Implementation: MACN launched and operationalized the HelpDesk, which complements the PSSP. The HelpDesk enables port users to report and track incidents of corrupt demands. This initiative has increased stakeholder capacity for anti-corruption management and reduced the cost of doing business.
• Ensuring Compliance: The Port Standing Task Team (PSTT) ensures full implementation of the NPPM and compliance with SOPs. It promotes integrity in Nigeria’s maritime sector by dismantling corruption networks at the ports and terminals. Additionally, targeted compliance training of over 200 port officials across three cities increased capacity and embedded adherence to SOPs among mid- and senior- level staff throughout Nigeria’s maritime environment.
• Legislation to Institutionalize Reforms: Executive Order No 001 of 2017 on the Ease of Doing Business became law in February 2023. This legislation requires all government agencies, including port agencies, to publish their SOPs, application procedures and timelines, redress mechanisms, and consequences for process delays. It aims to institutionalize ongoing reforms and promote transparency.
• International Recognition: The project has received international recognition and won the Anti-Corruption Collective Action Award 2022 for Outstanding Achievement.