The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Thursday, inaugurated and inducted members of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (FMHAPA).
Speaking at the inauguration, the Chairman of ICPC, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, who inaugurated the Unit in Abuja, expressed optimism that ACTU will serve as a veritable tool in ensuring that staff of the ministry are diligent, responsive and dedicated to their duties.
According to him, ACTU was established by ICPC in collaboration with the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).
He added that the initiative was approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2001, as an in-house check mechanism in MDAs against corrupt practices and unethical practices.
The ICPC Chairman, who was represented by the acting Director System Study and Review Department, Mr Olusegun Adigun, acknowledged that the Ministry has a vision to have social protection systems that are protective, humane, inclusive and general welfare of the people, underscored the need for the Ministry not only being alive to its responsibility, but must also ensure that staff and members are diligent, responsive and dedicated to their duties.
“The ACTU will be a veritable tool in the achievement of this vision if allowed to effectively discharge its functions. Therefore, I must commend the Permanent Secretary for his initiative and support for the inauguration.
“It is hoped that with this inauguration, the Unit will be empowered to deliver on its mandate which includes periodic sensitization of staff on and against corruption; examination of systems, processes and procedures that are prone to corruption proffering solutions; developing and reviewing code of ethics for staff and ensuring compliance with same; monitoring budget implementation of the Commission; coordinating the deployment of the Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS) and undertaking preliminary investigations into complaints/reports received, amongst others.
“At this juncture, let me emphasise that the ACTU is not envisioned as a parallel authority to the management, rather it is expected to operate under the direct oversight of the Permanent Secretary, so as to complement management’s effort in promoting transparency and accountability within the Ministry.
“I, therefore, implore management to see the Unit in this light and support it by providing a conducive environment for it to function, provide funds and office accommodation as well as incorporate its members in various standing committees as contained in the extant circular of government Ref. No: OHCSF/SPSO/CSTD/314/T2/61 dated 5th October, 2016.
“To the members, I encourage you to work hard and endeavour to stay on the path of integrity. Be responsible and responsive in the exercise of your duties, while and avoiding any form of oppression given the strategic role you are expected to play.
“While again expressing the Commission’s gratitude to Management for making this event a reality, we hope that the achievement of our collective vision will assist in building strong institutions for the overall good of our great nation.”
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Mr Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, who warned public servants to desist from any act that may jeopardize the collective interests of the Citizens, explained that the inauguration of the ACTU was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and for the benefits of all Nigerians.
He maintained that corruption is an anti-development and anti-progress menace that should be eradicated from the country.
In his acceptance speech, ACTU Chairman, Mr Yakasai Abdulazi Rabiu, said that members of the unit will live up to expectations with the support of ICPC and the ministry.