ICPC Inaugurates NYSC Anti-Corruption Unit, Tasks Members on Objectivity
Oru Leonard
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has inaugurated and inducted members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), charging them to uphold objectivity, diligence and the highest ethical standards in the discharge of their duties.
The ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, gave the charge during the inauguration and induction ceremony held at the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja.
Aliyu, who was represented by Mr. Olusegun Adigun, described the inauguration as an important milestone towards strengthening internal accountability, promoting ethical conduct and institutionalising anti-corruption practices within the NYSC.
He explained that the ACTU was established as a complementary structure to work with NYSC management, rather than compete with or interfere in the administration of the Scheme.
According to him, the establishment of ACTUs across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) is part of broader efforts to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms within the public service.
He commended the NYSC for its contributions to national integration, discipline, patriotism and the promotion of leadership values among Nigerian youths.
“The scale of NYSC operations makes transparency, accountability and strong internal controls essential to maintaining public confidence and safeguarding public resources,” he said.
Aliyu added that the ACTU was expected to contribute meaningfully to strengthening the Scheme’s integrity framework and ensuring that effective anti-corruption measures were implemented.
The ICPC Chairman urged the newly inducted members to organise sensitisation and training programmes to promote anti-corruption awareness and ethical conduct among NYSC staff.
He said the Unit was also expected to monitor budget implementation and relevant operational activities in order to promote transparency and accountability.
He further urged NYSC management to provide the necessary support for the effective functioning of the ACTU in line with extant government guidelines, noting that such support would enhance public confidence in the Scheme.
Aliyu advised the 11 newly inaugurated members to discharge their responsibilities with utmost confidentiality, diligence and professionalism.
Speaking at the ceremony, the NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, reaffirmed the Scheme’s commitment to accountability, integrity and zero tolerance for corruption.
The DG, who was represented by the Director of Legal Services, Barrister Chris Ogar, described the fight against corruption as a collective responsibility.
He commended the ACTU for its role in creating awareness about ethical conduct and identifying areas vulnerable to corrupt practices.
“As you assume this responsibility, I urge you to discharge your duties with integrity, courage, impartiality and strict adherence to extant rules and regulations,” Nafiu said.
He urged the members to lead by example and demonstrate the values they are expected to promote within the Scheme.
“Be proactive in promoting compliance and blocking loopholes that will encourage unethical practices,” the NYSC DG added.
The ceremony marked another step in the institutionalisation of anti-corruption measures within the NYSC and the broader public service.
