ICPC Inaugurates NYSC Anti-Corruption Unit, Tasks Members on Objectivity
Oru Leonard
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has inaugurated members of the National Youth Service Corps Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), charging them to uphold diligence, objectivity and the highest ethical standards in the discharge of their responsibilities.
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 ACTU was established as a complementary structure to work with NYSC Management, rather than compete with it or interfere in administrative matters.
According to him, the establishment of ACTUs across Ministries, Departments and Agencies is part of 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.
He added that 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 staff.
He said the Unit’s responsibilities included monitoring budget implementation and relevant operational activities to promote transparency and accountability.
Aliyu also urged the NYSC Management to provide the necessary support for the effective functioning of ACTU in line with extant government guidelines, noting that such support would enhance public confidence in the Scheme.
He advised the 11 newly inaugurated members to discharge their duties with utmost confidentiality, diligence and professionalism.
Speaking at the event, the NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, reaffirmed the Scheme’s commitment to accountability, integrity and zero tolerance for corruption.
The Director General, who was represented by the Director, Legal Services, Barrister Chris Ogar, described the fight against corruption as a collective responsibility and commended 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,” the DG said.
He advised the members to lead by example and demonstrate the values they are expected to promote.
“Be proactive in promoting compliance and blocking loopholes that will encourage unethical practices,” General Nafiu added.
