By Miriam Humbe
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has charged members of the National Youth Service Corps Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) to be diligent, objective and discharge their statutory responsibilities with the highest ethical standards.
Caroline Embu, the NYSC’s Director, Press and Public Relations disclosed this in a statement signed on Monday.
The ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, gave the charge during the inauguration and induction of members of the NYSC ACTU held at the Scheme’s National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja.
Aliyu who was represented by Mr. Olusegun Adigun, described the event as an important milestone that would strengthen internal accountability, promote ethical conduct and institutionalise anti-corruption practices within the NYSC.
He explained that ACTU was established as a complementary structure to work with NYSC Management and not to compete with or interfere in administrative matters.
According to him, the establishment of ACTUs across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) 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.
He said: “The scale of NYSC operations makes transparency, accountability and strong internal controls essential to maintaining public confidence and safeguarding public resources.
“ACTU is therefore expected to contribute meaningfully to strengthening the organisation’s integrity framework and ensure that effective anti-corruption measures are 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 responsibilities of ACTU include 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 the Unit in line with extant government guidelines, noting that such support would enhance public confidence in the Scheme.
He advised the 11 newly inaugurated ACTU 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.
General Nafiu, 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 on 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.
