By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
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 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 of 11 members of the NYSC ACTU at the Scheme’s National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja.
Aliyu, who was represented at the event by Mr. Olusegun Adigun, described the inauguration as an important milestone towards strengthening internal accountability, promoting ethical conduct and institutionalizing anti-corruption practices within the NYSC.
He explained that the ACTU was established as a complementary structure to work with the NYSC management, rather than compete with or interfere in its administrative functions.
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.
The ICPC chairman commended the NYSC for its contributions to national integration, discipline, patriotism and the promotion of leadership values among Nigerian youths.
He stressed that the scale of the NYSC’s operations made 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 organization’s integrity framework and ensure that effective anti-corruption measures are implemented,” he said.
Aliyu urged the newly inducted members to organize sensitization and training programmes to promote anti-corruption awareness and ethical conduct among staff.
He said the Unit was also responsible for monitoring budget implementation and relevant operational activities to promote transparency and accountability.
The ICPC chairman called on 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.
He further urged the 11 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.
Nafiu, who was represented by the Director, 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,” the DG said.
He advised the newly inaugurated 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,” Nafiu added.
