By SUNDAY ABBA, Abuja
In line with the mandate of the Nigerian Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences CCommission (ICPC) towards enhancing transparency and accountability, both Ministries of Solid Minerals and Steel Development have jointly inaugurated a new Anti-corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU).
Speaking during the inaugural ceremony, Director, Human Resource Management, Mrs Ijeoma Idika, who represented the Permanent Secretaries of both Ministries, made this known during the induction of the newly appointed members of ACTU.
According to her, the ICPC mandate sought to promote transparency, accountability and fight against corruption across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The highpoint of the ceremony was the induction of twelve members into the new ACTU.
Explaining the role of the new unit, Mrs Idika said, ‘It is the representative of the ICPC within the Ministries, with a vital role in fostering a transparent and accountable workforce which is crucial for maintaining a sanitised and efficient work environment.”
She further explained that the mandate of the twin Ministries of Solid Minerals and Steel Development was the develop the sector as an avenue for diversifying the country’s revenue streams and enhancing the National Gross Domestic Product (GDP), hence the need for collaborative efforts amongst the staff members in fulfilling their assigned roles with a strong commitment and adherence to ethical standards in the execution of their duties.
Mrs. Idika also noted that the ACTU within the ministries was first inaugurated in 2009 and has since played a pivotal role in promoting effective accountability.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the ICPC, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, represented by the Director, Systems Study and Review Department, ICPC, Mr Olusegun Adigun, highlighted the collaboration between the ICPC and the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.
He noted that this collaboration, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in 2001, was designed to serve as an in-house mechanism for preventing corruption in MDAs, in alignment with global best practices.
A key moment in the event was the presentation of the ACTU operating manual to the representative of the Permanent Secretaries by the ICPC.
In his acceptance speech, the newly appointed Chairman of ACTU in the Ministries of Solid Minerals Development/ Steel Development, Mr Christopher Tariq Wanji, expressed gratitude to the Permanent Secretaries for entrusting him with the responsibility.
He pledged to bring about a remarkable difference, while commiting to the advancement of transparency and accountability within the ministries, according to statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday.