The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) has inaugurated a 12-member Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) at the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC).
The inauguration took place on Thursday at N-HYPPADEC headquarters in Minna and marked the second time the anti-corruption unit has been inaugurated in the commission since its establishment.
Mr Shattima Saleh, Head of the ICPC’s System Study and Review Department, administered the oath of office to the newly inaugurated members.
Speaking at the ceremony, N-HYPPADEC Managing Director, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa, described the inauguration as significant for the commission, given its responsibility for implementing development projects across its mandate states and communities.
Sadiq-Yelwa said N-HYPPADEC must manage public resources prudently, transparently and in accordance with established laws, rules and procedures.
He stressed that the commission’s development mandate must be backed by a strong culture of integrity, accountability and responsible stewardship.
According to him, N-HYPPADEC must continuously strengthen its internal systems to prevent corruption, identify vulnerabilities and maintain transparent processes.
“The ACTU has an important role to play in this regard. Beyond responding to acts of misconduct, the Unit is expected to contribute meaningfully to prevention, awareness and the promotion of ethical standards within the Commission,” he said.
The managing director commended the outgoing ACTU members for their contributions, clarifying that their replacement did not suggest that they performed poorly.
He explained that the change would give new members an opportunity to gain experience in the workings of ACTU, while the outgoing members could promote the anti-corruption initiative as ambassadors within and outside the commission.
Sadiq-Yelwa assured the new committee of management’s support and urged members to maintain open communication with departments and divisions.
He advised the ACTU to first engage departments whenever it identifies challenges and seek solutions before escalating unresolved matters to management.
“We must see ACTU as a working partner to all the departments and divisions. When it observes that there is a problem, it should discuss with the department before coming to me,” he said.
ICPC Explains ACTU’s Role
In a goodwill message, ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Adamu-Aliyu, SAN, represented by the commission’s Commissioner in Niger, Kennedy Ebhotemeh, described ACTU as an ICPC initiative approved by the Federal Government to strengthen corruption prevention across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Adamu-Aliyu said the initiative reflected global best practices aimed at strengthening institutions and promoting good governance.
He explained that ACTU would complement the ICPC’s anti-corruption efforts by promoting accountability and transparency within public institutions.
The unit, he said, would review N-HYPPADEC’s systems, processes and procedures and recommend measures to close loopholes that could facilitate corruption.
ACTU members would also sensitize staff on the dangers of corruption, promote compliance with codes of conduct, conduct corruption risk assessments and undertake preliminary investigations into complaints received, among other responsibilities.
The ICPC chairman stressed that ACTU was not a parallel authority within N-HYPPADEC but a mechanism designed to work with management to strengthen institutional integrity.
He urged N-HYPPADEC management to provide an enabling environment for the unit to function effectively.
He specifically requested that ACTU members be included as observers on relevant committees and that funding be provided for their activities in line with the applicable government circular issued on Oct. 5, 2016.
Adamu-Aliyu congratulated the new members and urged them to work collectively while upholding discipline, transparency and accountability.
He expressed confidence that the new committee would deepen cooperation between ICPC and N-HYPPADEC and contribute to improved governance.
New ACTU Team Pledges Commitment
Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated members, ACTU Chairman, Alhaji Zubairu Adamu, thanked N-HYPPADEC management, the ICPC and other stakeholders for their support.
Adamu pledged that the new team would uphold integrity, transparency, accountability and dedication to service throughout its tenure.
He also commended the outgoing committee for its contribution to strengthening the ACTU and advancing the fight against corruption.
He assured stakeholders that the new team would build on the previous committee’s achievements and intensify efforts to promote accountability and transparency within N-HYPPADEC.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that N-HYPPADEC management and staff, ICPC officials and other stakeholders attended the ceremony.
