The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, launched its Whistleblowing policy and procedure on Tuesday and unveiled the Corps’ Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) logo.
NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi, while inaugurating and inducting officers of the ACTU during a two-day Training Program at the Ade Abolurin Auditorium, National Headquarters, Abuja, expressed his commitment to justifying the Corps’ existence.
He said he aims to achieve this by bringing credibility and integrity into place to foster national development.
Delivering a keynote address at the event, Dr Audi explained that this move would yield a transformative system that would encourage reporting of unethical practices that contradict the Corps’ Standard Operating Procedures.
According to him, this will enhance accountability, protect whistleblowers, and ensure prompt and fair investigation of reported cases, among other things.
Dr Audi was represented by Deputy Commandant General in charge of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, DCG Mohammed Haruna, who lauded President Bola Tinubu for providing equitable avenues and resources for the Corps to thrive in the face of challenges.
He further hinted that since the appointment of the current Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the NSCDC has experienced positive transformation and change of narratives.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Aliyu, commended the NSCDC for such an apt and timely programme, noting that ACTU serves as a critical mechanism for ensuring compliance with Anti-Corruption standards and integrity values.
The ICPC Chairman, who was represented by Mr Olusegun Adigun, further charged the new inductees to approach their responsibilities with professionalism, impartiality, and a deep sense of duty, as he assured them of the commission’s technical and operational support.
Earlier in an address of welcome, the NSCDC ACTU Chairperson, Acting Commandant Audrey Obe, explained that the unit was tasked with promoting ethical practices, uncovering corrupt activities, and reinforcing acceptability mechanisms within the Corps.
“To tackle corruption effectively in any system, there is a need to implement robust measures that promote training, education, and institutionalization of checks and balances,” Obe said.
