The permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (FMSTI), Mrs. Monilola Udoh has revealed the Federal Government is intensifying efforts at eradicating corrupt practices by instilling accountability and transparency in the conduct of government business.
Udoh made this assertion during a sensitisation workshop on ‘Achieving Integrity and Zero Tolerance towards Corruption’ organised by the ministry through its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) in collaboration with the Independent and Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) at the ministry headquarters in Abuja.
Udoh asserted that a lack of transparency and accountability in the daily operations of MDAs promotes corruption which retards economic growth and good governance.
She posited that the programme aims at creating the necessary awareness through the sensitisation of staff on the ills and consequences of corrupt practices in the ministry.
“We need to promote and sponsor programmes and activities that empower our institutions to achieve their mandates. In addition, the law enforcement agencies need to be supported and encouraged to fight corruption by ensuring that disciplinary measures in the Public Service Rules are applied to erring officers,” she stated.
Udoh assured that the management of FMSTI is prepared to adequately equip and partner with the ACTU to carry out its assignment, even as she assured the ICPC of the ministry’s commitment and unwavering support in the fight against corruption until it is totally eliminated from the system
Earlier in her welcome address, the FMSTI ACTU chairman, Mrs. Stella Igwilo emphasised that the fight against corruption is a collective one and demands sincere commitment.
She described corruption in the civil service as an act that encompasses government officials’ behaviours and actions that involve lack of accountability and unethical behaviours. The chairman explained that corrupt practices include falsification of age, bribery, nepotism, embezzlement, influencing peddling, abuse of one’s public office, among others.
“It may interest you to know that the management of the ministry desires that officers of the ministry across all grade levels are enlightened and sensitised on the risk and consequences of corruption, vis-a-vis achieving integrity and zero tolerance to corruption.
“The ministry’s management has supported the activities of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) in carrying out its mandates and would continue to partner with the ICPC in the discharge of its activities. Through ACTU, the ministry’s management will continue to interface with the members of the public to reduce the effect of corruption by ensuring good governance for effective service delivery,” she added.
