In a concerted effort to bolster transparency and accountability, the Ministries of Solid Minerals and Steel Development have inaugurated a new Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU).
This initiative aligns with the mandate of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), reflecting a renewed commitment to combating corruption within government agencies.
The inaugural ceremony was marked by the induction of twelve members into the newly formed ACTU. Speaking at the event, Mrs. Ijeoma Idika, director of human resource management and representative of the permanent secretaries of both ministries, underscored the significance of the ACTU’s role. She highlighted that this unit is crucial in promoting transparency and accountability, in line with the ICPC’s directive to fight corruption across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).
“The ACTU serves as the representative of the ICPC within our ministries, playing a vital role in fostering a transparent and accountable workforce. This is essential for maintaining a sanitised and efficient work environment,” Idika stated. She also emphasised the broader mandate of the Ministry of Solid Minerals to develop the mineral sector, which is pivotal for diversifying Nigeria’s revenue streams and enhancing the national gross domestic product (GDP). In her remarks, she called for collaborative efforts among staff members to fulfill their roles with strong ethical standards and a commitment to excellence.
Idika noted that the ACTU within the ministries was first established in 2009 and has since been instrumental in promoting accountability and transparency. The reactivation and induction of new members into the unit are seen as a continuation of this legacy, aiming to further strengthen the anti-corruption framework within these critical sectors.
The chairman of the ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, represented by Mr. Olusegun Adigun, director of the systems study and review department at ICPC, delivered a goodwill message during the ceremony. He highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the ICPC and the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF). This partnership, which received approval from the Federal Executive Council in 2001, serves as an in-house mechanism to prevent corruption in MDAs, aligning with global best practices.
A key moment of the event was the presentation of the ACTU operating manual to the representative of the Permanent Secretaries by the ICPC. This manual is expected to guide the unit in its efforts to enforce transparency and accountability within the Ministries.
In his acceptance speech, the newly appointed chairman of ACTU for the ministries of solid minerals and steel development, Christopher Tariq Wanji, expressed his gratitude to the permanent secretaries for entrusting him with this significant responsibility. He pledged to make a substantial impact in his role, committing to advancing transparency and accountability within the ministries.
