In a renewed effort to enhance transparency and accountability, the ministries of Solid Minerals and Steel Development have jointly inaugurated a new Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU).
This initiative aligns with the mandate of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to promote transparency and combat corruption across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).
During the inaugural ceremony, Director of Human Resource Management Ijeoma Idika represented the permanent secretaries of both ministries. She emphasised that the induction of the new ACTU members is a crucial step in fulfilling the ICPC’s mandate. Idika highlighted the vital role of ACTU in fostering a transparent and accountable workforce, which is essential for maintaining an efficient and sanitized work environment.
A key moment in the ceremony was the induction of twelve members into the new ACTU. Idika reiterated the importance of the unit as the ICPC’s representative within the ministries. She also underscored the Ministry of Solid Minerals’ mandate to develop the mineral sector, a critical avenue for diversifying Nigeria’s revenue streams and boosting the national gross domestic product (GDP). She called for collaborative efforts among staff members to fulfill their roles with strong ethical commitment.
Idika also noted that the ACTU within these ministries was first inaugurated in 2009 and has since played a pivotal role in promoting effective accountability.
In a goodwill message, chairman of the ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, represented by Director of Systems Study and Review Department, ICPC, Mr. Olusegun Adigun emphasised the collaboration between the ICPC and the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation. This partnership, approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2001, is designed to serve as an in-house mechanism for preventing corruption in MDAs, in line with global best practices.
