By Emma Peter, Abuja
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has inducted 11 officials into the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), as part of efforts to strengthen accountability and prevent corrupt practices within the Scheme.
The inauguration and induction ceremony was held at the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja, where the ICPC charged the newly appointed members to approach their responsibilities with integrity, impartiality, confidentiality and professionalism.
According to a statement by the ICPC, its Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, who was represented at the occasion by Mr. Olusegun Adigun, described the inauguration as an important development in strengthening internal accountability and promoting ethical standards within the NYSC.
Aliyu explained that the ACTU was designed to complement the work of NYSC management rather than compete with it or interfere with its administrative functions.
He said the establishment of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units across Ministries, Departments and Agencies was part of the broader strategy to strengthen preventive mechanisms against corruption in the public service.
The ICPC chairman noted that the nationwide operations of the NYSC and its responsibility for managing public resources made transparency, accountability and effective internal controls critical to maintaining public confidence.
“The scale of NYSC operations makes transparency, accountability and strong internal controls essential to maintaining public confidence and safeguarding public resources,” he said.
He tasked the newly inducted members with helping to strengthen the NYSC’s integrity framework and ensuring that appropriate measures were put in place to prevent corrupt practices.
Aliyu further urged the unit to organise regular sensitisation and training programmes for NYSC personnel to deepen awareness of anti-corruption principles and promote compliance with ethical standards.
He said the ACTU should also monitor budget implementation and other relevant activities of the Scheme in order to identify weaknesses and promote greater transparency in the management of public resources.
The ICPC chairman appealed to the NYSC management to provide the necessary support and enabling environment for the unit to operate effectively in accordance with existing government guidelines.
He also advised the 11 members to maintain strict confidentiality in handling sensitive matters and to discharge their responsibilities with diligence and professionalism.
Speaking on behalf of the NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, the Director of Legal Services, Barrister Chris Ogar, reaffirmed the Scheme’s commitment to accountability, integrity and zero tolerance for corruption.
Nafiu described the fight against corruption as a collective responsibility and commended the ACTU for its role in promoting ethical conduct and identifying areas that may be vulnerable to corrupt practices.
“As you assume this responsibility, I urge you to discharge your duties with integrity, courage, impartiality and strict adherence to extant rules and regulations,” the Director General said.
He urged the newly inducted members to lead by example and ensure that their actions reflected the values of transparency and accountability they were expected to promote.
“Be proactive in promoting compliance and blocking loopholes that will encourage unethical practices,” Nafiu added.
The inauguration further strengthens the collaboration between the ICPC and NYSC in promoting preventive anti-corruption measures and building a stronger culture of accountability within the Scheme.
