By Gabriel Ameh
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has inaugurated the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), charging its members to uphold objectivity, diligence and high ethical standards.
The ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, gave the charge during the inauguration and induction of 11 ACTU members at the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja.
Aliyu, who was represented by Olusegun Adigun, described the inauguration as an important step towards strengthening internal accountability, promoting ethical conduct and institutionalising anti-corruption practices within the NYSC.
He explained that ACTU was established as a complementary structure to work with NYSC management in strengthening transparency and accountability, rather than competing with or interfering in the organisation’s administrative functions.
According to him, the establishment of ACTUs across ministries, departments and agencies is part of broader efforts to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms within Nigeria’s public service.
The ICPC chairman commended the NYSC for its contributions to national integration, discipline, patriotism and leadership development among Nigerian youths.
He said the scale of NYSC operations made transparency, accountability and effective internal controls essential to maintaining public confidence and protecting public resources.
Aliyu urged the newly inducted members to organise sensitisation and training programmes aimed at increasing anti-corruption awareness and promoting ethical conduct among NYSC staff.
He also identified monitoring of budget implementation and relevant operational activities as part of the responsibilities of the ACTU in promoting transparency and accountability.
The ICPC chairman called on NYSC management to provide the necessary support for the effective functioning of the unit in line with existing government guidelines.
He further urged the 11 members to perform their duties with confidentiality, diligence and professionalism.
Speaking at the event, NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, reaffirmed the Scheme’s commitment to accountability, integrity and zero tolerance for corruption.
Nafiu, who was represented by the Director of Legal Services, Barrister Chris Ogar, described the fight against corruption as a collective responsibility.
He commended the ACTU for its role in promoting awareness of ethical conduct and identifying areas vulnerable to corrupt practices within the organisation.
“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 NYSC director general said.
He also urged the members to lead by example, promote compliance and help identify and block loopholes that could encourage unethical practices.
The inauguration brings the NYSC ACTU into operation as part of efforts to strengthen internal accountability and anti-corruption measures within the Scheme.
