ICPC Tasks NYSC Anti-Corruption Unit on Objectivity, Accountability By Raymond Enoch
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has charged members of the National Youth Service Corps Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) to uphold objectivity, diligence and the highest ethical standards in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, gave the charge during the inauguration and induction of 11 members of the NYSC ACTU at the Scheme’s National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja.
In a press statement signed by the NYSC Director, Press and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the ICPC Chairman, who was represented at the event by Mr. Olusegun Adigun, described the inauguration as an important milestone in strengthening internal accountability, promoting ethical conduct and institutionalising anti-corruption practices within the NYSC.
Aliyu explained that the ACTU was established as a complementary mechanism to work with NYSC management, rather than compete with or interfere in the administrative affairs of the Scheme.
He said the establishment of ACTUs across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) formed part of broader efforts to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms and promote accountability within the public service.
The ICPC Chairman commended the NYSC for its contributions to national integration, discipline, patriotism and leadership development among Nigerian youths, stressing that the scale of the Scheme’s operations made transparency, accountability and effective internal controls essential to sustaining public confidence and protecting public resources.
He urged the newly inaugurated members to contribute meaningfully to strengthening the NYSC integrity framework and ensuring that effective anti-corruption measures were implemented across the organisation.
Aliyu also tasked the ACTU to organise sensitisation and training programmes to deepen anti-corruption awareness and promote ethical conduct among NYSC staff.
He said the Unit would also be expected to monitor budget implementation and relevant operational activities as part of efforts to promote transparency and accountability.
The ICPC Chairman further urged the NYSC management to provide the necessary support for the effective functioning of the ACTU in line with extant government guidelines, noting that such support would enhance public confidence in the Scheme.
Addressing the 11 newly inducted members, Aliyu charged them to discharge their duties with utmost confidentiality, diligence and professionalism.
Also speaking at the event, the 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, Legal Services, Barrister Chris Ogar, described the fight against corruption as a collective responsibility and commended the ACTU for its role in promoting ethical conduct and identifying areas 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 members to lead by example and demonstrate the values they are expected to promote, while being proactive in promoting compliance and blocking loopholes that could encourage unethical practices.
“Be proactive in promoting compliance and blocking loopholes that will encourage unethical practices,” he added.
