Abuja, Nigeria- As part of its ongoing effort to entrench transparency and accountability within public institutions, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has inaugurated an Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.
The inauguration ceremony, held in Abuja, was described by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Kasishero, as a vital move toward strengthening institutional integrity in line with national anti-corruption priorities.
“This inauguration represents a significant milestone in aligning the Ministry with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes transparency, ethical conduct, and effective service delivery,” Dr. Kasishero stated. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption and pledged full support for the Unit’s operations.
Dr. Kasishero emphasized that ACTUs are not merely ceremonial, but are practical tools designed to embed ethical standards across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). “This Unit must operate independently and effectively to ensure our activities reflect the highest standards of public accountability,” she added.
Representing the ICPC, Mr. Jude Okoye, Head of the Commission’s System Study and Review Division, highlighted the evolving role of ACTUs as key internal mechanisms for combating corruption within government agencies. He noted that these units work in partnership with the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation to monitor integrity, conduct corruption risk assessments, ensure fiscal transparency, and uphold ethical compliance.
“ACTUs are designed to complement—not compete with—management structures and are to operate under the direct oversight of the Permanent Secretary,” Mr. Okoye said. He urged the Ministry to ensure the Unit is properly supported with designated office space, adequate funding, and inclusion in standing committees, in accordance with the federal directive issued in October 2016.
He also advised involving the ICPC in sensitive administrative processes such as recruitment, promotion, and procurement to ensure compliance with best practices. “Avoid actions that may compromise your mandate,” he warned, reaffirming ICPC’s commitment to partnering with the Ministry in promoting a culture of integrity and accountability.
The newly appointed Chairman of the ACTU in the Ministry, Musa Aliyu, Deputy Director of Child Development, pledged the Unit’s full dedication to its responsibilities and to working collaboratively with the Ministry’s leadership.
Despite previous directives, the ICPC revealed that 92 federal MDAs are yet to establish ACTUs, underscoring the need for wider compliance across the public sector.
By Taiwo Olatinwo/ July 30, 2025
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