ICPC Inaugurates NYSC Anti-Corruption Unit, Tasks Members on Objectivity

ICPC Inaugurates NYSC Anti-Corruption Unit, Tasks Members on Objectivity

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has charged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) to discharge their responsibilities with diligence, objectivity and the highest ethical standards.

The ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, gave the charge during the inauguration and induction of members of the NYSC ACTU at the Scheme’s National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja.

Aliyu, 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.

He explained that ACTU was established as a complementary structure to work with NYSC management and not to compete with or interfere in administrative matters.

According to him, the establishment of ACTUs across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) is part of broader efforts to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms within the public service.

He commended the NYSC for its contributions to national integration, discipline, patriotism and the promotion of leadership values among Nigerian youths.

“The scale of NYSC operations makes transparency, accountability and strong internal controls essential to maintaining public confidence and safeguarding public resources,” he said.

He added that the ACTU was expected to contribute meaningfully to strengthening the organisation’s integrity framework and ensuring that effective anti-corruption measures were implemented.

The ICPC Chairman urged the newly inducted members to organise sensitisation and training programmes to promote anti-corruption awareness and ethical conduct among staff.

He said the responsibilities of the ACTU include monitoring budget implementation and relevant operational activities to promote transparency and accountability.

Aliyu also urged NYSC management to provide the necessary support for the effective functioning of the unit in line with extant government guidelines, noting that such support would enhance public confidence in the Scheme.

He advised the 11 newly inaugurated ACTU members to discharge their duties with utmost confidentiality, diligence and professionalism.

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 awareness of 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 DG said.

He urged the members to lead by example and demonstrate the values they are expected to promote.

“Be proactive in promoting compliance and blocking loopholes that will encourage unethical practices,” Nafiu added.