The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has inaugurated the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), charging its members to uphold integrity, objectivity and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
The inauguration and induction ceremony took place at the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja.
According to a statement signed by the NYSC Director of Press and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, urged members of the newly inaugurated Unit to carry out their statutory responsibilities with diligence and the highest ethical standards.
Aliyu, who was represented by Mr. Olusegun Adigun, described the inauguration as a significant step towards strengthening internal accountability, promoting ethical conduct and institutionalising anti-corruption practices within the NYSC.
He explained that ACTU was established to complement the efforts of the NYSC Management and was not designed to compete with or interfere in the administrative responsibilities of the Scheme.
The ICPC Chairman said the establishment of ACTUs across Ministries, Departments and Agencies was part of efforts to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms within the public service.
Aliyu commended the NYSC for its contributions to national integration, patriotism, discipline and the promotion of leadership values among Nigerian youths.
He noted that the scale of the Scheme's operations made transparency, accountability and effective internal control mechanisms necessary to sustain public confidence and protect public resources.
“ACTU is therefore expected to contribute meaningfully to strengthening the organisation's integrity framework and ensure that effective anti-corruption measures are implemented,” he said.
Aliyu urged the members to organise sensitisation and training programmes to deepen awareness of anti-corruption practices and ethical conduct among NYSC personnel.
He added that the Unit would also monitor budget implementation and other relevant operational activities to promote transparency and accountability.
The ICPC Chairman further called on the NYSC Management to provide the necessary support to enable the Unit function effectively in line with extant government guidelines.
He charged the 11 newly inaugurated members to discharge their duties with 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 of Legal Services, Barrister Chris Ogar, described the fight against corruption as a collective responsibility.
He commended 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.
Nafiu also urged the members to lead by example, remain proactive in promoting compliance and work towards blocking loopholes that could encourage unethical practices within the organisation.