The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has charged 11 newly inaugurated members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) to uphold integrity, objectivity and professionalism in strengthening accountability within the Scheme.
According to an official statement signed by the NYSC Director, Press and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, gave the charge during the inauguration and induction of the ACTU members at the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja.
Aliyu, who was represented by Mr. Olusegun Adigun, said the inauguration marked an important step towards strengthening internal accountability, promoting ethical conduct and institutionalising anti-corruption practices within the NYSC.
He explained that the ACTU was established as a complementary structure to work with NYSC management in promoting transparency and accountability, rather than competing with or interfering in administrative responsibilities.
The ICPC chairman said the establishment of ACTUs across Ministries, Departments and Agencies was part of broader efforts to strengthen internal anti-corruption mechanisms within the public service.
He urged the newly inaugurated members to discharge their responsibilities with the highest ethical standards, stressing the need for diligence, objectivity and confidentiality in the performance of their duties.
“The scale of NYSC operations makes transparency, accountability and strong internal controls essential to maintaining public confidence and safeguarding public resources,” Aliyu said.
He tasked the members with contributing to the strengthening of the Scheme’s integrity framework and ensuring that effective anti-corruption measures were implemented.
The chairman further urged the ACTU to organise sensitisation and training programmes for NYSC staff to promote awareness of anti-corruption practices and ethical conduct.
He said the unit would also be expected to monitor budget implementation and other relevant operational activities to promote transparency and accountability.
Aliyu called on NYSC management to provide the necessary support for the effective functioning of the unit in accordance with extant government guidelines, noting that such support would enhance public confidence in the Scheme.
Speaking on the initiative, 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 ACTU for raising awareness about 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, promote compliance and identify and block institutional loopholes that could encourage unethical practices.
The inauguration is expected to further strengthen internal accountability mechanisms within the NYSC and support efforts to safeguard public resources while promoting ethical standards across the Scheme.
