By Nkechi Eze
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has intensified its campaign against corruption with the inauguration of new heads of its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) and the unveiling of a comprehensive Corruption Prevention Strategy aimed at reinforcing discipline, accountability and due process across the organisation. The ceremony, held at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja, brought together senior officers, representatives of sister agencies and anti-corruption advocates in a renewed commitment to strengthening the integrity framework of the Corps.
In an official statement, the National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, CSC Afolabi Babawale, said the Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, charged the newly inaugurated ACTU heads to be exemplary custodians of integrity and to champion the Corps’ commitment to transparency. Represented by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Administration, DCG Adeyinka Fasiu Ayinla, the CG delivered the keynote address at the one-day sensitisation workshop, inauguration ceremony and integrity award event. He reminded the officers that the task ahead requires courage and unwavering ethical discipline. According to him, “the fight against corruption begins from within. You must enforce compliance without fear or favour and resist undue pressure by upholding the values of integrity, transparency and accountability.” Prof. Audi explained that the newly launched NSCDC Corruption Prevention Strategy was developed to reduce misconduct and deepen professionalism, adding that the initiative will help strengthen internal checks and boost public confidence in the Corps. He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his consistent support through the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, whose leadership, he noted, has enabled the Corps to advance major internal reforms.
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, who was represented by Mr. Olusegun Adigun, fsi, commended the NSCDC for sustaining a strong anti-corruption posture. He warned that corruption remains one of the most destructive forces undermining national development, noting that it “undermines service delivery, erodes public confidence, distorts development priorities and weakens the security architecture of a nation.” The ICPC Chairman assured the Corps of the Commission’s readiness to deepen its partnership with security agencies in driving preventive measures across Ministries, Departments and Agencies, stressing that the NSCDC’s proactive efforts align with the national vision for a transparent public service.
Earlier in her remarks, the Chairman of the NSCDC Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit, Acting Commandant Audrey Obeh, described the gathering as a significant milestone in the journey to strengthen ethical conduct within the Corps. She said the inauguration of the new ACTU heads, the unveiling of the corruption prevention strategy and the recognition of outstanding officers symbolised the Corps’ unwavering commitment to accountability and discipline. According to her, “this gathering is a transformative moment and a testament to our dedication to integrity and national development.” She expressed deep appreciation to the Commandant General for his visionary leadership, which she said continues to create an enabling environment for the ACTU to thrive. “The inauguration of ACTU heads, integrity awards and unveiling of the NSCDC corruption prevention strategy all demonstrate how we are intentionally strengthening the pillars of accountability within our system,” she added.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of integrity awards to officers who distinguished themselves in upholding ethical values and professional conduct. The Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, received the Integrity Champion and Visionary Award for his leadership in institutional reforms. The former Chairman of the Corps’ ACTU, Commandant of Corps Remi Ekundayo, was honoured with the Distinguished ACTU Chairperson Emeritus Award in recognition of his service. Additional honours were presented to ASCII Amanze Abraham Onyedikachi, recipient of the ACTU Integrity, Ethics and Compliance Award, as well as CSC Aremu Rafiu of the Kwara State Command, CSC Akinwande Adesola Comfort of the Oyo State Command, SC Umar Abubakar Ladan of the Borno State Command and SC Yusuf Ibrahim Yusuf of the Jigawa State Command, who were all recognised for outstanding performance and distinguished service.
The ceremony also featured goodwill messages from representatives of sister agencies, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, the National Emergency Management Agency and the National Identity Management Commission. Their messages aligned with the broader national effort to build strong, transparent and accountable institutions capable of delivering effective public service.
With the inauguration of the new ACTU heads and the rollout of its Corruption Prevention Strategy, the NSCDC reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening institutional integrity and promoting a culture of accountability within its ranks. The event underscored the Corps’ resolve to deepen internal reforms and reinforce the values of discipline, transparency and ethical leadership as key pillars in the national fight against corruption.
