The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has lamented the lack of official eagerness to wage war against corruption, stating that about 92 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are yet to establish Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs).

The Commission disclosed this on Tuesday in a report presented at an investigative hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption in Abuja.

This is just as the Commission also lamented that as at the end of 2024, ?127 MDAs had weak or ineffective ACTUs, while 92 are yet to establish these units,? noting that five others ?Had units in name only, rendering government anti-corruption efforts within those institutions ineffective.?

ICPC Chairman, Musa Ali, who was represented by Mr. Olusegun Adigun at the event, disclosed that only 84 MDAs currently have functional ACTUs.

This notwithstanding, the ICPC boss said the Commission has devised key strategies to address corruption in public places.

According to him, Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units of MDAs are functioning as expected due to a lack of funds, direct reporting to Chief Executive Officers of agencies, interferences, lack of political will and support, and resistance to change, amongst others.

He called for regular training of ACTU members, deepening interactions, and public engagement on the role of ACTU to reposition the units.

Declaring the event open, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Umar Ajilo, said the session was not a witch-hunt, but a proactive effort to assess the performance of ACTUs and strengthen institutional integrity.

?We gather not merely as legislators but as custodians of democracy and champions of integrity.

?Corruption continues to erode our institutions, diminish public trust, and stall our national progress. This hearing is an opportunity to reaffirm our resolve and take decisive action,? the Speaker said.

He noted that ACTUs were initially established to monitor, report, and prevent corrupt practices, while also promoting a culture of transparency and ethical conduct in public service. However, the Speaker noted, their effectiveness hinges on political will and institutional support.

?This hearing allows us to assess the functionality of ACTUs, hear from stakeholders, and explore legislative solutions to strengthen their operations. We must dismantle the structures that allow corruption to thrive and institutionalize transparency and accountability,? he added.

In his contribution, the Chairman of the House Committee on Anti-Corruption, Kayode Akiolu, said the hearing addressed a critical issue central to Nigeria?s democratic development.

He recalled that the Federal Government, through the Head of Civil Service, mandated the establishment of ACTUs in MDAs in 2001 and 2003, a strategy deployed by ICPC to decentralize anti-corruption efforts by enlisting civil servants to play a part.

?These units were based on the sound idea that those within MDAs are best positioned to identify corruption risks in their environments.

?Through ACTUs, ICPC has extended its presence across over 400 MDAs without the need for a bloated workforce. That?s brilliant public sector innovation.

?Over time, we have received reports of both commendable efforts and serious lapses in the work of ACTUs. Some have failed to uphold their core duties, while others may have become entangled in the very practices they were created to stop.

?Our task is not only to assess performance but to ensure that our institutions are truly committed to integrity, not just in word but in deed.

?We must make it clear that corruption has no place in our governance system whether from within or without,? he added.

Also speaking, the Head of Service of the Federation, Esther Dido-Jack, who was represented by the Director of Finance and Accounts, Emeka Aziwe, pointed out that despite their challenges, ACTU recorded some achievements. (The PUNCH)

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