The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has charged the newly inaugurated National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) to monitor budget implementation and operational activities, block corruption loopholes and strengthen accountability within the Scheme.
The ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, gave the charge in Abuja during the inauguration and induction of 11 members of the NYSC ACTU at the Scheme’s National Directorate Headquarters.
Aliyu, who was represented by Mr. Olusegun Adigun, urged the newly inducted members to discharge their responsibilities with diligence, objectivity, confidentiality and the highest ethical standards.
He described the inauguration as an important milestone in strengthening internal accountability, promoting ethical conduct and institutionalising anti corruption practices within the NYSC.
The ICPC chairman explained that ACTU was established as a complementary structure to work with the management of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), rather than compete with management or interfere in administrative matters.
He said the establishment of ACTUs across MDAs was part of efforts to strengthen anti corruption mechanisms within the public service.
According to him, the scale of NYSC operations makes transparency, accountability and strong internal controls essential to maintaining public confidence and safeguarding 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 unit to organise sensitisation and training programmes to promote anti corruption awareness and ethical conduct among NYSC staff.
He also identified monitoring of budget implementation and relevant operational activities as part of the responsibilities of ACTU in promoting transparency and accountability.
The ICPC chairman called on 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 also commended the NYSC for its contributions to national integration, discipline, patriotism and the promotion of leadership values among Nigerian youths.
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.
He commended ACTU for its role in promoting ethical conduct and identifying areas vulnerable to corrupt practices within the Scheme.
“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.
Nafiu urged the newly inducted 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,” he added.
