The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation has taken a significant step towards promoting transparency and accountability in its operations by inaugurating an Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU). The unit was formally established in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on July 31, 2025.
The Permanent Secretary of Information and National Orientation, represented by Dr. Evelyn Odigboh, emphasized the significance of the event, stating that it marked a new chapter of structured vigilance in the Ministry's operations. She acknowledged that while the Ministry had been operating with anti-corruption principles informally, the official inauguration of ACTU marked a renewed commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability in public service.
The ACTU is expected to play a critical role in promoting ethical practices and compliance with public service standards within the Ministry. The unit's responsibilities include periodic sensitization and ethical training for staff, systemic reviews to identify and mitigate corruption risks, operational risk assessments, enforcement and monitoring of the Ministry's code of ethics, oversight of budget implementation processes, coordination of ethics and integrity initiatives, and conduct of preliminary investigations where necessary.
The ICPC has been instrumental in supporting the Ministry in establishing the ACTU. Representing the ICPC Chairman, Mr. Kayode Kupolati, commended the Ministry for aligning with the national anti-corruption strategy and emphasized the importance of ACTU as an internal accountability mechanism. He called on the Ministry to support the Unit with adequate resources, office space, and involvement in relevant decision-making processes.
The inauguration of the ACTU is a significant step towards promoting transparency and accountability in the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation. The unit is expected to play a critical role in promoting ethical practices and compliance with public service standards, and its establishment demonstrates the Ministry's commitment to integrity and transparency. With the support of the ICPC and the Ministry's leadership, the ACTU is poised to make a positive impact on the Ministry's operations and contribute to a more transparent and accountable public service.
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