To combat corruption and ensure transparency, the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy (MM&BE), at the weekend, inaugurated its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU).
The event, held at the Ministry’s headquarters, featured the administration of the Oath of Allegiance to the ACTU members by Nkem Ezenwa, Head of the Anti-Corruption Unit at the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Speaking at the inauguration, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Oloruntola Olufemi, urged the ACTU members to adopt a zero-tolerance approach toward corruption and other unethical practices. He emphasized the importance of integrity and diligence, stating, “Shun any malpractice act that would compromise the integrity of your office in the course of this task assigned to you.” Olufemi also highlighted that transparency must start with the unit members themselves, urging them to lead by example and uphold the trust placed in them.
Representing the ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, the Acting Director of the System Study and Review Department (SSR), Olusegun Adigun, commended the Ministry for establishing the ACTU. He noted that the unit, a brainchild of the ICPC, was designed to serve as a mechanism to curb corruption within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
“It is hoped that with the inauguration, the Unit will be empowered to deliver on its mandate, including periodic sensitization of staff on corruption issues, developing and reviewing ethics for staff, and ensuring compliance,” Adigun stated. He further presented the ACTU operational manual to the Permanent Secretary as a guide for the unit’s activities.
In his inaugural address, the Chairman of MM&BE ACTU, Oliver Chukwu, pledged the unit’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and transparency. Chukwu assured that the team would work tirelessly to foster a corruption-free environment in the Ministry.
The establishment of the ACTU aligns with the Federal Government’s broader anti-corruption agenda and highlights the Ministry’s resolve to strengthen accountability within its operations.