From Idu Jude, Abuja
To ensure the prevention and control of corruption within its system, members of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) at the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy have taken oaths of compliance.
At a brief ceremony held on Friday, 13 December 2024, at the Ministry, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Head of the Anti-Corruption Unit, Barrister Nkem Ezenwa, administered the Oath of Allegiance to the Marine and Blue Economy ACTU Unit team.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Oloruntola Olufemi, urged the new ACTU members to exhibit zero tolerance for corruption and any other unethical practices, particularly those related to financial embezzlement within the Ministry.
To lead this anti-corruption initiative, Olufemi emphasised that transparency must begin with the ACTU members themselves. He implored them to seize the opportunity and the trust placed in them to carry out their duties diligently.
“Shun any malpractice or act that would compromise the integrity of your office in the course of this task assigned to you,” the Permanent Secretary stressed.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the ICPC, Musa Aliyu, represented by the Acting Director of the System Study and Review Department (SSR), Olusegun Adigun, commended the Ministry for supporting the establishment of ACTU. He described ACTU as an ICPC platform instituted across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to curb corruption in the workplace.
“It is hoped that with the inauguration, the Unit will be empowered to deliver on its mandate, including periodic sensitisation of staff on corruption issues, developing and reviewing ethics for staff, and ensuring compliance with the same, among others,” he said.
The ICPC Chairman also presented the ACTU operational manual to the Permanent Secretary, providing guidance for the Ministry’s ACTU members.
In his inaugural address, the Chairman of the MM&BE ACTU, Oliver Chukwu, assured the Ministry that the team was committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and transparency in its operations.