The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has re-established an Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) as part of efforts to enthrone transparency and accountability.
Inaugurating the re-constituted unit, yesterday, at the headquarters of the fund, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Chairman, Bolaji Owasanoye, noted the positive impact the NSITF has made in providing social welfare for the Nigerian workers and charged it to ensure a transparent and accountable system.
General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Ijeoma Oji-Okoronkwo, in a statement, said Owasanoye regretted that though the fund’s ACTU was constituted in 2006, it was rendered ineffective by the previous management of the agency, hence its inability to discharge its responsibilities in line with the Standing Order required for operations of ACTU in the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The ICPC chairman, who was represented by Mutiat Lasisi said: “It is hoped that with this inauguration, the unit would be empowered to deliver on its mandate which includes periodic sensitisation of staff on and against corruption, examination of systems, processes and procedures that are prone to corruption and proffering solutions.
“You are expected to develop and review Code of Ethics for staff and ensure compliance with same; monitor budget implementation of the trust fund, coordinating the deployment of ethics and integrity compliance scorecard and undertaking investigations into complaints and reports.
“I must emphasise that ACTU is not a parallel authority to the management, rather it is expected to operate under the direct oversight of the managing director, so as to complement management’s effort in promoting transparency and accountability.
“He, therefore, implored the management to support the unit by providing a conducive environment to function effectively and incorporate the unit members in various standing committees as observers in line with the Federal Government circular.”
Earlier, Managing Director, Maureen Allagoa, said no responsible organisation, committed to good governance would close its eyes to corruption and stressed that no stone would be left unturned in enthroning transparency and accountability in NSITF.
Allagoa said: “NSITF recognises the urgent need to address this menace. The establishment of the ACTU is a significant step in our collective efforts to fight corruption and promote transparency.
“Today’s event signifies our unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of integrity and ethical conduct within the NSITF. We firmly believe that by upholding the highest standards of transparency and accountability, we can enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of our operations.”
“We are committed to eradicating corruption and this specialised unit will serve as a robust mechanism to prevent, detect and deter corrupt practices within our organisation as the ACTU will be responsible for creating awareness on corruption risks while conducting internal investigations and collaborating with relevant authorities.”
She pledged all necessary support to ensure the unit discharges its mandate efficiently and effectively.
“We will invest in training and capacity building for the ACTU personnel so as to enhance their knowledge and skills in combating corruption.”
Calling on all staff members to embrace integrity, honesty and transparency, she urged them to resist any temptation to engage in corrupt practices. Allagoa further explained the fund had earlier hosted the Ethics and Integrity Score Card of the ICPC to deploy its index in enhancing transparent operations in the NSITF. To further demonstrate commitment to fighting corruption, she added that the fund appointed an ICPC liaison officer to streamline and buoy interaction with the anti-graft agency and finally solicited support and guidance.