Finance ministry inaugurates anti-corruption, transparency committee

The Federal Ministry of Finance has taken a significant step toward promoting transparency and accountability in the public service with the inauguration of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) Committee.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, stated that the inauguration of the Anti-Corruption Committee marks a decisive step in the nation’s collective commitment to fostering integrity, accountability, and transparency within the public service. It is also a reflection of the Ministry’s unwavering dedication to standing as a beacon of ethical conduct and good governance.

She emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “Combating corruption is not the responsibility of ACTU alone but requires the collective effort of all staff in the Ministry.”

Mrs. Jafiya urged everyone to “embrace this initiative wholeheartedly, support the Committee’s work, and demonstrate a commitment to ethical behavior in all our dealings.”

The Permanent Secretary assured the Committee of her unwavering support and collaboration in achieving its objectives.

She noted that the ACTU Committee is tasked with promoting and entrenching a culture of transparency, upholding the highest standards of accountability, and ensuring that the principles of the rule of law guide all actions within the Ministry.

Earlier, in his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, explained that ACTU is an initiative of the ICPC approved by the Federal Government to serve as an in-house check mechanism for corruption prevention within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). This aligns with global best practices of building strong institutions and enhancing good governance in the fight against corruption.

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He added that the Federal Ministry of Finance is committed to managing the nation’s finances in an open, transparent, accountable, and efficient manner to deliver on the country’s developmental priorities.

While commending the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, for her initiative and support in ensuring the successful inauguration and induction of the Ministry’s ACTU Committee, Dr. Aliyu stated that ACTU would serve as a valuable tool in achieving the country’s developmental priorities.

In her welcome address, the Ministry’s Director of Special Duties, Mrs. Egundebi Oluwayemisi, congratulated the newly inaugurated members of the ACTU Committee. She emphasized that “the success of ACTU demands the active participation and support of every staff member in the Ministry.”

Speaking on behalf of the members, the Ministry’s ACTU Committee Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Musa Othman, assured that the ACTU Committee would ensure adequate sensitization of staff to strengthen internal control mechanisms and promote a culture of integrity, accountability, and transparency in the conduct of government business.

Mohammed Manga, Director of Information and Public Relations, stated in a release, “The inauguration of the ACTU Committee marks a significant milestone in the Ministry’s commitment to transparency and accountability.”

He further noted, “As the Ministry continues to work toward building a culture of integrity and excellence, the ACTU Committee will play a vital role in promoting ethical conduct and combating corruption in the Ministry.”