ICPC Inaugurates NYSC ACTU, Tasks Members on Objectivity

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has charged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) to discharge their responsibilities with diligence, objectivity and the highest ethical standards.

The ICPC Chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu, gave the charge during the inauguration and induction of 11 members of the NYSC ACTU at the Scheme’s National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja.

Aliyu, who was represented at the event by Olusegun Adigun, described the inauguration as an important milestone in efforts to strengthen internal accountability, promote ethical conduct and institutionalise anti-corruption practices within the NYSC.

He explained that ACTU was established as a complementary structure to work with the management of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), rather than compete with or interfere in their administrative functions.

According to him, the establishment of ACTUs across MDAs is part of broader efforts to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms within the public service.

He commended the NYSC for its contributions to national integration, discipline, patriotism and the development of leadership values among Nigerian youths.

“The scale of NYSC operations makes transparency, accountability and strong internal controls essential to maintaining public confidence and safeguarding public resources,” he said.

Aliyu noted that the ACTU was expected to contribute meaningfully to strengthening the NYSC's integrity framework and ensuring the effective implementation of anti-corruption measures.

He urged the newly inducted members to organise sensitisation and training programmes aimed at promoting anti-corruption awareness and ethical conduct among staff.

The ICPC chairman also listed monitoring budget implementation and relevant operational activities among the responsibilities of the unit, stressing that such efforts would promote transparency and accountability.

He called on the NYSC management to provide the necessary support for the effective functioning of the ACTU in line with extant government guidelines, noting that this would help enhance public confidence in the Scheme.

Aliyu further urged the 11 members to carry out their duties with utmost confidentiality, diligence and professionalism.

Speaking at the event, the NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, reaffirmed the Scheme’s commitment to accountability, integrity and zero tolerance for corruption.

Nafiu, who was represented by the Director of Legal Services, Barrister Chris Ogar, described the fight against corruption as a collective responsibility.

He commended the ACTU for its efforts in creating awareness about ethical conduct and identifying areas vulnerable to corrupt practices.

“As you assume this responsibility, I urge you to discharge your duties with integrity, courage, impartiality and strict adherence to extant rules and regulations,” the Director-General said.

He urged the members to lead by example and uphold the values they are expected to promote.

“Be proactive in promoting compliance and blocking loopholes that will encourage unethical practices,” Nafiu added.