Joel Ajayi
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has taken a significant step to enhance transparency and accountability within its operations.
The Council on Thursday, at the office headquarters Maitama in Abuja in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), inaugurated new members of its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), and conducted a Anti-Corruption sensitization workshop for its Senior Management Staff.
In his welcome address, the Director General and CEO RMRDC, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso stated that the initiative was part of Councils’ commitment to upholding integrity and good governance in its operations. He revealed that the inauguration is aimed at deepening awareness on corruption prevention and strengthening internal accountability mechanisms within the public sector.
The Director General represented by the Director, Agriculture and Agro-Allied Department, Mr. Seb Ebriekwe, underscored the importance of transparency, ethical leadership, and institutional responsibility in achieving effective service delivery, noting that ACTU remains a critical platform for promoting integrity within the Council.
He further highlighted the extensive consequences of corruption on citizens and the nation, explaining that it lowers the standard of living and deprives people of access to basic amenities such as roads and water due to the diversion of public funds. He added that citizens are often compelled to pay bribes to access justice, describing corruption as one of the most pervasive crimes that fuels transnational criminal activities, wastes public resources, destabilizes societies, and undermines good governance.
He emphasized that, “Corruption is a monster that needs to be fought through a united front involving the government, the public, stakeholders, as well as the media.”
The DG noted that the Council’s Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit has recorded significant progress under his leadership; as the RMRDC was recognized in 2024 as one of the most anti-corruption compliant agencies among research institutes and other MDAs.
He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to continued collaboration with the ICPC and other relevant agencies in advancing the government’s anti-corruption drive and national development.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, represented by the Head of Corruption Monitoring and Evaluation Division, ICPC, Mr. Kupolati Kayode emphasized that the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit functions as a complementary body to Management, operating under the direct oversight of the Director General. He explained that, “Its role is not to compete with or replace Management but to strengthen efforts in promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical practices.”
He urged Management to provide the necessary support for the effective operation of ACTU by creating an enabling environment, ensuring adequate funding, providing proper office facilities, and granting representation in standing committees, in line with the government circular Ref No: OHCSF/SPSO/CSTD/314/T2/61 dated October 5, 2016.
Mr. Kayode also encouraged the Council to consistently extend invitations to the Commission during promotion, recruitment, and procurement exercises, noting that such collaboration would enhance the credibility, transparency, and integrity of these processes.
While congratulating the newly appointed ACTU members on their selection, he charged them to discharge their responsibilities with diligence, integrity, and professionalism, cautioning against actions that could undermine the strategic role entrusted to them. He also thanked the Management of RMRDC for its commitment to making the program a success and reaffirmed the Commissions’ readiness to strengthen collaboration with the Council in advancing accountability, transparency, and good governance in the public service and the nation at large.
The high-point of the ceremony was the administration of the Oath of Allegiance to the newly inducted ACTU members by the ICPC Legal Department, as well as the presentation of the ACTU Standing Order by the ICPC Chairman.
Following the inauguration, an induction and paper presentation session was held for ACTU members, both old and new, after which the technical session of the workshop commenced.
Then came the technical session. The first technical presentation focused on “Public Sector Corruption: Nature, Consequences and Prevention Strategies,” while the second presentation examined “Ethics and Integrity Principles in the Workplace for Effective Service Delivery,” emphasizing professionalism, accountability, and adherence to due process in public institutions.
The Chairman of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), RMRDC, and Director of the Chemical and Pharmaceutical Development Department, Mr. Abubakar Kollere, in his closing remarks, expressed gratitude to the ICPC for accepting the Council’s nominees into the Unit. He noted that the newly inducted members were drawn from three strategic departments of the Council; Procurement, Audit, and Accounts. He added that the inclusion of officers from these critical units would further enhance the effectiveness of ACTU in supporting the Council’s anti-corruption efforts.
Expressing appreciation, he thanked the RMRDC Directors and other management staff, the ICPC officials, and the Chairman for their participation and support throughout the program. He also acknowledged the ACTU RMRDC members, expressing his gratitude for their commitment and contributions in ensuring the success of the event.
