By Paul Effiong, Abuja
Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has revealed that over 92 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, MDAs, of the Federal Government have refused to establish Anti-corruption and Transparency Units, ACTUs, 24 years on, that the initiative was directed.
The revelation was made yesterday during a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-corruption held at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
In his presentation of the commission’s findings, Chairman of ICPC, Dr. Musa Aliyu, SAN represented at the event by Mr. Olusegun Adigun, informed lawmakers that only 84 MDAs in Nigeria have a functional ACTUs.
According to Aliyu of the 303 MDAs assessed as of the end of 2024, only 84 have functional ACTUs, 127 operate with weak or ineffective units, while five have units existing nominally.
He pointed out that inadequate funding, interference from chief executives, lack of political will as well as high level of resistance to change as critical key challenges undermining the initiative.
The chairman, therefore, urged for regular training of ACTU members inorder to ensure stronger institutional support and public awareness campaigns for the purposes of reinvigorating the units.
He explained further: “Without proper empowerment and accountability structures, ACTUs cannot fulfill their mandate of monitoring, reporting, and preventing corruption in government agencies”.
In his welcome remarks, the Speaker, the House of Representatives Honourable Tajudeen Abbas who was represented at the event by Hon. Umar Ajilo explained that the session was not a witch-hunt to anybody or an institution but a proactive, strategic step made to strengthen transparency in governance.
He described corruption as a persistent threat to Nigeria’s democratic values and economic development advocating for decisive steps and action to restore public trust and confident.
Abbas, further used the occasion to reiterate the 10th House readiness to deliver democracy dividends to Nigerians by addressing all corruption challenges.
Also speaking at the hearing was the Chairman, House Committee on Anti-Corruption, Hon. Kayode Akiolu who informed that ACTUs were created in 2001 and 2003 as an innovative approach to decentralize anti-corruption efforts within the public sector in Nigeria.
He, however, lamented reports of widespread lapses and even collusion in some units, insisting that MDAs performance must now be critically examined and overhauled for the common good of ordinary Nigerians.
Lawmakers and anti-corruption advocates present at the hearing agreed that revitalizing ACTUs is crucial to restoring integrity in public service.
Lawmakers in the committee said they are expected to recommend legislative and administrative reforms to ensure the units are properly funded, independent, and effective in combating graft across federal institutions.
