By Okey Muogbo
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), says it recognizes the gravity of corruption and it is poised to stamp out the menace in the Company.
The Managing Director (MD), Mr Sule Abdullaziz said this on Thursday in Abuja, at the inauguration of the Preventive Guide Handbook to educate members of staff against corrupt practices.
The event was organized by the TCN’s Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit.
The managing director said that it was in recognition of the severity of corruption that the management established the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU).
Abdulaziz was represented by Mr Justin Ododo, Executive Director, Human Resources and Corporate Services of TCN.
The MD said that ACTU was set up to spearhead TCN’s commitment to eradicating corruption.
Said he, “Today, as we learn more through this anti-corruption awareness programme, it is important to note that the handbook is a crucial tool in our ongoing fight against corruption.
“Rather than reacting to corruption after occurs its emphasis is on prevention, I therefore urge all staff to actively engage with this guide, internalise its content, and apply its principles in their daily activities.
“Let us not view the handbook as a mere office document for our office tables, We must make effort to read it and it is by reading and understanding its content will we be empowered to become exemplary ambassadors of TCN,” he said.
The handbook, according to Abdullaziz would equally help staff of TCN to foster a workplace culture that is resistant to corruption.
“Application of its content therefore is key, ” he said and commended the ACTU team for compiling the anti-corruption guide.
He assured that TCN management on her on part would be unwavering in fulfilling its responsibilities.
“I implore each member of TCN to embrace the values outlined in the handbook and contribute to a work place that nurtures growth in the right direction,” he said.
In his remarks, Prof Bolaji Owasanoye, Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), said that ACTU was an internal mechanism in Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) to check corruption and promote integrity
Owasanoye said that there was need for MDAs to institute a policy framework that ensures effective regulation of good practice as well as measures against corrupt practices.
He also recommended that “There should also be training and retraining plan for staff to educate them on corrupt practices in order for them to have zero tolerance to corruption.”
Earlier, the Acting Chairman of ACTU, Mr Chuks Ochije, said it was to curb corruption in the country that ICPC established ACTUs in over 445 ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).
“Through diligent efforts, ACTUs have identified corruption vulnerabilities within systems, leading to recommendations that have successfully blocked loopholes in various MDAs,” Ochije said.
According to him, in just one year, TCN had demonstrated an impressive leap in ICPC ranking, achieving 15th place among 406 MDA’s in 2023, compared to the 70th position in year 2022 ranking.
The remarkable feat, he said, is a testament to TCN’s substantial improvement and dedication to fostering integrity, transparency, and ethical practices and unweaving commitment to anti-corruption initiatives.
He also disclosed that the ACTU had been successfully inaugurated in nine TCN regional offices throughout the Federation, adding that Shiroro Region, would be inaugurated on Dec. 6.
“Suggestion and whistle blowing boxes have been provided at the reception of all the floors of TCN building for ease of collation of reports,” Ochije further disclosed.
