By Mercy Aikoye, Abuja
The fight against corruption in Nigeria’s public sector is far from over. Despite efforts to establish Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs) in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), many are still not functional.
According to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), 92 MDAs are yet to establish ACTUs, while 127 others have weak or ineffective units. Only 84 MDAs currently have functional ACTUs.
ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Ali, identified lack of funds, direct reporting to Chief Executive Officers, interferences, lack of political will, and resistance to change as major challenges facing ACTUs. “Anti-Corruption And Transparency Units Of MDAs are not working properly due to these challenges,” he said.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, emphasized the need for proactive efforts to assess the performance of ACTUs and strengthen institutional integrity. “Corruption continues to erode our institutions, diminish public trust, and stall our national progress,” he said.
The House Committee on Anti-Corruption Chairman, Hon. Kayode Moshood Akiolu, stressed the importance of accountability and open dialogue.
“Our task is not only to assess performance but to ensure that our institutions are truly committed to integrity, not just in word but in deed,” he said.
ICPC has come up with various innovations to curb corruption, including regular training of ACTU members and deepening interactions with the public. The agency also emphasized the need for ACTUs to report directly to Permanent Secretaries.
The establishment of ACTUs was a strategy deployed by ICPC to decentralize anti-corruption efforts. While some units have recorded achievements, others have failed to uphold their core duties.
The Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Esther Dido-Jack, recommended that ACTUs should be institutionalized in MDAs and report directly to Permanent Secretaries. This would promote accountability and transparency in governance.
The fight against corruption requires a collective effort. As Hon. Akiolu said, “We must make it clear that corruption has no place in our governance system whether from within or without.” It’s time for Nigerians to demand accountability and transparency from their leaders.
