The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has infused a new energy into its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) as part of the Commission’s commitment to promote transparency, accountability and good governance in the Niger Delta region.

Inaugurating the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit at the Commission's headquarters in Port Harcourt, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, described ACTU as a critical mechanism for promoting ethical conduct, preventing corruption and strengthening public confidence in the Commission.

Ogbuku, who was represented by the NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, charged the new members of the anti-corruption unit to uphold the highest standards of integrity and ensure that there was no room for corruption in the Commission. He noted that corruption was a global challenge and urged ACTU, the in-house anti-corruption unit of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, to strengthen internal systems that promote transparency and accountability.

The NDDC boss urged the Commission's Internal Audit Department to work closely with the ACTU to reinforce accountability across all departments and ensure the Commission maintained its positive public image.

"As members of the ACTU, your integrity must remain unquestionable. If those entrusted with fighting corruption become compromised, everything is at stake. You must lead by example and uphold the values of transparency and accountability," he said.

The Managing Director expressed appreciation to the Chairman of the ICPC for collaborating with and supporting the NDDC, noting that the ACTU members were carefully selected for their competence and integrity. He affirmed that the current NDDC Board and Management remained committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu by entrenching transparency, accountability and effective service delivery in the Niger Delta region.

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, commended the NDDC for inaugurating the new ACTU executives, describing the initiative as a significant step towards strengthening institutional integrity and promoting transparency in public service.

Represented by the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for the Rivers and Bayelsa Zonal Office, Mrs Ekere Usiere, the ICPC Chairman explained that ACTU was established in 2001 by the ICPC in collaboration with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to serve as an internal mechanism for identifying and addressing systemic weaknesses that could encourage corruption in Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

He urged the committee members to discharge their responsibilities with fairness, professionalism and integrity, cautioning them against witch-hunting or abusing the confidence reposed in them.

In her acceptance remarks, the Chairperson of the NDDC ACTU, Mrs Deinma Ebong, pledged to build a strong bridge between the ideals of the ICPC and the Commission's day-to-day operations.

She said the unit would focus on strengthening systems rather than policing staff, adding that ACTU would promote ethics education, continuous staff sensitisation, open communication and collaboration with all directorates, departments, units and state offices to prevent corruption before it occurs.

Ebong thanked the Managing Director and the Commission's management for the confidence reposed in her and the other members, appealing to members of staff for their cooperation and support in advancing the Commission's transparency and accountability agenda.

•PHOTO, L-R: NDDC Director, IT, Engr. Emeka Ani; Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, ICPC Rivers/Bayelsa States, Dr Ekere Usier; the NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye; Chairperson of the NDDC ACTU, Mrs Deinma Ebong; the NDDC, Director Legal Services, Victor Arenyeka Esq; and the NDDC Director, Human Resources and Administration, Sir Kelechi Nwelue, during the inauguration of Anti-Corruption and transparency Unit at the NDDC Headquarters, Port Harcourt.

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