In a significant move towards enhancing transparency and accountability, the Ministry of Police Affairs has inaugurated its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Ministry Headquarters in Abuja, was presided over by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Nasir Sani Gwarzo.
Dr. Gwarzo emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to fostering a culture of transparency and accountability in its operations.
He noted that the establishment of the 11-member ACTU marks a turning point in the Ministry’s resource management.
The unit, in partnership with the ICPC, will scrutinize all processes and procedures within the Ministry to identify and eliminate loopholes and leakages.
“ACTU will be properly equipped to function effectively despite the current shortage of office space,” Dr. Gwarzo assured.
He also called for ICPC’s assistance in training ACTU members to ensure they are well-prepared for their duties.
Upon assuming his role, Dr. Gwarzo recognized the absence of an active ACTU as a significant oversight.
He promptly sought ICPC’s collaboration to reconstitute the unit, reinforcing the Ministry’s dedication to accountability.
Representing the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, the Director of the System Study and Review Department (SSRD), Mr. Olusegun Adigun, commended the Permanent Secretary’s initiative.
He expressed hope that the newly inaugurated ACTU would effectively deliver on its mandate, which includes periodic staff sensitization on anti-corruption measures and reviewing systems prone to corruption to propose solutions.
Mr. Adigun urged ACTU members to maintain integrity, responsibility, and responsiveness in their duties while avoiding any form of oppression.
The Chairman of the reconstituted ACTU and Deputy Director of Police Performance Monitoring, Mr. Ezekiel Audu, highlighted the unit’s potential in achieving the Ministry’s vision.
He called on ACTU members to diligently fulfill their responsibilities, ensuring that the Ministry’s staff are dedicated and responsive to their duties.
“This Ministry aims to reposition the Nigeria Police Force to be efficient, well-motivated, well-equipped, and people-friendly, enhancing its capacity to tackle modern security challenges,” Mr. Audu stated.
The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of key ICPC representatives, including Ms. Nafisa Abugu, Mr. Japhet David, Mr. Agualize Ejimeke, and Barrister Nkem Ezenwa, along with Dr. Gwarzo, Mr. Audu, and other members of the Ministry.
LV