Abuja: Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, says corruption can undermine national institutions, erode public trust, and stifle progress.
Abbas stated this while declaring open a public hearing on the activities of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTU) of all the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in Abuja on Tuesday.
Abbas, represented by Rep. Umar Ajilo, described corruption as an affliction on every facet of national life and every sector of the economy.
While restating the National Assembly’s commitment to fighting corruption, he said that the establishment of anti-corruption transparency units was a step in the right direction.
The establishment of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTU) in MDAs was a significant step taken to institutionalise accountability and transparency in governance.
“These units were designed not only to monitor and report corrupt practices but also to foster a culture of integrity and ethical conduct among public officials,” he said.
Abbas called for the collaboration of relevant stakeholders for the effectiveness and enhanced impact of the anti-corruption units.
He said that the public hearing was aimed at assessing the functionality and effectiveness of the anti-corruption and transparency units across all MDAs.
He also said that the public hearing was targeted at discussing potential legislative and policy measures that could strengthen these units and promote transparency and accountability in government.
The speaker described the public hearing as another opportunity to reaffirm the national assembly’s commitment to the principles of good governance, transparency and accountability.
“Together, we can build a Nigeria free of corruption, where public resources are utilised for the common good and where citizens can trust government and public officials,” he said.
He affirmed the parliament’s resolve to continue to open doors for public scrutiny through programmes like the Open Parliament, Policy Dialogue, State of the House Media Interaction and Town hall meetings.
Tajudeen urged all participants to approach the discussions with an open mind and a collaborative spirit for a transparent and accountable government.
Earlier, the Chairman, House Committee on Anti-Corruption, Rep. Kayode Akiolu, reaffirmed the dedication of the 10th assembly to a corruption-free Nigeria.
Akiolu emphasised the importance of ensuring the effectiveness of the anti-corruption transparency unit within MDAs for a greater nation.
He called for national synergy in the fight against corruption to rescue the country from the menace of corruption.
The Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Aliyu, who expressed the commission’s support for the public hearing, said a myriad of challenges had been impeding ACTU’s optimal performance.
Aliyu, represented by the commission’s Director, System Study and Review Department, Mr Olusegun Adigun, identified a lack of political will as one of the challenges.
He advocated for a mandatory budgetary allocation for ACTU through legislation for efficiency.
The ICPC chairman called for the commitment of leadership of MDAs to championing integrity and supporting the ACTU initiatives as a core organisational value.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Dr Mainasara Kogo, blamed corruption on greed and gluttony.