Solid Minerals Ministry, Steel Devt Inaugurate Anti- corruption Unit

The Ministries of Solid Minerals and Steel Development have jointly inaugurated an Anti-corruption and Transparency Unit, ACTU, to enhance accountability.

At the inauguration in Abuja, the Permanent Secretaries of both Ministries, represented by the Director Human Resource Management, Mrs. Ijeoma Idika, stated that the induction of the newly appointed members of ACTU is a critical measure in adhering to the mandate set by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) – which seeks to promote transparency, accountability and fight against corruption across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

The Permanent Secretary said the Ministry of Solid Minerals is saddled with the mandate to develop the Mineral Sector, which is a significant avenue for diversifying the country’s revenue streams and enhancing the National Gross Domestic Product (GDP);

She called for collaborative efforts amongst the staff in fulfilling their assigned roles with a strong commitment and adherence to ethical standards in the execution of their duties.

”A transparent and accountable workforce is crucial for maintaining a sanitized and efficient work environment”, she added.

She noted that the ACTU within the Ministries was first inaugurated in 2009 and has since played a pivotal role in promoting effective accountability.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, represented by the Director, Systems Study and Review Department, ICPC, Mr Olusegun Adigun, noted that this collaboration was designed to serve as an in-house mechanism for preventing corruption in MDAs, which aligns with global best practices.

In his acceptance speech, the newly appointed Chairman of ACTU in the Ministries of Solid Minerals Development/ Steel Development, Mr. Christopher Tariq Wanji, who expressed gratitude to the Permanent Secretaries for entrusting him with this significant responsibility pledged committment to the advancement of transparency and accountability within the ministries.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of the ACTU operating manual to the representative of the Permanent Secretaries by the ICPC.

By Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji