Reps Launch Inquiry Into Effectiveness Of ACTUs In MDAs

The House of Representatives has launched an inquiry into the effectiveness of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs) operating in government ministries, departments, and agencies.

The Lawmakers expressed concern that many of these internal watchdogs may have failed in their mission to tackle corruption within the public service.

At the launch of an investigation into the operation of ACTUs in Abuja, Chairman of the committee, Prince Kayode Akiolu, said that ACTUs set up more than two decades ago have in some cases become ineffective or compromised.

He noted that there are widespread reports of rhe units losing focus, facing interference, or lacking independence, undermining their credibility.

“While we recognise the challenges posed by the insidious nature of corruption, we must also confront the realities that not all actions taken in the name of anti-corruption have been entirely above board.”

“It is paramount that we investigate and assess whether these units are truly fulfilling their mandates or if they have, regrettably, become enmeshed in the very practices they were created to eradicate,” he said.
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According to him, ACTU’s model was built on the premise that employees within MDAs are best positioned to detect corrupt practices in their environments.

Prince Akiolu who described the establishment of ACTUs in MDAs as strategic and brilliant ideas to enhance transparency and accountability, said twenty-four years after its establishment the units have not been effective.

He cited reports and public complaints alleging that some ACTUs have either become toothless or, worse, compromised by the very corruption they were designed to police.
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According to the Chairman, the hearing is expected to gather testimonies and data from civil society organisations, anti-corruption advocates, government representatives, and whistleblowers, with a view to understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the ACTU framework.

Akiolu emphasised that the Committee would not shy away from exposing weaknesses or recommending bold reforms, stressing that the ultimate goal is to create a public service that operates transparently and is driven by integrity.

In a presentation before the Committee by its Chairman of ICPC, Dr Musa Ali, it was stated that only 84 MDAs currently have functional Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs), while 92 are yet to establish the units.

Represented by the Director of the System Study and Review Department, Mr Olusegun Adigun, the ICPC Chairman further revealed that at the end of 2024, 127 MDAs had weak or ineffective ACTUs, while five others had units in name only, which is hampering government anti-corruption efforts within those establishments.
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Dr Ali noted that anti-corruption and transparency units of MDAs are not working properly due to lack of funds, direct reporting to chief executive officers of agencies, interference, lack of political will and support, and resistance to change, among other things.
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Declaring the public hearing open, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Abbas Tajudeen, represented by the member representing the Makarfi-Kudan Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, Umar Ajilo, said the session was not a witch-hunt but a proactive effort to assess the performance of ACTUs and strengthen institutional integrity.

The speaker added that the ACTUs were originally established to monitor, report, and prevent corrupt practices while also promoting a culture of transparency and ethical conduct in public service.

The speaker noted their effectiveness hinges on political will and institutional support.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji