The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Mrs. Monilola Udoh has urged civil servants in Nigeria to be transparent and accountable in carrying out their daily tasks.
Mrs. Udoh made the call at the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit ACTU sensitization and training of the ministry’s staff.
Mrs. Udoh noted that the lack of transparency and accountability promotes corruption which retards economic growth and good governance.
She added that the program became necessary as the Nigerian Government is intensifys efforts at eradicating corrupt practices by instilling accountability and transparency in the conduct of its business.
“We need to promote and sponsor programs and activities that empower our institutions to achieve their mandates. In addition, the law enforcement agencies need to be supported and encouraged to fight corruption by ensuring that disciplinary measures in the Public Service Rules are applied to erring Officers” Mrs. Udoh said.
The Permanent Secretary further assured of the Ministry’s support to adequately equip and partner with ACTU in carrying out its assignment.
“I also wish to assure the ICPC of the Ministry’s commitment and unwavering support in the fight against corruption”.
Exchange of ideas
The Chairman, of ACTU Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Mrs. Stella Igwilo, said that ACTU intends to provide the intellectual platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas especially on how to achieve the desired integrity and curb corruption to the barest minimum.
“Corruption in the civil service encompasses government officials’ behaviors and actions that involve lack of accountability and unethical behaviors.
“Corrupt practices include falsification of age, bribery, nepotism, embezzlement, influencing, and abuse of one’s public office among others” Mrs. Igwilo said.
Mrs. Igwilo assured that the sensitization workshop will play a crucial role in reforming and changing the mindset of civil servants on achieving integrity and zero tolerance for corruption in the Ministry.
Checkmating tool
The Desk officer, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC to the Ministry Mrs. Joy Ebbah noted that the sensitization workshop has nothing to do with whether something is happening or going wrong in the ministry but a preventive tool to checkmate its effect or prevent its occurrence entirely.
Mrs. Ebbah further called on the Nigerian government to do more in the fight against corruption in the civil service through more training.
Emmanuel Ukoh
