Nigerian Export Promotion Council Warns Against Corruption in Public Service

The Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, Mr Ezra Yakusak says corruption threatens sustainable administrative and economic development and effort must be made to curb it.

Mr Yakusak said this during the inauguration of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council Anti Corruption and Transparency Unit NEPC-ACTU in Abuja.

He stated that meaningful progress and development could not be achieved if concerted efforts are not taken to curb the scourge of corruption in the public service.

According to him, “I call on the reconstituted Chairman and members of the NEPC -ACTU to put all hands on deck and conduct a corruption risk assessment by identifying vulnerable areas that are prone to corruption, proffer appropriate recommendation and also develop integrity plans that would strengthen accountability and transparency towards enhanced service delivery in the Council.”

The Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Matters Commission, ICPC, Professor Bolaji Owasanoye said the NEPC-ACTU would further drive efforts of ICPC in promoting and entrenching values of integrity, accountability and transparency in government’s establishments.

Mr Owasanoye who was represented by the Director, Systems Study Review Department ICPC, Mr Abia Udofia stated that the ACTU was not established to displace or run as a parallel authority to management.

“I therefore urge the newly appointed members to be industrious, above board, responsible and responsive in the exercise of their functions and avoid questionable acts given the strategic role you are expected to play Remember, he who comes to equity must come with clean hands.

“In supporting the Unit, management is encouraged to continue to provide a conducive environment for the Unit to function, provide funds and office accommodation as well as incorporate its members in various Standing Committees as provided for in the extant circular of government,” he added.

Confidence Okwuchi