Finance Ministry Urges Workers to Foster Culture of Integrity in Government Business
The Federal Ministry of Finance has called on civil servants in Nigeria to uphold the highest standards of transparency, accountability and ethical values in the conduct of government business.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Lydia Shehu Jafiya gave the advice in Abuja Thursday, when she flagged-off the first sensitization workshop for the year 2024.
The workshop, according to the Director, Information and Public Relations of the ministry, Mohammed Manga, on Friday, was organised for the Directorate Cadre Officers (GL 15-17) by the Ministry’s Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) under the Special Duties Department.
She explained that corruption, in all its forms, poses a grave threat to the foundation of our society, as it destroys trust, erodes justice and also impedes progress.
Represented by the Director, Special Projects of the ministry, Hajiya Aisha Omar, the Permanent Secretary informed that the sensitization workshop provides an opportunity to delve into the intricacies of our systems and practices, guided by the beacon of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), System Study and Evaluation Scorecard
“As leaders entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the public trust, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to integrity and excellence. We must lead by example, inspiring those around us to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and accountability, in accordance with the ICPC Scorecard Template,” she said.
Mrs Jafiya stated that as part of efforts to continue to raise awareness and identify existing gaps in the anti-corruption initiatives that had been put in place by the Federal Government, there was the need to sensitise officers on transparency, discipline and accountability in the service.
The Permanent Secretary informed that the Federal Government, through the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), had considered and approved the request of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on the establishment of ACTU in all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) with a view to ensuring that workers properly understand what constitutes corruption and how they could collectively and individually support the efforts of government in checking corrupt practices.
She emphasised the need for civil servants to key into the anti-corruption war of the government, which is one of the operational mantras of the present administration and an integral part of the crusade for national rebirth and social regeneration.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Director, Special Duties Mrs. Egundebi Yemisi said the workshop aims at providing the opportunity to deepen staff understanding of the systematic evaluation of processes and procedures of systems study and review.
In a paper presentation entitled “Integrity Scorecard and System Study”, the Deputy Director, System Study and Review of the ICPC, Mr Obaniyi Adebayo, said corruption is a cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabric of the society and has portrayed Nigeria in a bad light over the years.
On the importance of ACTU in MDAs, Mr Adebayo said, it promotes and protects the image of the organization, assists in building an honest and transparent workforce as well as supports the Management to efficiently and effectively implement government policies, projects and programmes.
