Get Guardian on GoogleThe Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development through the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), has organized a workshop on Anti-Corruption Sensitisation Programme for all the officers on grade level 14 and below in the ministry.
Speaking at workshop, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, called on the staff of the Ministry to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and accountability in the discharge of their official responsibilities.
He described ACTU as a strategic partner in promoting transparency, accountability and institutional excellence rather than an adversary, saying the programme was organized under the theme, “Say No to Corruption: Integrity Begins with Me.”
Represented by the Director Special Projects Unit in the ministry, Olatunde Ajayi, Belgore stated that the fight against corruption goes beyond institutional policies and regulations, stressing that it requires the personal commitment of every public servant to ethical conduct and responsible service delivery.
He therefore noted that corruption undermines national development by compromising the quality of public infrastructure, inflating project costs, distorting development priorities and depriving citizens of the benefits of good governance.
The Permanent Secretary further stressed that while Management has a responsibility to establish policies, systems and controls to prevent corruption, the effectiveness of such measures depends largely on the integrity and commitment of individual officers.
He urged staff to maintain zero tolerance for corrupt practices and remain committed to protecting public resources and the Ministry’s institutional credibility, encouraging participants, particularly officers on Grade Levels 15 and below, to actively engage in the programme, embrace due process, reject unethical practices and report any wrongdoing through appropriate channels.
Belgore however reaffirmed Management’s commitment to strengthening the capacity and operational effectiveness of ACTU by providing the necessary support, resources and enabling environment for the Unit to discharge its mandate effectively.
He urged them to translate the knowledge gained into responsible workplace conduct, noting that their individual actions have a direct impact on the Ministry’s performance and reputation.
The Permanent Secretary stressed that building a transparent and corruption-free Ministry is a collective responsibility that must begin with every individual, explaining that the second stage of the Sensitization programme for the directorate officers of the ministry is scheduled for next week.
In a remark, the head Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), Umar Muhammed, described the theme, “Say no to corruption, Integrity begins with me,” calling for personal accountability that depends on individuals who choose honesty and transparency in daily conduct.
He restated the Unit’s mandate to foster an environment of zero tolerance for corrupt practices across the Ministry, adding, the anti- corruption sensitisation programme is a deliberate step towards strengthening the culture of transparency and accountability within the housing Ministry.
Muhammad also highlighted the ACTU’s progress in building a culture of compliance which includes close monitoring of the Ministry’s standing committees to ensure internal processes follow public service rules and ethical guidelines, as well as sensitization and capacity-building programmes.
He further explained that complaint boxes have been placed across the Ministry’s premises, and a dedicated email address which is set up for confidential feedback and whistleblowing., adding that the Ministry’s code of ethics will so be launched.
