The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has disclosed that 92 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are yet to establish Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs).

The anti-graft agency also revealed that 127 others operate units that are either weak or ineffective.

Presenting a report at an investigative hearing by the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption on Tuesday, the ICPC said only 84 MDAs currently have functional ACTUs, despite directives mandating their establishment across government institutions since 2001.

Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Musa Ali, represented by Olusegun Adigun, noted that the lapses undermine the government’s anti-corruption framework, as ACTUs were created to monitor, prevent, and report graft within MDAs.

Ali cited poor funding, interference by chief executives, weak political will, and resistance to change as key factors crippling the units, adding that some exist only in name, making them ineffective.

He urged regular training for ACTU members and stronger engagement with the public to reposition the units.

Declaring the hearing open, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, represented by Umar Ajilo, said the session was not a witch-hunt, but a proactive effort to assess the performance of ACTUs and strengthen institutional integrity.

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

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

Abbas said: “We gather not merely as legislators but as custodians of democracy and champions of integrity. Corruption continues to erode our institutions, diminish public trust, and stall our national progress. This hearing is an opportunity to reaffirm our resolve and take decisive action.”

“This hearing allows us to assess the functionality of ACTUs, hear from stakeholders, and explore legislative solutions to strengthen their operations. We must dismantle the structures that allow corruption to thrive and institutionalise transparency and accountability,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the House Committee on Anti-Corruption, Kayode Moshood Akiolu, emphasised that the hearing addressed a critical issue central to Nigeria’s democratic development.

He recalled that the Federal Government, through the Head of Civil Service, mandated the establishment of ACTUs in MDAs in 2001 and 2003, a strategy deployed by ICPC to decentralise anti-corruption efforts by enlisting civil servants themselves.

“These units were based on the sound idea that those within MDAs are best positioned to identify corruption risks in their environments,” Akiolu said. “Through ACTUs, ICPC has extended its presence across over 400 MDAs without the need for a bloated workforce. That’s brilliant public sector innovation.”

He, however, noted that it is now time to question how effectively these units have fulfilled their mandates.

He emphasised the importance of accountability and open dialogue, calling on CSOs, anti-corruption advocates, and MDAs to participate in the conversation.

On his part, the Head of Service of the Federation, Esther Dido-Jack, pointed out that despite their challenges, ACTU recorded some achievements.

Represented by the Director of Finance and Account, Emeka Aziwe, the HoS recommended that ACTU should be made to report directly to Permanent Secretaries and that ACTU should be institutionalised within MDAs.