NDDC boosts anti-corruption team to improve honesty

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has strengthened its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) to promote honesty, accountability, and good governance.

NDDC Managing Director, Samuel Ogbuku, shared this news while introducing the new executives of the unit at the commission’s office in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

Boma Iyaye, the Executive Director for Finance and Administration, represented Mr Ogbuku. He described the unit as a key part of promoting good behavior and stopping corruption. He said this unit would also help build public trust in the commission and improve services in the Niger Delta.

Mr Ogbuku urged the anti-corruption unit members to keep high standards of honesty and professionalism in their work.

"Corruption is a global issue. As members of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit, your integrity must be beyond question. If those fighting corruption become compromised, everything is at risk. You must lead by example and maintain transparency and accountability," he said.

He also asked the NDDC’s Internal Audit Department to work closely with the unit to ensure accountability in all areas and keep the agency’s good public image. He thanked the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for their support and collaboration.

According to him, the members of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit were chosen carefully based on their skills, trustworthiness, and integrity. The NDDC chief reaffirmed the commission’s board and management support for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He said the commission is focused on achieving transparency, accountability, and effective service delivery in the area.

The Chairman of the ICPC, Musa Aliyu, called this initiative a step towards building integrity in institutions across Nigeria. Represented by Ekere Usiere, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for the Rivers and Bayelsa Zonal Office, Mr Aliyu noted that the NDDC anti-corruption unit was set up in 2001.

"The unit serves as an internal tool for spotting and fixing weaknesses that can lead to corruption in public organizations," he said. He urged committee members to perform their duties fairly, professionally, and with integrity. Mr Aliyu warned them against witch-hunting or misusing the trust given to them by the commission and the public.

In her acceptance speech, the Chairwoman of the unit, Deinma Ebong, promised to strengthen the connection between ICPC’s ideals and the daily work of the commission. She said the unit would focus on improving systems rather than just policing staff. She emphasized the importance of ethics education and ongoing awareness.

"The unit will encourage open communication and collaboration with departments, directorates, units, and state offices to stop corruption before it starts," she said. Mrs Ebong praised the NDDC management for trusting the committee and asked staff members for their support in advancing the commission’s transparency and accountability goals.