By Joan Nwagwu
The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has inaugurated its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) and regional and branch champions to strengthen integrity, accountability and public trust.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive of NSITF, Mr Oluwaseun Faleye, said the initiative reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to building an institution guided by integrity, transparency and ethical conduct.
Faleye stated this in Abuja during the inauguration of the ACTU and its regional and branch champions, describing the initiative as a renewed commitment to strengthening institutional accountability.
“It is really a renewed commitment to the kind of institution we want NSITF to be. One where integrity guides our conduct, accountability defines our actions, and public trust remains central,” he said.
The NSITF boss described the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) as a partner, saying collaboration with the commission would promote compliance, institutional learning and improved governance.
He dismissed fears that the unit was established to witch-hunt staff, explaining that its mandate was preventive and collaborative, rather than investigative or interrogative.
“There is really no cause for concern. It is not a witch-hunt. It is rather a collaborative process that guides us from making mistakes we will regret down the line,” Faleye said.
He urged staff to regard the ACTU as a partner in promoting ethical conduct, encouraging them to share relevant information and report suspected wrongdoing where necessary.
Faleye charged the newly inaugurated members to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, objectivity, courage and professionalism, stressing that the unit’s credibility would depend on its impact.
He said the appointment of regional and branch champions would extend anti-corruption advocacy beyond the headquarters, adding that preventing corruption remained the responsibility of every staff member.
“Every staff member has a duty to uphold established procedures, protect public resources and act in the best interest of the institution,” he said.
Faleye assured that management would strengthen internal controls, promote ethical behaviour and provide leadership by example to ensure accountability throughout the Fund.
Meanwhile, the newly inaugurated ACTU members pledged to discharge their duties diligently and professionally to strengthen transparency, accountability and institutional integrity.
Mrs Asma’u Mohammed, Deputy General Manager, General Administration Services, NSITF Abuja Regional Office, made the pledge on behalf of the members, expressing appreciation to management for the confidence reposed in them.
Mohammed said the inauguration went beyond establishing a unit, describing it as a renewed commitment to embedding transparency and accountability in the Fund’s operations.
She said the regional and branch champions would extend integrity advocacy across NSITF offices, promote ethical conduct and encourage compliance with established procedures.
Mohammed pledged that the members would work with management, staff and stakeholders to strengthen ethical standards and institutional safeguards for effective service delivery.
In his remarks, ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, described the inauguration as a critical step towards strengthening integrity, transparency and accountability within the Fund.
Aliyu said ACTUs were established through collaboration between the ICPC and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to promote ethical conduct and compliance across public institutions.
He explained that the units served as internal mechanisms for identifying systemic weaknesses, mitigating corruption risks and strengthening adherence to established rules and procedures.
The ICPC chairman stressed that the ACTU was complementary to management and should support, rather than compete with, the Fund’s leadership in promoting good governance.
He urged NSITF management to provide adequate funding, office facilities and representation for the unit in relevant standing committees to enable it to function effectively.
Aliyu also encouraged the Fund to invite the ICPC as an observer during recruitment, promotion and procurement exercises to strengthen the credibility of the processes.
He charged the inaugurated members to uphold impartiality and professionalism, warning them against relationships or actions capable of compromising their independence and credibility.
The ICPC chairman reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to collaborating with NSITF to advance transparency, accountability and ethical standards in the public service.
Earlier, the Acting Chairperson of NSITF ACTU, Mrs Udoka Mirian Otti, said fighting corruption required collective responsibility and the active participation of every staff member.
Otti said the unit would promote anti-corruption awareness and ensure that the Fund’s internal processes reflected fairness, responsibility, transparency and accountability.
She commended the ICPC for its guidance and collaboration, as well as NSITF management for supporting efforts to strengthen ethical standards and public confidence.
