BY AKUDORO GLORIA

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has organized the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) awareness campaign programme as well the launching of Corruption Prevention Guide Handbook for its management and staff.

Speaking at the auspicious occasion on Thursday in Abuja, The Managing Director and CEO, TCN, Engr. Suleiman Abdullaziz on Thursday described corruption as a pervasive issue that continued to threaten the very foundation of efforts to enhance one of its core mandate which is the wheeling of bulk power supply.

Abdullaziz who was represented by the Executive Director, Human Resource/Corporate Services, Barr. Justin Ododo, asserted that corruption does not only stop at financial mismanagement but also encompass across work ethic, treatment of colleagues, and the lack of diligence in handling of company assets including documentations among others.

According to him, the gravity of issue concerning corruption gave birth to the establishment of the ACTU in order to spearhead its commitment to eradicating corruption.

While emphasizing the importance of the Corruption Prevention Guide Handbook as a crucial tool in the Company’s ongoing fight against corruption, the Managing Director said rather than reacting to corruption after it occurs, the emphasis should be on prevention.

Abdullaziz therefore urged all staff to embrace the values outlined in the handbook which will in turn contribute to a workforce that natures growth in the right direction.

“Let us not view this handbook as a mere office document for our office tables. We must make effort to read it and it is by reading and understanding its content will we be empowered to become exemplary ambassadors of TCN. It will equally help us foster a workplace culture that is resistant to corruption. Application of its content therefore is key”, said the MD.

The Minister who commended the significant impact of the unit in the agency since established, said there is room for a lot more to be done. He acknowledged the Acting Chairman of ACTU and the entire team for compiling the anti-corruption guide.

Earlier, the Acting Chairman ACTU/ TCN General Manager, Audit and Control, Ochije O. C, in his welcome address, said the ACTUs for the past 19 years, have not only introduced accountability in the operations of public officials but have also demanded probity in the allocation and utilization of public resources.

He said: “Through diligent efforts, ACTUs have identified corruption vulnerabilities within systems, leading to recommendations that have successfully blocked loopholes in various MDAs”.

The Acting Chairman who highlighted some core objectives of ACTU awareness campaign read the recent achievement of ACTU in TCN in the past one year, stating that the Company has demonstrated an impressive leap in ICPC ranking, achieving 15th place among 406 MDA’s in 2023, compared to the 70th position in year 2022 ranking.

According to him, the ACTU have been successfully inaugurated in Nine (9) of the TCN Regional offices throughout the federation except Shiroro region, which is set for inauguration on 6th December, 2023.

On the constraints, the Acting Chairman called for comprehensive capacity building of ACTU members through retreats, workshops, and training sessions in order to improve and empower its members with the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of anti-corruption efforts.

Meanwhile, the representative of the Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Hajiya Musa Mutiat, Assistant Director, SSRD, who was accompanied by Mrs. Ifeajika Ajoke, Desk Officer, gave a presentation on Corruption Prevention Strategies.

Highlight of the occasion was the official launching of the Corruption Prevention Guide Handbook by senior members of TCN, Acting Chairman of ACTU and representatives of the ICPC.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), commissioned the establishment of Anti-Corruption Transparency Units in over 445 MDAs as part of its relentless pursuit to fight the pervasive nature of corruption in Nigeria.