Federal Ministry of Women Affairs inaugurates ACTU, reaffirms zero tolerance for corruption

By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs took a firm stand in the fight against corruption with the official inauguration of its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) on Wednesday, July 30th, 2025, in Abuja.

At the inauguration ceremony held in the Permanent Secretary’s Conference Room, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, underscored the importance of integrity and accountability in public service.

“There is no excuse for ignorance. No man is above the law,” Dr. Keshinro declared in her welcome address, setting a resolute tone for the event.

The ACTU, domiciled within the Ministry’s Department of Special Duties, is part of a broader initiative by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to embed anti-corruption frameworks across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Representing the ICPC Chairman, Mr. Jude Okoye—Head of the System Study and Review Division—joined other stakeholders, including Dr. Peter, Desk Officer; Barrister Nkem Ezenwa, Legal Officer; and Favour, a key resource person, at the event.

Dr. Keshinro praised the ICPC for its continued collaboration, adding that the establishment of ACTU was a significant step toward institutionalizing ethical governance.

“Today’s inauguration is not just a ceremony—it marks a defining moment in our journey to promote transparency and accountability within the Ministry. It also reinforces our support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes good governance and service delivery,” she said.

Reaffirming the Ministry’s policy of zero tolerance for corruption, Dr. Keshinro urged members of the newly inaugurated ACTU to carry out their responsibilities with diligence and strict adherence to ICPC guidelines.

“This fight belongs to all of us. ACTU provides structure, but the responsibility lies with every staff member,” she concluded.

The inauguration drew attendance from directors, heads of departments, stakeholders from the ICPC, and members of the press, signaling a renewed commitment to ethical standards and systemic reforms within the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.

In his remarks, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) commended the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs for its dedication to transparency and accountability during the inauguration and induction ceremony of the Ministry’s Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU).

Representing the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, at the event was Mr. Jude Okoye, who conveyed the Chairman’s regrets for his absence due to scheduling conflicts while delivering his official goodwill message.

In his address, Dr. Aliyu lauded the Ministry’s management, led by Permanent Secretary Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, for their unwavering support in establishing the ACTU. He described the inauguration as a “critical step” in strengthening internal mechanisms for fighting corruption and promoting ethical governance in MDAs.

The ICPC Chairman highlighted that ACTUs, initiated through collaboration between the ICPC and the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, have evolved into recognized platforms within government for combating corruption internally. He emphasized that these units play a key role in detecting systemic weaknesses, ensuring compliance, and upholding ethical standards.

Dr. Aliyu pointed out that the Ministry of Women Affairs’ mission—to provide equal access to economic and social opportunities, with special attention to women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities—aligns closely with the ACTU’s objectives.

He outlined the ACTU’s core responsibilities, which include:

1. Periodic staff sensitization and training on anti-corruption measures.
2. Examination of institutional processes to identify corruption-prone areas and recommend solutions.
3. Conducting corruption risk assessments.
4. Developing and updating the Ministry’s code of ethics.
5. Monitoring budget implementation for transparency and accountability.
6. Coordinating the ICPC’s Integrity Compliance Scorecard.
7. Undertaking preliminary investigations into corruption-related complaints.

The Chairman stressed that ACTUs function as complementary bodies under the oversight of Permanent Secretaries—not as competitors to management, but rather as partners in ensuring accountability.

He urged the Ministry to provide the necessary support for ACTU operations, including the allocation of dedicated budget lines, office space, and ACTU representation in standing committees, as mandated by a government circular dated October 6, 2016. He also encouraged ministries to involve the ICPC in oversight functions such as recruitment, promotions, and procurement processes.

In closing, Dr. Aliyu congratulated the newly inducted ACTU members, urging them to uphold integrity, diligence, and professionalism in discharging their duties. He reaffirmed the ICPC’s commitment to working collaboratively with the Ministry of Women Affairs in building a transparent and corruption-free public service.

Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has officially inaugurated its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), with a firm call for integrity, accountability, and transparency in the discharge of duties by members of the newly constituted committee.

The inauguration ceremony was performed by Barrister Nkem Ezenwa of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), who charged the committee members to uphold the highest ethical standards in executing their responsibilities. She emphasized that the ACTU is a vital internal mechanism designed to detect and prevent corruption, and urged members to see their roles as a service to the nation.

Following the formal inauguration, Mr. Musa Aliyu Musa, who was appointed Chairman of the committee, delivered a vote of thanks on behalf of the team. He expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for the confidence reposed in them.

“I want to, first of all, thank you for the confidence reposed in us to be members of this noble committee—the ACTU of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs,” he said. “Recognizing the critical role that this unit is expected to play, and all the key mandates highlighted by the ICPC representative, I pledge our full commitment to the success of this initiative.”

Mr. Musa further assured stakeholders that the ACTU would function strictly within its mandate, complementing the efforts of the Ministry’s management rather than competing with it. He pledged that the committee would diligently study the rules guiding ACTU operations and work tirelessly to meet expectations throughout their tenure.

The newly inaugurated ACTU members are:

Mr. Musa Aliyu Musa – Chairman
Mrs. Obiako Kate Ukamaka – Secretary
Mrs. Tubomo Q. Lifu – Member
Mr. Dibor Ogochukwu C. – Member
Mrs. Ebune Miriam Ugbede – Member
Mr. Kamal Yusuf – Member
Mrs. Babatunde Adenike Fatima – Member
Mrs. Julie S. Akharia – Member
Mrs. Chikwe Joy Obiageli – Member

The ACTU is expected to play a central role in strengthening ethical practices, conducting corruption risk assessments, overseeing compliance with codes of conduct, and supporting transparency in the Ministry’s operations.

The inauguration marks another significant step in the Federal Government’s broader anti-corruption agenda, with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs positioning itself as a model of integrity in public service.