By Zainab Bakare, Julian Osamoto
The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) has stepped up efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability and ethical governance with the inauguration of its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU).
The institute says the new unit will help prevent corruption, promote integrity and strengthen internal accountability mechanisms.
Speaking at the inauguration of the six-member committee in Abuja, the Director-General of NILDS, Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, described corruption as one of the biggest threats to Nigeria’s development.
He said corruption continues to erode public trust, weaken institutions and slow national progress.
Professor Sulaiman noted that corruption goes beyond financial misconduct to include abuse of office, the pursuit of personal interests above public good and the neglect of ethical standards in public service.
He stressed that public institutions must take greater responsibility in the fight against corruption. “The fight against corruption requires collective responsibility and institutional commitment,” he said.
According to him, anti-corruption agencies alone cannot win the battle against corruption without support from public institutions.
He explained that the newly inaugurated ACTU would serve as an internal watchdog to promote ethical conduct, ensure compliance with established procedures and prevent corrupt practices before they occur.
Professor Sulaiman said NILDS selected members of the committee based on their integrity and professional competence.
He also assured the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of the institute’s support in helping the unit carry out its responsibilities.
The committee, chaired by Deputy Director of Finance and Accounts, Tondo Edward, began work alongside an ACTU Desk Officer deployed by the ICPC.
Representing the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), the Director of System Study and Review, Mr. Olusegun Adigun, described the inauguration as an important step toward strengthening transparency and accountability in public institutions.
Adigun said ACTUs now play a critical role in identifying corruption risks, monitoring budget implementation, reviewing systems and promoting ethical standards within government institutions.
He commended the NILDS management for demonstrating commitment to institutional integrity and accountability.
Chairman of the newly inaugurated ACTU, Tondo Edward, pledged that the committee would strengthen internal controls, promote ethical conduct and prevent corruption through system reviews, staff sensitisation and awareness programmes.
He said the committee would not serve as a disciplinary body but would identify institutional weaknesses and recommend reforms to improve efficiency and strengthen organisational integrity.
The ceremony ended with the administration of the oath of office on members and the presentation of the ACTU Manual to guide the committee’s work.
