92 MDAs yet to establish anti-corruption units, 127 ineffective – ICPC

By Christiana Ekpa

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) said 92 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are yet to establish Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs).

In a report presented at an Investigative hearing by the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption, the Commission further revealed that as of the end of 2024, 127 MDAs had weak or ineffective ACTUs.

It added that five others had units in name only, rendering government anti-corruption efforts within those institutions ineffective.

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences, ICPC Dr. Musa Ali, who was represented by Mr. Olusegun Adigun, said Only 84 MDAs currently have functional Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs).

Ali, however said  the agency has come up with various innovations to curb corruption.

He noted that Anti-Corruption And Transparency Units Of  MDAs are not working properly due to lack of funds, direct reporting to Chief Executive Officers of agencies, interferences, lack of political will and support, and resistance to change amongst others.

He called for regular training of ACTU members, deepening interactions, and public engagement on the role of ACTU to reposition the units.

Declaring the hearing open, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, represented by Hon. Umar Ajilo, said the session was not a witch-hunt, but a proactive effort to assess the performance of ACTUs and strengthen institutional integrity.

“We gather not merely as legislators but as custodians of democracy and champions of integrity,” Abbas said. “Corruption continues to erode our institutions, diminish public trust, and stall our national progress. This hearing is an opportunity to reaffirm our resolve and take decisive action.”

He added that the ACTUs were originally established to monitor, report, and prevent corrupt practices, while also promoting a culture of transparency and ethical conduct in public service. However, the Speaker noted, their effectiveness hinges on political will and institutional support.

“This hearing allows us to assess the functionality of ACTUs, hear from stakeholders, and explore legislative solutions to strengthen their operations. We must dismantle the structures that allow corruption to thrive and institutionalize transparency and accountability,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the House Committee on Anti-Corruption, Hon. Kayode Moshood Akiolu, stressed that the hearing addressed a critical issue central to Nigeria’s democratic development.

He recalled that the Federal Government, through the Head of Civil Service, mandated the establishment of ACTUs in MDAs in 2001 and 2003, a strategy deployed by ICPC to decentralize anti-corruption efforts by enlisting civil servants themselves.

“These units were based on the sound idea that those within MDAs are best positioned to identify corruption risks in their environments,” Akiolu said. “Through ACTUs, ICPC has extended its presence across over 400 MDAs without the need for a bloated workforce. That’s brilliant public sector innovation.”