By Moyofoluwa Ogunyemi, Juliet Madu and Femi Olarewaju
Efforts to improve and strengthen workplace integrity and promote transparency in public service paid dividends when staff of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Lagos Coordination Office participated in an intense anti-corruption sensitization session.
The session was facilitated by the Deputy Director and Head of the Local and International Collaboration Division, Dr. Oluremi Elusoji, a Nodal Officer of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
During her presentation, Dr. Elusoji provided a comprehensive analysis of ACTU, tracing its historical evolution, operational framework, and critical role in monitoring and preventing unethical practices in public service. She emphasized that corruption goes beyond financial misconduct, encompassing any deliberate disregard for ethical standards that impact governance, businesses and daily interactions. She urged staff members to take an active role in fostering integrity, accountability and transparency in their work environment.
Dr. Elusoji reiterated the autonomy of ACTU, explaining that the Unit operates independently and reports directly to ICPC. She outlined its key responsibilities, which include conducting preliminary investigations, ensuring compliance with Civil Service regulations and developing ethics and integrity programmes.
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Additionally, ACTU oversees the implementation of the ethics and compliance scorecard of organizations, organizes integrity assessment sessions, conducts system reviews and monitors budget execution. The Unit also plays a pivotal role in public education by designing initiatives that promote ethical behaviour and establishing guidelines for professional conduct.
Addressing concerns about whistle-blower protection, Dr. Elusoji assured participants that ACTU is committed to maintaining a safe and confidential reporting system. She emphasized that the identities of whistle-blowers are safeguarded, unless disclosure is mandated by the ICPC.
Furthermore, she opined that reports of victimization or retaliation against whistle-blowers are thoroughly investigated to ensure accountability and prevent unfair treatment.
In her concluding remarks, Dr. Elusoji highlighted that while ACTU does not impose specific behavioural rules, staff members are expected to uphold ethical standards in their daily activities.
In his remarks, the Lagos State Coordinator, Mr. Oluwasola Marinho, emphasized the importance of integrity in the workplace, while urging members of staff to internalize the content of the sensitization lecture, as it underscores one of the core values of the Council, integrity.
