Put public interest above personal agendas, ICPC boss tells new Permanent Secretaries

By James Ike

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), has urged newly appointed Permanent Secretaries in the Federal Civil Service to place public interest above personal and sectional interests in the discharge of their duties.

According to a statement by the Head, Media & Public Communications of ICPC, Okor Odey, Aliyu gave the charge during an induction programme for four newly appointed Permanent Secretaries held at the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo Conference Hall in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Abuja.

Speaking on the theme, "Avoiding Corruption Pitfalls: Adherence to Anti-Corruption Principles," the ICPC Chairman said transparency, accountability and integrity remained critical to effective governance and sustainable public service delivery.

He described corruption as a global challenge driven by greed, weak accountability systems, poor institutional oversight and declining integrity, stressing that it extends beyond bribery to include abuse of office, conflict of interest, contract inflation, ghost worker schemes, nepotism and other unethical practices.

Aliyu explained the distinct roles of Nigeria's anti-corruption agencies, noting that while the Code of Conduct Bureau promotes public morality and enforces asset declaration by public officers, the ICPC is responsible for preventing, investigating and prosecuting corruption in the public sector, alongside public enlightenment. He added that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) focuses on economic and financial crimes across all sectors.

The ICPC boss also cited the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), saying its provisions impose a binding obligation on member states to eliminate corruption and abuse of power.

According to him, Permanent Secretaries occupy strategic positions as accounting officers and administrative heads of ministries, making it imperative for them to demonstrate the highest standards of diligence, probity and integrity in managing public resources.

He urged them to strengthen internal control systems, protect whistleblowers and ensure strict compliance with due process in the conduct of government business.

"Always place the public interest above personal or sectional interest," Aliyu advised.

In her remarks, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Common Services Office, Dr. Danjuma Usman Kalba, commended the ICPC Chairman for his commitment to promoting accountability and transparency in the public service.

Kalba said the Commission's initiatives have continued to strengthen compliance with due process across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), thereby boosting public confidence in government institutions.

The induction programme was attended by four newly appointed Permanent Secretaries: Mrs. Bekearedo Augustina Waren of the Political and Economic Affairs Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Dr. Kamil Ayinde Shoretire of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment; Mrs. Nkiruka Bella Jones-Nebo of the Career Management Office, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; and Mr. Sani Yargaya Aminu of the Special Services Office, OSGF.

The training forms part of the Federal Government's efforts to equip newly appointed Permanent Secretaries with the knowledge, ethical values and leadership skills required to promote transparency, accountability and effective service delivery in the Federal Civil Service.