In a significant move to bolster institutional integrity within Nigeria’s aviation sector, the Kaduna State Office of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has formally inaugurated an Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria, Kaduna State.
The ceremony, which marked a pivotal step in the Commission’s ongoing crusade against institutional malfeasance, underscored the Federal Government’s determination to embed ethical governance across all tiers of public service.
Representing the Honourable Chairman of the ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu SAN, the Assistant Commissioner and Head of the System Study and Review Department (SSRD) for the Kaduna State Office, Mr. Habib Muhammad Kwalam, conveyed the Commission’s profound appreciation to NCAT’s management for their unwavering commitment to establishing the unit.
In his address, Mr. Kwalam charged the newly inaugurated members to execute their responsibilities with unwavering dedication, impartiality, and an unshakeable commitment to ethical conduct. He emphasised that the unit’s success hinges entirely upon its members’ willingness to exemplify the highest standards of integrity and serve as paragons of virtue within the college community.
“Corruption remains a formidable impediment to national development,” Kwalam asserted, warning that corrupt practices possess the capacity to fundamentally undermine organisational effectiveness, erode public reputation, and stifle institutional growth. He urged ACTU members to maintain constant vigilance and adopt a proactive stance in identifying practices that could foster corrupt behaviour.
The Assistant Commissioner further stressed the importance of extending anti-corruption education beyond staff members to encompass the student body, noting that cultivating an anti-corruption culture demands continuous awareness and active participation from every member of the institutional community.
Responding on behalf of the Rector, the Deputy Rector of Administration, Dr. John Ali, reaffirmed the institution’s unwavering readiness to collaborate with the ICPC in combating corruption. Dr. Ali expressed the college’s steadfast commitment to supporting initiatives designed to promote accountability, transparency, and good governance.
“Establishment of this ACTU will further strengthen our internal mechanisms for preventing corrupt practices and ensuring that all members of the college community operate within established rules and ethical standards,” Dr. Ali stated. He provided assurances that the college management would extend every necessary support to enable the unit to discharge its mandate effectively.
The inauguration ceremony reached its formal climax with the administration of the oath of office by the Head of Legal for the ICPC Kaduna State Office, Dr. Agada Akogwu. The swearing-in exercise formally committed the members to the responsibilities entrusted to them, underscoring the paramount importance of confidentiality, integrity, impartiality, and dedication in the discharge of their duties.
In his vote of thanks, the newly appointed Chairman of the ACTU, Mr. Kolawale Rafi’u, expressed profound gratitude to the ICPC for establishing the unit and for the confidence reposed in its members. He pledged the unit’s unwavering commitment to working closely with both the Commission and the college management in the collective endeavour to prevent and combat corruption.
Mr. Rafi’u assured attendees that the newly inaugurated members would approach their responsibilities with the utmost seriousness and dedication, affirming that the ACTU would join forces with the ICPC in promoting a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability within the college.
The establishment of this ACTU represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to fortify Nigeria’s aviation sector against corrupt practices, ensuring that the nation’s premier aviation training institution remains a beacon of excellence and integrity in the industry.