In a decisive move to fortify institutional integrity within Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has officially re-constituted the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) at the National Iron Ore Mining Company Limited (NIOMCO) in Itakpe, Kogi State.
The formal inauguration, which took place recently, saw a robust gathering of company and ICPC officials, underscoring a renewed collective commitment to ethical governance and fiscal probity.
Representing the ICPC Ag. Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for Kogi State, Mr. Akaakahol Elijah, speaking through the Chief Legal Officer of the Kogi office, Ms Imaobong Effanga, lauded NIOMCO’s proactive embrace of the anti-corruption framework. He described the exercise as a clear testament to the company’s willingness to serve as a vanguard in the national crusade against malfeasance.
“The establishment of this Unit is a Federal Government initiative designed not only to expose and deter corrupt practices but also to entrench a culture of transparency across the public service,” Ms. Effanga stated. She further noted that the ICPC’s sustained campaign has already yielded significant recoveries of misappropriated public funds and bolstered the resilience of institutions historically susceptible to graft.
In a stern admonition to the newly appointed members, he charged them to wield their mandate with fairness and professionalism: “Let me congratulate each of you deemed worthy of this sacred trust. However, I implore you not to use this position as a tool for witch-hunting. Instead, work in harmony with the company’s management to promote discipline, accountability, and a shared sense of purpose.
Also addressing the gathering, the Ag. Sole Administrator of NIOMCO, Engr. Loto Isinmidun Festus expressed profound satisfaction with the ICPC’s intervention. He reaffirmed that his administration maintains an unyielding stance against all shades of corruption—including abuse of due process, embezzlement, contract inflation, extortion, and staff victimisation.
“Under my watch, this company operates a zero-tolerance policy. Those found wanting in character have in the past faced appropriate sanctions, and this new unit will serve as both a shield and a sentinel for our operations,” Engr. Festus declared. He urged the ACTU members to maintain a keen oversight of administrative and general activities, ensuring that every transaction mirrors the highest standards of propriety.
Responding on behalf of the re-constituted body, the newly appointed ACTU Chairman, Engr. Philip O. Omeiza assured the ICPC and the company’s management of the Unit’s unwavering dedication. He pledged that his team would spare no effort in entrenching a transparent, accountable, and corruption-free work environment, and reaffirmed their readiness to collaborate fully with all stakeholders to safeguard the company’s resources and reputation.
The event concluded with a symbolic handover of instruments of office, marking the dawn of a new era of accountability at NIOMCO; a development widely seen as a critical step in Nigeria’s ongoing fight to cleanse its public institutions of corrupt practices.