The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has restated its commitment to build a culture of integrity, transparency and accountability within the corporation’s workplace.
The Managing Director of NRC, Dr Kayode Opeifa, said this at the inauguration of the newly reconstituted Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the corporation in Lagos.
“Today marks another strong step in our collective journey to building a culture of integrity, transparency and accountability within our corporation.
“I appreciate the presence and support of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), especially our Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, whose partnership continues to strengthen our internal governance structure,” Opeifa said.
Opeifa stressed the need for strong ethical standards and internal controls with the expansion of the corporation’s operational footprint.
He added that the NRC was experiencing a new phase of growth, modernisation, and increased public engagement.
Opeifa who expressed excitement at the inauguration said the unit would serve as the corporation’s watchdog that must continue to meet the highest standards in service delivery, procurement processes, financial management, staff conduct, and general corporate governance.
“ACTU established by the ICPC, is not just a statutory requirement, it is a strategic instrument for preventing corruption, promoting transparency, and strengthening public confidence across all Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs),” he said.
He, therefore, charged the newly inaugurated ACTU members to promote ethical values and transparency across all departments, drive compliance with extant rules, regulations, and operational guidelines.
He also urged them to ensure timely reporting of violations and gaps where such exists, champion awareness activities that enlighten staff about anti-corruption obligations.
Opeifa enjoined them to work closely, respectfully and professionally with ICPC at all times.
“The management will provide a work environment where accountability thrives and where the officer understands that corruption, misconduct, and unethical behaviours have no place in the NRC of today,” he said.
Responding, the Chairman of ICPC, Dr Musa Aliyu, noted that ACTU had evolved into a government recognised anti-corruption platform and internal mechanism to identify and address systemic weaknesses while ensuring compliance with ethical standards across MDAs.
Aliyu, represented by the Head of Lagos State Head of Operations, Dr Florence Barry, said ACTU was initiated by the ICPC in collaboration with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
He congratulated the newly appointed ACTU members for being found worthy of this critical responsibility.
Aliyu urged them to discharge their duties with utmost diligence, integrity and professionalism and to refrain from any actions that could compromise their position or the strategic role entrusted to them.
In her acceptance speech, the ACTU NRC Chairman, Mrs Clara Ndibe, assured that the unit would enhance public confidence and contribute to a stronger, more transparent NRC.
“ACTU will focus on promoting ethical conduct, enhancing compliance with regulations and strengthening internal processes that support NRC’s mission and public service mandate,” she said.
The National President Nigerian Union of Railway Workers, Mr Innocent Ajiji, and the Senior Staff Workers Union, Mr Marcel Okeke, pledged the commitment of the workforce to the renewed push for a more accountable and transparent railway operations. (NAN)
