…Says Corruption Weakens Institutions and Public Trust.
The Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure) NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu has reaffirmed the commitment of the Agency to strengthen its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) as it plays a central role in keeping the Agency accountable, transparent and aligned with the highest ethical standards.
In his remarks at the sensitization programme on ‘The effect of corruption and the role of ACTU in the fight against corruption in MDAs’, held at NASENI headquarters on Tuesday in Abuja, he said for agencies like NASENI, that sits at the heart of Nigeria’s industrialisation and technology development, corruption does more than drain resources, it disrupts the pipeline of ideas, weakens institutions and public trust, slows down innovation, reduces efficiency, and limits the country’s ability to compete globally.
“This is why strengthening the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) is so critical. As an autonomous unit with a functional linkage to my office, ACTU plays a central role in keeping us accountable, transparent, and aligned with the highest ethical standards. And I want to emphasize that the independence, protection, and operational freedom of ACTU are fully guaranteed within NASENI. This is not just policy, it is a commitment from leadership”. He stressed.
The EVC/CEO of NASENI pointed out that, as directed by the ICPC, NASENI has also ensured the establishment of ACTU sub-units across most of its institutes nationwide, adding that these sub-units’ function under the supervision of the main unit at the headquarters. “This structure is deliberate; it creates a system that is coordinated, standardized, and able to uphold the same values across all our locations”.
While appreciating the mechanism ICPC has put in place to strengthen ACTUs, such as the assignment of the Desk Officers, the introduction of the ACTU Effectiveness Index, and the continuous training and capacity building for members, Mr. Khalil noted that the measures are helping MDAs like NASENI stay aligned with best practices and remain accountable to the Nigerian people.
“But beyond compliance, we are building a culture of openness, transparency, and digital accountability. From the moment I assumed office, one of my first priorities was to move NASENI fully digital. Today, our operations across procurement, finance, HR, project monitoring, and internal communication all run on an integrated ERP platform.
“This digital transformation has drastically reduced opportunities for human interference, eliminated many of the loopholes that enable corruption, and created clearer audit trails across all our processes. We are ensuring that decisions, data, and documentation flow in real time and with full visibility.
This shift is not just about efficiency, it is a strategic anti-corruption tool. In a digital ecosystem, transparency is automatic, and accountability is built into the system. As we drive Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda using our 3Cs—Creation, Collaboration, and Commercialization—we understand that integrity must be the fourth pillar that holds everything together. Because without ethical systems, even the best ideas cannot succeed”, he reaffirmed.
He, however, commended the ACTU team in NASENI for their work and encouraged them to deepen their vigilance, support the Agency’s reforms, monitor processes, advise management, and continue to be the internal conscience of the Agency. “The work you do is critical, not only for compliance but for shaping the future of governance in Nigeria.”
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, represented by Mr. Olusegun Adigun, Director of System Study and Review Department, ICPC, said the primary objective of ACTU is to serve as an internal regulatory mechanism within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to plays a pivotal role in identifying operational lapses, address unethical practices , sensitize employees on anti-corruption measures and ultimately assist management in building a transparent and ethical workforce.
He stated that the establishment of ACTU underscores the significance of institutional integrity as a foundation for national development, adding that while ACTU serves as a vanguard against corruption, its success is heavily dependent on collaboration and collective effort.
He, therefore urged the Unit to remain steadfast in its mission, continually working in synergy with Management and staff to promote ethical conduct and enhance public trust in MDAs. “In same vein, I urge Management to maintain its unwavering support for ACTU, ensuring that the Unit is empowered with the necessary resources and institutional backing to drive impactful outcome.
