ICPC launches anti-corruption unit at FIRS

ICPC has inaugurated a new anti-corruption unit within FIRS to combat corruption. Learn more about the unit’s mission and expected impact.

Zacch Adedeji, the chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), has formed an Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) consisting of 12 members. The aim is to establish a culture of openness and responsibility in tax collection procedures whilst guaranteeing that there will be no tolerance for unscrupulous acts or corruption within the agency responsible for generating revenue.

On Tuesday, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) inaugurated a body that will work together with anti-graft agencies. The gathering took place at Revenue House in Abuja.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Tayo Koleosho at the event, Adedeji urged the newly inducted members of the anti-corruption unit to maintain high ethical standards. He emphasized that “He who comes to equity must come with clean hands.”

According to Dare Adekanmbi, the Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman, Adedeji urged members of the unit to embody the fundamental principles of their agency that condemn corruption. He instructed them to uphold honesty and openness in carrying out their duties and obligations.

Dr Zacch Adedeji, the Executive Chairman of FIRS, stated that while being a member of the anti-corruption unit is not challenging at first glance, it’s only just begun. He believes that those who seek fairness and justice must have an unblemished record to stand on.

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Adedeji stated that you should bring integrity to this responsibility so that both the taxpayers and general public, as well as FIRS staff can connect with it.

Mohammed Lawal Abubakar, the Coordinating Director of Support Services Group, acknowledged that the FIRS will maintain its assistance to the anti-corruption unit and encouraged new members to demonstrate honesty and integrity in their actions.

Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, the ICPC chairman, expressed that support would be given to ensure the members of FIRS ACTU are able to fulfill their duty during a speech delivered by Mr. Olusegun Adigun, Director System Study and Review at ICPC who represented him.

The inauguration marks a pivotal point in the functioning of FIRS’ Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit. The unit is now equipped to effectively carry out its obligations, including educating employees on corruption’s dire consequences; scrutinizing vulnerable systems, processes, and procedures while proffering remedies; creating and updating an ethical code for staff as well as ensuring adherence to it; keeping tabs on budget consumption by FIRS, implementing integrity scorecards with ease,,and conducting primary investigations into feedbacks or complaints received.

According to the ICPC chief, the ACTU is not established as an independent governing body but rather aims to collaborate closely with management in building a reputable agency. As such, he urged FIRS to perceive it likewise and offer supportive conditions for its optimal functioning by providing funds, office space and including members on various standing committees as stipulated in relevant Federal Government circulars.

Hajia Sa’adatu Yero, the Director of the unit dedicated to fighting corruption, expressed appreciation towards Adedeji for genuinely prioritizing efforts to reinforce this department.

According to Yero, it is ACTU’s crucial duty to prevent corrupt practices within the Service by proficiently executing anti-corruption measures and mechanisms. The objective of ACTU is to eradicate unethical actions by ensuring that FIRS operates with utmost standards of transparency and integrity.

The ACTU of FIRS consists of delegates from different groups within the Service and corresponding roles. Its noteworthy performance has been observed since its inception, largely due to seamless partnerships with internal and external stakeholders such as ICPC, Nigerian Police Force, and EFCC in successfully combating corruption-related hazards that could undermine the integrity of FIRS operations.

She stated that the Service’s ACTU received a high rating of 79.95% in the 2022 Ethics and Integrity Scorecard survey, placing it among the best units nationwide. In his pledge to eradicate corruption within the organization, the FIRS Executive Chairman endorsed appointing a Director as chairman of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) who will supervise all anti-corruption undertakings undertaken by Service.