Women Affairs Ministry Unleashes Stronger Anti-Corruption Watchdog To Safeguard Public Trust

Dr. Nafisat Makinde
Abuja

The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has armed itself with a stronger internal mechanism to combat corruption and uphold integrity in public service. Through its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), the Ministry is set to monitor, educate, and intervene wherever the risk of misconduct threatens public trust.

Under the watch of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), ACTUs are designed to ensure that government institutions operate with transparency, ethical discipline, and accountability. They act not only as compliance monitors but also as preventive structures that close gaps before abuse of office can occur.

This renewed commitment was underlined on July 30, 2025, when the Ministry inaugurated its ACTU Committee at its headquarters in Abuja, in the presence of senior management staff, departmental heads, and ICPC officials.

Representing the Honourable Minister, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, described the initiative as a milestone in ethical governance, reminding all that “no man is above the law.”

The ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, represented by Mr. Jude Okoye, advised the members to uphold diligence, integrity, and professionalism in their duties, citing the Government Circular Ref No: OHCSF/SPSO/CSTD/314/T.26/61 of October 5, 2016, which outlines ACTU operations.

The new ACTU Committee will carry out staff sensitization, identify corruption-prone areas, conduct risk assessments, enforce the Ministry’s code of ethics, oversee budget transparency, and investigate complaints. It is chaired by Mr. Musa Aliyu Musa with Mrs. Obiako Kate Ukamaka as Secretary. Other members include Mrs. Tubomo Q. Lifu, Mr. Dibor Ogochukwu C., Mrs. Ebune Miriam Ugbede, Mr. Kamal Yusuf, Mrs. Babatunde Adenike Fatima, Mrs. Julie S. Akharia, and Mrs. Chikwe Joy Obiageli.

Analysts say the strength of this new ACTU will be proven not in its inauguration ceremony but in its sustained and uncompromising defense of integrity in the Ministry’s daily operations.