Kehinde Fajobi
The House of Representatives has announced plans to investigate the activities of Anti-Corruption Transparency Units (ACTU) in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), with a focus on cases of age falsification among civil servants.
The resolution was adopted during Thursday’s plenary, following two separate motions.
The investigation will be handled by the committees on Public Service Matters, Special Duties, Federal Character, and National Planning and Economic Development, which are tasked to invite the Head of Service of the Federation for comprehensive civil servant records to identify offenders.
While presenting the motion on ACTU’s activities, Shehu Umar Ajilo (PDP, Kaduna) reminded the House that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) initiated ACTU’s creation to combat corruption in MDAs.
He noted, “On October 2, 2001, and April 16, 2003, circulars were issued for the establishment and funding of ACTU, with a further circular issued on October 5, 2016, re-emphasising its mandate.”
Ajilo said ACTUs are expected to operate independently as anti-corruption watchdogs, reporting corrupt practices to the ICPC.
However, he expressed concern that corruption persists in many MDAs despite these efforts.
Yusuf Ahmed Badau also supported the motion, describing the Federal Civil Service as critical to the public sector and nation-building.
He emphasised the need for a robust public service system to ensure efficient governance.
“The legislative arm has a primary responsibility to monitor and investigate violations of laws, including matters like age falsification in public service,” Badau said.
He linked age falsification to Nigeria’s rising unemployment rate, which the National Bureau of Statistics reported had increased by 5.3% in the last quarter of 2024.
“This issue has contributed to the troubling number of unemployed graduates.
“Addressing age falsification through investigation and prosecution is crucial to opening opportunities for new talent to revitalise the public service,” Badau stated.
The House committees are also tasked with reviewing reports from the Head of Civil Service of the Federation and ensuring accountability within the system.