Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen says corruption has the capacity to undermine national institutions, erode public trust, and stifle progress.

Mr Tajudeen stated this while declaring open a public hearing on the activities of anti-corruption and transparency units across all ministries, departments, and agencies in Abuja on Tuesday.

Mr Tajudeen described corruption as an affliction on every facet of national life and every sector of the economy.

While restating the National Assembly’s commitment to fighting corruption, he said that the establishment of anti-corruption transparency units was a step in the right direction.

“The establishment of anti-corruption and transparency units in MDAs was a significant step taken to institutionalise accountability and transparency in governance. These units were designed not only to monitor and report corrupt practices but also to foster a culture of integrity and ethical conduct among public officials,” he said.

Mr Tajudeen called for the collaboration of relevant stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness and impact of the anti-corruption units. He stated that the public hearing was designed to evaluate the functionality and effectiveness of the anti-corruption and transparency units across all MDAs.

He also stated that the public hearing was designed to discuss potential legislative and policy measures that could strengthen these units and promote transparency and accountability in government.

The speaker described the public hearing as another opportunity to reaffirm the National Assembly’s commitment to the principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability.

Mr Tajudeen urged all participants to approach the discussions with an open mind and a collaborative spirit, seeking a transparent and accountable government.

Earlier, the chairman of the House Committee on Anti-Corruption, Kayode Akiolu, reaffirmed the dedication of the 10th Assembly to a corruption-free Nigeria.

Mr Akiolu expressed the imperatives of ensuring the effectiveness of the anti-corruption transparency unit within MDAs for a greater nation. He called for national collaboration in the fight against corruption to rescue the country from the menace of corruption.

The chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, Musa Aliyu, who expressed the commission’s support for the public hearing, said a myriad of challenges had been impeding ACTU’s optimal performance.

(NAN)