By TOM CHIAHEMEN, Abuja –
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), said at the weekend it was fully endorsing the National Ethics and Integrity Policy of Nigeria because it would enhance transparency and accountability, especially in the public and private sectors, in line with global best practices.
The policy, as spearheaded by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), is also expected to change public mind-sets about corruption, its incidences and ways it can be controlled.
A statement on the Commission’s website by the Chairman of its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit, Mr. Usman Malah, further explained that the primary objective of the policy was also to restore public trust and confidence in governance and influence a change of attitude for the better among the citizenry, thereby restoring the nation’s traditional core values of honesty, transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law.
“It is also designed to emphasize the role of personal responsibility in national development,” he added.
According to Usman, the adoption and enforcement of a National Ethics and Integrity Policy was one of the key strategies to improve the understanding of the public about corruption prevention mechanisms, and thus increase the commitment and participation of everyone in the fight against corruption.
“The National Ethics and Integrity Policy seeks to strengthen national cohesion, social equity, and equality of purpose in the pursuit of basic freedoms, individual and social rights as well as the material development of all Nigerians,” he said.
DISCLAIMER
The OPINION / COLUMN is authored by independent contributors to the National Accord Newspaper. While contributors adhere to our editorial guidelines, they are not employed by the National Accord Newspaper. The perspectives and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent the views of the National Accord Newspaper or its staff.