By Aderogba George
Mr Ibrahim Suleiman, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, has advised staff of the ministry to uphold ethical values and be transparent in all their dealings.
Suleiman who was represented by Mrs Dorathy Duruaku, the ministry director of International tourism, promotion and corporation, gave the advice at a one-day sensitisation workshop organised by the ministry’s Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), on Wednesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that workshop had the theme “Transparency and Integrity: A Watchword Towards Promotion of Ethics in the Workplace”.
Suleiman said that ethical values in the workplace were crucial towards building trust among employees and enhances the nation’s reputation both locally and internationally.
The permanent secretary, who said that transparency promotes accountability, called for regular dialogue among employees irrespective of levels.
He insisted that such move would enable employees to feel safe in voicing their concerns or promptly report unethical behaviour without fear of victimisation.
“Transparency and integrity are not just slogans, they are fundamental principles that support effective governance and ethical conduct in any organisation.
“In the context of our ministry, saddled with the responsibility for preserving and promoting our rich cultural heritage, and harness tourism potentials, these values should have greater significance.
“They serve as the bedrock upon which we build trust with the public that we serve.
“In a bit to promote ethics, the ministry will enforce ethical behaviour as enshrined in the Public Service Rules (PSR), and this will be done by encouraging regular training on ethics and integrity.
“it is imperative that we become models ethical behaviors; our actions should set a precedent for others.
“We must also demonstrate transparency and integrity in every decision that we make,” Suleiman said.
The permanent secretary, who urged staff of the ministry to be ambassadors of transparency and integrity, advised them to take the lead in the ongoing fight against corruption in yh nation.
Earlier, Mr Abdurahman Abubakar, the Chairman of ACTU in the ministry, tasked his colleagues to be honest in all their dealings, particularly within the workplace.
He further called on his colleagues to be morally upright, adding that a “good reputation is indispensable”.
He also maintained that the workshop was organised to remind participants on their roles in promoting transparency, integrity and accountability in the workplace.
Speaking, Mr Musa Aliyu, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), said that corruption had been one of the greatest impediments against national development.
The ICPC Chairman was represented by Mr Adigu Olusegun, Director, System Study and Review Department (SSRD).
He said that corruption was largely responsible for the fast eroding of trust in institutions, stifling economic growth, and hampering good governance.
He explained that the ICPC was established to combat corruption through enforcement, prevention, and creating public enlightenment on the dangers of corruption.
“Enforcement ensures that offenders are held accountable and prevention seeks to create robust systems that deter corrupt practices.
“Public enlightenment on the other hand fosters a culture of integrity by equipping citizens with the knowledge and tools to resist corruption.
“Aligning with the preventive mandate that ICPC in collaboration with the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) established the ACTU in 2001.
“The primary objective of ACTU is to serve as an internal regulatory mechanism within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
“It is to basically play a pivotal role in identifying operational lapses, addressing unethical practices, and sensitising employees on anti-corruption measures,”he said.
Aliyu, however, called for deeper collaboration among stakeholders towards ensuring that ACTU effectively serves as a vanguard against corruption in the workplace.
NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA