From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
In a bid to ensure greater accountability in the management of subscribers’ funds, the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has partnered with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to enhance internal anti-corruption mechanisms and restore public trust.
The collaboration aims to detect corruption within the Fund, promote good governance, uphold accountability, and reinforce ethical principles.
This was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja by Alexander Mede, Deputy General Manager, Corporate Affairs of NSITF. Mede stated that NSITF Managing Director, Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, emphasized the significance of the partnership when he led a management delegation on a courtesy visit to ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, on Tuesday.
According to Faleye, the alliance is crucial in eradicating corruption and reflects a shared vision that integrates traditional values with modern, forward-thinking reforms.
Faleye reaffirmed NSITF’s commitment to transparency, stating:
“NSITF has always upheld transparency and integrity. This meeting was not just a routine protocol but a decisive step toward collaboration with the ICPC, an agency renowned for its fight against corruption.”
To further strengthen its internal anti-corruption framework, Faleye announced plans to empower the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) and launch a comprehensive, Fund-wide corruption prevention campaign.
“With about 120 staff designated as ACTU liaison officers, we are reinforcing our core values of accountability and public trust. The fewer the scandals, the greater the confidence people will have in us. This isn’t just about regulation—it’s a strategic move to regain public trust.”
He added that by adopting rigorous audits, internal compliance measures, and continuous capacity building, NSITF and ICPC aim to establish a corruption-resistant framework.
“Ethical governance is not just best practice; it is the foundation of institutional integrity and the key to securing our future.”
Backing the collaboration, ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, underscored the significance of NSITF and ICPC as critical agencies for national development.
“Any government agency managing funds faces risks and challenges, particularly in handling employee contributions. This makes your role at NSITF highly sensitive.”
Dr. Aliyu stressed that public trust is the most valuable asset for any organization handling funds.
“If people have confidence in you, they will willingly contribute. But once that confidence is lost, challenges will arise.”
He further highlighted ICPC’s preventive mandate, emphasizing the importance of stopping corruption before it occurs.
“Investigations take time and create problems that are often difficult to manage. That is why NSITF and ICPC must work together to prevent corruption and ensure transparency.”
The collaboration between the two agencies is expected to set new standards in accountability, safeguarding contributors’ funds and reinforcing public confidence in NSITF’s operations.