The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board has vowed to back the campaign against corruption in the workplace.
The board made this pledge as it announced a partnership with the Anti-Corruption Agency of Nigeria on zero-tolerance for corruption in the workplace.
Speaking at the recently concluded three-day sensitisation workshop with the theme “Achieving Zero-tolerance for Corruption in the Workplace,” the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Simbi Wabote, commended ACAN and its parent body, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission for extending the anti-corruption campaign to ministries, departments, and agencies.
Wabote, who was represented by NCDMB’s Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr Akintunde Adelana, said, “The initiative was very welcome at the NCDMB, which has signified its approval and support of the campaign by launching its outfit known as NCDMB-Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit, which is a distinct unit and now functional.”
The Chairman of ICPC, Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, commended the management of NCDMB for their commitment to a corruption-free work environment and their unwavering support for the commission’s anti-corruption efforts.
He recalled that earlier in the year, NCDMB-ACTU was fully involved in a similar one-week sensitisation workshop organised by the commission in Abuja.
Represented by the Provost of ACAN, Professor Olatunde Babawale, the ICPC boss lamented, “Corruption is at the heart of the underdevelopment of the country.”
He noted corruption needed to be combated effectively to give a new lease of life to society.
According to him, NCDMB plays a critical role in the oil and gas industry, pointing out the necessity “to sanitise procedures” in that sector.
He claimed that when corruption is taken out of the processes, the industry would be healthier and that would be for the good of the country.
Babawale noted that the country was in a dilemma because corruption had persisted despite the multiplicity of laws designed to curb it.
According to him, a new complementary approach is required that targets social norms, unspoken principles and collectively held beliefs.
He argued rather than adore individuals whose sources of wealth were questionable, society should emphasise norms that care about morals and integrity and be unequivocal in condemning irresponsible acquisitive behaviour.
PUNCH
