In a compelling call to action, the Managing Director/CEO of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Engr. Dr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz has urged the company's staff to fight against corruption within their professional duties.
Represented by the Executive Director, Human Resources & Corporate Services, Bar. Justin Dodo, Engr. Abdulaziz conveyed this message during the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) Awareness Campaign and the launch of the Corruption Preventive Guide Handbook on Thursday, November 23, 2023, at the TCN CHQ auditorium in Abuja.
Emphasizing the handbook's pivotal role in the ongoing fight against corruption, he underscored the importance of proactive prevention over reactive measures and encouraged all staff to actively engage with the guide, internalize its content, and apply its principles in their daily activities. He stated, "Rather than reacting to corruption after it occurs, the emphasis in the guide is on prevention. I, therefore, urge all staff to actively engage with this guide, internalize its content, and apply its principles in their daily activities.”
Abdulaziz, highlighted that corruption poses not only a financial threat but also jeopardizes work ethics, colleague relationships, and the careful handling of company assets, including documentation. He also stressed that corruption undermines TCN's core mandate of efficient delivery of bulk power supply.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of ACTU TCN, Mr. Ochije.O. Chuks, underscored the crucial role of the ACTU awareness program in fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct within TCN. He revealed that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had commissioned the establishment of ACTUs in over 445 MDAs to combat corruption.
Mr. Chuks outlined the objectives of the ACTU awareness program, including promoting transparency, educating staff, instilling ethical conduct, identifying corruption vulnerabilities, encouraging reporting, and showcasing success stories. He highlighted accomplishments from the past year, such as inaugurating ACTUs in all TCN Regional offices, providing whistle-blowing boxes for staff to report, petition, and suggest anti-corruption cases, and developing a concise handbook to guide TCN staff in mitigating corrupt practices.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the unit, such as the need for capacity building, retreats, workshops, and training, Mr. Chuks called for collective efforts among staff to join the transformative journey.
Officials from ICPC, present at the event, delivered a detailed presentation on how corruption undermines public offices and hampers national growth. They urged members of TCN ACTU to persevere in their fight against corruption, encouraging staff cooperation.
The highlight of the program was the launch of the TCN Anti-Corruption handbook by the Managing Director’s representative and the Executive Director Finance and Accounts, Mr. Isah Ahmad Dutse.
In attendance were TCN Management and staff at the corporate headquarters and Abuja Regional Office.