NRC Takes Bold Step Against Corruption with New Monitoring Unit
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has officially launched a reconstituted Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) as part of a major initiative to strengthen integrity and accountability within the country's railway system. The inauguration ceremony took place on 26 November 2025 under the leadership of NRC Managing Director Dr Kayode Opeifa.
This internal mechanism represents the corporation's renewed commitment to creating a workplace culture built on transparency and strict adherence to due process. According to a statement released by the Chief Public Relations Officer of NRC, Callistus Unyimadu, the event marked a significant milestone in management's collective journey toward establishing a culture of integrity.
ICPC Partnership Strengthens Governance Framework
Dr Opeifa specifically acknowledged the crucial support from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), noting that the agency's ongoing collaboration has been instrumental in strengthening NRC's governance structure. The NRC boss described ACTU as a strategic instrument established by ICPC that will function as the corporation's internal watchdog.
The newly inaugurated unit will focus on ensuring ethical standards across multiple operational areas including:
- Service delivery procedures
- Procurement processes
- Financial management systems
- Staff conduct and behavior
Dr Opeifa directly charged the newly appointed ACTU members with several critical responsibilities, emphasizing their role in driving regulatory compliance, promptly reporting violations, maintaining anti-corruption awareness, and maintaining collaborative relationships with ICPC officials.
Management Commitment and Union Support
The NRC helmsman assured complete management support for the unit's operations, promising to provide an enabling environment where accountability can thrive. "I appreciate the presence and support of the ICPC, especially our Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, whose partnership continues to strengthen our internal governance structure," Dr Opeifa stated during the ceremony.
He further emphasized that "the management will provide a work environment where accountability thrives and where officers understand that corruption, misconduct, and unethical behaviours have no place in the NRC of today."
Representing the ICPC Chairman Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner Chukwurah Alexander highlighted ACTU's evolution into a nationally recognized platform for identifying systemic weaknesses in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). He congratulated the new members while urging them to uphold diligence, integrity, and professionalism in their sensitive roles.
The newly appointed Chairman of the NRC ACTU, Clara Ndibe, pledged that her unit would work diligently to enhance public confidence and strengthen transparency within the corporation. She outlined the team's focus areas as promoting ethical conduct, boosting regulatory compliance, and improving internal processes that support NRC's core mandate.
The initiative received strong backing from workers' unions, with Comrade Innocent Ajiji, President of the Nigerian Union of Railway Workers (NUR), and Comrade Marcel Okeke, representing the Senior Staff Workers Union, both expressing their members' commitment to supporting the corporation's renewed anti-corruption drive and push for more transparent railway operations.
