Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, has called on staff of the Ministry to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and accountability in the discharge of their official responsibilities. This was contained in a statement signed by Badamasi S. Haiba, Fsca, mnipr, Director, Press and Public Relations.
He made the call, Thursday, 12th November, 2026, in his opening remarks at the Anti-Corruption Sensitisation Programme organised by the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), of the Ministry for officers on grade level 14 and below.
The programme was organized under the theme, “Say No to Corruption: Integrity Begins with Me.”
Dr. Belgore, represented by the Director Special Projects Unit in the ministry, Olatunde Ajayi, stated that the fight against corruption goes beyond institutional policies and regulations, stressing that it requires the personal commitment of every public servant to ethical conduct and responsible service delivery.
He noted that corruption undermines national development by compromising the quality of public infrastructure, inflating project costs, distorting development priorities and depriving citizens of the benefits of good governance.
Accordingly, the Permanent Secretary further stressed that while Management has a responsibility to establish policies, systems and controls to prevent corruption, the effectiveness of such measures depends largely on the integrity and commitment of individual officers. He therefore urged staff to maintain zero tolerance for corrupt practices and remain committed to protecting public resources and the Ministry’s institutional credibility.
He reaffirmed Management’s commitment to strengthening the capacity and operational effectiveness of ACTU by providing the necessary support, resources and enabling environment for the Unit to discharge its mandate effectively. He described ACTU as a strategic partner in promoting transparency, accountability and institutional excellence rather than an adversary.
Dr. Belgore encouraged participants, particularly officers on Grade Levels 15 and below, to actively engage in the programme, embrace due process, reject unethical practices and report any wrongdoing through appropriate channels. He also urged them to translate the knowledge gained into responsible workplace conduct, noting that their individual actions have a direct impact on the Ministry’s performance and reputation.
In his welcome remarks, the head Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), Umar Muhammed, described the theme, “Say no to corruption, Integrity begins with me,” as more than a slogan, he said “It is a direct call to personal accountability”, noting that lasting change depends on individuals who choose honesty and transparency in their daily conduct.
He restated the Unit’s mandate to foster an environment of zero tolerance for corrupt practices across the Ministry.
Muhammad also highlighted the ACTU’s progress in building a culture of compliance which includes close monitoring of the Ministry’s standing committees to ensure internal processes follow public service rules and ethical guidelines, as well as sensitization and capacity-building programmes.
Accordingly, he further explained that complaint boxes have been placed across the Ministry’s premises, and a dedicated email address which is actu.fmhud.gov.ng, set up for confidential feedback and whistleblowing., adding that the Ministry’s code of ethics will so be launched.
The anti- corruption sensitisation programme is a deliberate step towards strengthening the culture of transparency and accountability within the housing Ministry.
The Permanent Secretary stressed that building a transparent and corruption-free Ministry is a collective responsibility that must begin with every individual.
The second stage of the Sensitization programme for the directorate officers of the ministry is scheduled for next week.
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