News
RMAFC Inaugurates Anti-Corruption Unit, Chairman Urges Integrity and Ethics
The Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, officially inaugurated and inducted members of its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, OFR, represented by the Federal Commissioner representing Kwara State, Hon. Ismail Mohammed Agaka, charged the newly inaugurated ACTU members to carry out their responsibilities with passion, patriotism, and a strong sense of duty.
“I urge each of you to approach your responsibilities with a commitment to national interest, diligence, due process, and a vision for prosperity,” he said.
Dr. Shehu emphasized that the ACTU will play a critical role in reinforcing the Commission’s efforts to entrench transparency, accountability, and prudence in its operations.
“The inauguration of this Unit will not only complement management’s internal controls but also reinforce the Commission’s zero tolerance for corruption,” he stated. He urged the inductees to display professionalism, courage, and fairness in discharging their duties.
Delivering a goodwill message, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu, SAN—represented by Mr. Olusegun Adigun, fsi, Director of the Systems Study and Review Department—commended RMAFC’s leadership for its commitment and collaboration in establishing the ACTU.
Dr. Aliyu described ACTUs as a strategic tool in advancing organizational mandates, noting that the units have become recognized platforms for combating corruption across government institutions. He outlined the key responsibilities of ACTUs to include conducting corruption risk assessments, fostering ethical compliance, monitoring budget implementation, and undertaking preliminary investigations into complaints.
He further urged RMAFC management to provide the ACTU with adequate funding, office facilities, and representation in relevant standing committees to enhance its effectiveness.
The newly inaugurated ACTU is chaired by Mr. Idris Y. Musa, Director of Audit at the Commission. In his acceptance speech, Mr. Musa pledged on behalf of all members to uphold the values and integrity of the Commission.
“We accept this responsibility with full consciousness of the trust placed in us. We shall not betray it,” he affirmed, adding that the unit would serve as both the ethical compass and internal watchdog of the Commission.
The oath of allegiance was administered by Nkem Ezenwa, Esq., of the ICPC.
Secretary to the Commission, Engr. Joseph Okechukwu Nweze, represented by Mrs. Udodirim Okongwu, Director of Inland Revenue Department, expressed appreciation to the ICPC and all stakeholders for their support. He encouraged ACTU members to remain steadfast in promoting ethical governance in line with the mandate of the ICPC.
Other members of the newly inaugurated ACTU include: Muhammed Baba Wasagi, Muhammed Lawal Yakubu, Ashiedu Vivian, Mohammed Bashir Umar, Victor Ugwu Monday, Okolo Shelter Simmer, Ramatu Kangiwa Yusuf, Oluwafemi Olubukola Jane, Abdulaziz Usman, and Azumi A. Umoru.
Foreign news
Diplomatic Community in Nigeria Joins Italian Envoy in National Day Celebration
By Joel Ajayi
It was a vibrant evening of joy, connection, and cultural celebration as the Acting Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, Mr. Iacopo Foti, hosted members of Nigeria’s diplomatic community in Abuja to commemorate Italy’s National Day, la Festa della Repubblica.
Held in the heart of Nigeria’s capital, the event was a memorable gathering marked by laughter, heartfelt exchanges, and a shared appreciation for the enduring ties between Italy and Nigeria.
In his address, Mr. Foti described the occasion as a time to reflect on the core values that define Italy: liberty, democracy, justice, and the enduring creativity and resilience of its people.
“It is a day to celebrate our rich history, our unparalleled cultural heritage, and our contributions to art, science, and innovation,” he said. “But beyond Italy, today we also celebrate the strong and growing bonds between the Republic of Italy and the Federal Republic of Nigeria — our economies, our cultures, and above all, our people.”
The ambassador emphasized the depth of the bilateral relationship, recalling that diplomatic ties between Italy and Nigeria were established on February 20, 1960. He noted that since the 1970s and 1980s, Nigeria has become a second home for many Italians who have contributed significantly across various sectors.
“We are proud to be part of this welcoming and vibrant society,” he said. “I have personally witnessed the dedication, entrepreneurial spirit, and warmth of the Nigerian people, as well as their hospitality toward the Italian community.”
Looking ahead, Mr. Foti expressed optimism about the future of Italy-Nigeria relations, pointing to untapped opportunities for deeper economic cooperation, technological collaboration, and cultural and academic exchange.
“Nigeria is a cultural powerhouse, a leader in Africa and globally in art, literature, and film,” he remarked. “Italy, with its deep-rooted cultural legacy, is eager to expand its engagement with Africa, and particularly with Nigeria.”
He acknowledged the growing Nigerian interest in Italian culture — from fashion and design to cinema and tourism — while noting that Italy hosts the third-largest Nigerian diaspora community globally, after the United States and the United Kingdom.
The ambassador also highlighted the countries’ cooperation on global challenges such as climate change, peace and security, migration, and human trafficking. Both nations are signatories to the Paris Agreement and active participants in global policy dialogues.
“Our relationship is built on mutual respect and understanding,” he noted. “We see this in our economic ties, cultural exchanges, love for football, and the increasing number of Nigerians who study and travel to Italy, as well as Italians drawn to Nigeria’s rich history and culture.”
He pointed out the many shared qualities between Italians and Nigerians, from strong family values and communal bonds to a vibrant fashion industry and a dynamic film sector.
“We are both historically migrant societies that have achieved success abroad while keeping close ties to our homeland,” Mr. Foti said. “We share humor, resilience, and a deep appreciation for life’s ironies.”
Addressing the issue of stereotypes, he cited renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, saying: “The single story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete.”
He concluded by expressing gratitude for the support of Nigerian authorities and all who attended the celebration.
“On behalf of the Italian government and the people of Italy, I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who joined us. Your presence is a testament to the strength of our friendship and our shared future.”
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