PSC Launches Anti-Corruption Initiative with Whistleblowing Programme

By Iyojo Ameh

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has reinforced its commitment to combat corruption through the inauguration of a Standing Committee on Procurement and the launch of the PSC Whistleblowing Policy.

This was disclosed by Mr. Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Press and Public Relations at the PSC, during a ceremony held on Wednesday in Abuja.

Retired Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Hashimu Argungu, mni, Chairman of the Commission, who presided over the event, emphasized the Commission’s readiness to hold individuals accountable for any violations of federal financial regulations, including himself.

He urged staff members to report any misconduct, including his own, in line with the whistleblowing policy, reinforcing that no one is above the law.

“We will adhere strictly to the Corporate Governance template, ensuring that every government expenditure in the Commission offers value,” DIG Argungu stated. He further warned that any staff member involved in corruption would face prosecution and potential imprisonment if found guilty.

The Standing Committee on Procurement, which will oversee procurement-related matters in the Commission, is chaired by Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission, with Mr. Aliyu Ahmad, Director of the Department of Procurement, serving as Secretary.

The Whistleblowing Policy, central to this anti-corruption drive, is designed to uphold key values and ensure that employees can raise concerns without fear of retaliation. The process for reporting concerns will remain confidential and transparent.

The scope of the policy extends beyond financial misconduct. It also covers issues such as fraud, corruption, bribery, blackmail, nepotism, criminal activities, legal non-compliance, endangerment to individual safety, environmental threats, and the concealment of any improprieties.

The principles that will guide this policy include transparency, accountability, integrity, fairness, responsibility, consistency, and equitability.

Additionally, the PSC has set up a grievance procedure, encouraging employees to report any malpractice in the workplace. Concerns can be directed to the PSC Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit via the following numbers: +2348035921656, +2348038866456.