The Abia State Government has launched a new Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Committee to enforce its strategy for accountability and anti-corruption. This effort, conducted in collaboration with the European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, seeks to instill transparency within state public services.
During the inauguration in Umuahia, Head of Service Benson Ojeikere, represented by Permanent Secretary Ukeje Uche Ukpabi, emphasized that the committee serves as the primary watchdog for state policy. He urged members to operate with impartiality and professionalism, noting that these reforms will help public officials avoid future legal entanglements by maintaining high ethical standards throughout their careers.
Dr. Peter Omenka, the RoLAC state project coordinator, explained that the committee will receive specialized training to effectively track resources and validate data across various government departments. To ensure widespread adoption, the state is also establishing Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs) within every ministry and agency. Lead consultant Prof. Ada Chidi noted that the initiative includes built-in safeguards, such as peer oversight and multiple layers of accountability, to maintain the integrity of the process.
The committee is composed of representatives from the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Christian Association of Nigeria, civil society groups, and state institutions.
