By Nworisa Michael
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has cautioned health officials in Borno State to steer clear of unethical practices, including drug diversion, bribery, overbilling, and nepotism in recruitment.
The warning was issued on Wednesday in Maiduguri during an interactive session with heads of hospitals and departments across the state. The Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for Borno and Yobe States, Linus Gubbi, said the engagement formed part of the commission’s mandate to educate public officers on integrity and accountability.
Gubbi noted that the health sector directly impacts lives and therefore demands strict adherence to ethical standards. He said the commission used the session to enlighten participants on practices that undermine public trust and violate the Federal Government’s National Ethics and Integrity Policy.
According to him, common unethical practices identified in hospitals nationwide include diversion of drugs, medical equipment and funds, abuse of procurement processes, falsification of claims, breaches of patient confidentiality, and favouritism in staff recruitment.
“Healthcare is not just a profession; it is a service built on compassion, trust and public responsibility,” he stated, warning that recruiting unqualified personnel based on tribal or religious considerations ultimately weakens service delivery.
Gubbi urged health administrators to uphold values such as integrity, discipline, justice, professionalism, patriotism and leadership by example, stressing that corruption in healthcare has far-reaching consequences for society.
In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of the Borno State Hospitals Management Board, Abubakar Ali, commended the ICPC for the sensitisation programme, describing it as the first of its kind for the board.
Ali said sustained engagement with anti-corruption agencies would help address longstanding challenges within the hospital system and reinforce respect for patients’ rights.
The ICPC, established under the ICPC Act of 2000, is responsible for investigating and prosecuting corruption-related offences, strengthening public sector systems, and promoting ethical conduct in Nigeria’s public institutions.