The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) is undergoing a significant transformation in its operations aimed at enhancing efficiency and expediting investigations. Acting Commissioner Lavi Rokoika announced the elimination of the Corruption Prevention Unit, which consisted of 18 officers, during the presentation of the institution’s annual report to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence. The decision, effective from June, was made to ensure faster case progression and increased employee accountability within the commission.
Ms. Rokoika emphasized that the restructuring is designed to deliver greater value to the public by reallocating resources more effectively. Many officers from the scrapped unit have been transitioned to the investigations division, while others have joined a newly established Complaints and Legal Unit. This new unit is tasked with assessing complaints and moving new cases within 24 hours, thereby enhancing the speed and efficiency of FICAC’s operations.
The restructuring also allows FICAC to save operational costs and improve inter-departmental coordination. By reinforcing the investigations program, the organization aims to streamline workflows and ensure that the public receives timely attention to corruption cases. Highlighting the changes, Rokoika stated, “By doing that, we were able to save money for the organisation, and we streamlined the work for the organisation.”
FICAC employs over 100 staff across its offices in Suva, Lautoka, and Labasa. The recent reforms are part of a broader strategy to restore public confidence in the commission’s ability to effectively combat corruption and ensure accountability within Fiji’s institutions. Past initiatives have involved recruiting additional staff for the investigations department and forming task forces to address backlogs of unresolved cases, aiming to strengthen FICAC’s effectiveness and responsiveness further.
Rokoika’s recent initiatives align with ongoing efforts to modernize FICAC’s operations, enhance service delivery, and bolster public trust. As these changes unfold, there is an optimistic outlook that FICAC will more effectively address corruption, promoting a corruption-free environment in Fiji. This renewed focus on actionable reforms and improved governance endeavors signifies a hopeful advancement in FICAC’s mission to preserve integrity and transparency in public service.
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