ICPC Reveals Non-Compliance of Supreme Court, NAHCON, and 13 Other Agencies in 2024 Ethics and Integrity Scorecard.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin kudu.
On Dec 20, 2024
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has disclosed that the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), and 13 other government agencies failed to meet the requirements of its 2024 Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS).
The announcement, made by ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Aliyu and represented by Demola Bakare, Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, highlighted the failure of several key institutions to adhere to the ethical standards and guidelines set for the year.
Dr. Aliyu revealed that out of 330 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) assessed, none achieved full compliance. He noted that the 15 non-compliant MDAs had failed to conduct system studies or submit mandatory financial and audit reports.
Among the non-compliant agencies were the University of Ibadan (UI), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), the Legal Aid Council, Abuja, and the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe. Other listed entities included the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists, Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria, and the National Obstetrics Fistula Centre, Ningi.
Dr. Aliyu emphasized that the ICPC would enforce compliance measures against these MDAs to ensure adherence to government directives.
Despite these shortcomings, he commended the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for emerging as the top-performing agency, scoring 89.75% on the EICS. The Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) and Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) followed closely, with scores of 89.33% and 88.73%, respectively.
The EICS assessed MDAs based on Management Culture and Structure, Governance and Executive Management, Financial Management Systems, and Administrative Systems, including ethics education and whistle-blowing mechanisms.
The scorecard, a preventive tool developed by the ICPC, aims to identify organizational gaps, provide actionable insights, and foster accountability within MDAs. Dr. Aliyu noted that 29.55% of MDAs achieved substantial compliance, 51.62% partial compliance, 15.91% poor compliance, and 2.92% were non-compliant.
Between December 2023 and December 2024, the ICPC tracked 1,500 projects across 22 states, valued at N610 billion. Recoveries included N346 million in cash, assets worth N400 million, and a government savings of N30 billion.
Jimoh Sulaiman, Head of the Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative (CEPTI), underscored the importance of project tracking, which has improved project completion rates and increased public accountability.
“Nigerians now understand that project funding comes from the Federal Government, not politicians’ pockets. They are demanding accountability,” Sulaiman stated.
Dr. Aliyu assured that the ICPC would continue to recognize agencies with substantial compliance and deploy tools to promote integrity and accountability across the public sector.
(NAN)
