The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), and Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) have emerged as the top performers in the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) 2024 Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS), achieving scores of 89.75%, 89.33%, and 88.73%, respectively.

In contrast, several institutions, including the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria Press Council (NPC), Legal Aid Council (LAC), Abuja, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), and Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Abuja, scored zero points in the evaluation.

Additionally, institutions such as the Federal University of Agriculture Umudike in Abia State, Federal College of Forestry Mechanization (FFM) in Mando, Kaduna State, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Federal Polytechnic Ede (FPE) in Ede, Osun State, and the University of Ibadan (UI) in Ibadan, Oyo State, were also among those at the bottom of the list with zero points.

The ICPC released the report during a press conference on Thursday, detailing the assessment of 330 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) across the country to evaluate their ethical standards, anti-corruption measures, and governance practices. The assessment focused on key indicators such as governance and executive management practices, finance and auditing processes, as well as policies, ethics education, and whistle-blowing mechanisms.

The findings revealed that no MDA achieved full compliance; 29.55% attained substantial compliance, 51.62% had partial compliance, 15.91% demonstrated poor compliance, and 2.92% were deemed non-compliant.

ICPC said common gaps identified in the assessments included a lack of whistle-blower policies, the absence of strategic plans, and ineffective stock verification units. Furthermore, many MDAs failed to conduct internal system reviews or submit timely financial and audit reports.

According to the Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Musa Aliyu, the EICS is designed to enhance the transparency, accountability, and integrity of government institutions, ultimately contributing to the fight against corruption.

Aliyu said that the Commission will continue to recognise and reward MDAs with substantial compliance, while also holding non-compliant institutions accountable through enforcement actions.

?The Commission recognises the MDAs with substantial compliance and will continue deploying these tools to promote integrity and accountability. Non-compliant MDAs will face necessary actions, including enforcement, to ensure adherence to government directives. We are certain that these efforts will continue to underline ICPC?s dedication to enhancing good governance and preventing corruption,? he stated. (Daily Sun)

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