JAMB, NRC Lead In ICPC Ethics, Integrity Test

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has rated the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), and Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) as the lead in its 2024 Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS).

While JAMB achieved 89.75 per cent compliance, the NRC achieved 89.33 per cent compliance and NBET achieved 88.73 per cent compliance.

These were part of the ICPC reports released during a press conference yesterday, 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 report also showed that 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 which showed no compliance.

Also, 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.

ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare Bakare, while briefing the press, said the EICS is designed to enhance the transparency, accountability, and integrity of government institutions, ultimately contributing to the fight against corruption.

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

According to him, “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.”