The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has announced plans to roll out its Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS) in all Federal Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) nationwide. This strategic move aims to strengthen anti-corruption measures and enhance transparency within public institutions.
The announcement was made by Mr. Okoro J. Ulu, the ICPC Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) for Adamawa State, during a recent courtesy visit to the management of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Hong, Adamawa State. Mr. Ulu highlighted the Commission’s commitment to deploying this crucial corruption prevention tool to promote accountability and good governance.
The EICS is an annual assessment framework developed by the ICPC to evaluate the level of adherence to ethical standards and integrity protocols by MDAs. The scorecard measures compliance across several dimensions, including procurement processes, financial management, staff conduct, and transparency practices. By identifying potential gaps and vulnerabilities that could enable corrupt practices, the tool empowers agencies to take corrective actions early.
Mr. Ulu emphasized that the EICS is designed not only to detect corruption risks but also to foster a culture of integrity and ethical behavior among public officials. “Our goal is to encourage government institutions to embrace transparency and accountability, ultimately reducing opportunities for corruption,” he said.
During his visit to FMC Hong, Mr. Ulu urged the hospital management to support the establishment of an Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) within the centre. The ACTU is intended to serve as an internal watchdog, ensuring continuous compliance with anti-corruption policies and supporting the implementation of the EICS framework.
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of FMC Hong, Professor Yakub Wilbeforce Nyandati, expressed appreciation for the Commission’s proactive approach and pledged full cooperation. “We welcome ICPC’s efforts and are committed to setting up the ACTU as soon as possible. The Federal Medical Centre is ready to undergo the EICS assessment and any system reviews needed,” Prof. Nyandati assured.
Corruption remains a critical challenge undermining Nigeria’s socio-economic development and public trust. The ICPC’s introduction of the EICS is a forward-looking initiative to institutionalize ethics and compliance monitoring. Unlike punitive measures, the scorecard focuses on prevention by promoting best practices, enhancing transparency, and improving internal controls in government operations.
Experts believe that the widespread adoption of the EICS could lead to improved service delivery, better resource management, and increased public confidence in government agencies. Furthermore, it complements ongoing reforms such as digitization of services, open contracting, and whistleblower protection mechanisms.
Following the pilot engagements in Adamawa State and other willing agencies, the ICPC plans a phased rollout of the Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard across all Federal MDAs. This includes capacity-building workshops for key personnel, sensitization campaigns, and continuous monitoring to track progress.
Mr. Ulu appealed for support from all government bodies and urged them to view the EICS as an opportunity for self-assessment and improvement rather than mere compliance. “Our success depends on collaborative efforts. We call on MDAs to embrace this initiative as part of their commitment to transparency and service to the Nigerian people,” he stated.
The deployment of the Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s anti-corruption strategy. By fostering a culture of ethical governance and proactive risk management, the ICPC is setting a new standard for accountability within public institutions. As this initiative gains momentum, Nigerians can expect a more transparent and efficient public service environment that contributes to national development and strengthens democratic governance.