Enhancing transparency, integrity, and accountability within public institutions took a significant step forward as the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, in partnership with the Center for Fiscal Transparency, presented a comprehensive handbook.
Covering critical areas such as website integrity, fiscal transparency, open procurement, anti-corruption measures, citizen engagement, human resource practices, and inclusivity, the handbook aims to empower public officials with tools for proactive disclosure of public information and adoption of best practices.
The handbook was launched in Abuja by Mr. Dasuki Arabi, the Director General of BPSR, who emphasized its role in fostering trust, ethical conduct, and accountability.
Arabi highlighted that the “Transparency and Integrity Index Methodology Handbook” serves as a foundation for creating an accountable and trustworthy environment. By embracing transparency, they aim not only to adhere to good governance but also to enable citizens to hold public officials accountable.
The pillars of transparency and integrity are deemed crucial by Arabi for developing institutions that effectively serve all citizens’ needs.
Aligned with the national anti-corruption strategy and the national ethics and integrity policy, the Bureau’s initiatives aim to establish a peer review mechanism promoting proactive information disclosure and upholding core values in public business.
Arabi emphasized President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to enhancing governance for efficient public service delivery, ensuring unwavering dedication to transparency and accountability.
Releasing this handbook marks a significant stride towards a transparent and responsive public sector, requiring collective commitment from all individuals to achieve success.
Arabi concluded by stating the shared responsibility for effecting change and maintaining transparency and integrity principles to create a brighter future for citizens and generations to come.
The Transparency and Integrity Index, launched in 2021, stands as a comprehensive tool for evaluating the transparency of public institutions, enhancing existing accountability measures by focusing on assessing openness and transparency.
Representing the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, Dr. Festus Boyega discussed the “broken window theory” and its implications for Nigeria, emphasizing the need for collective action to address societal issues like multidimensional poverty and the education crisis.
Dr. Boyega underscored the importance of transparency, collaboration, and addressing societal “broken windows” to achieve social development goals, urging agencies to take action.
The event concluded with a call for continued collaboration and innovation in building a better future for the nation’s citizens, expressing gratitude to all participants for their engagement and anticipating fruitful collaborations ahead.