The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) have emphasized the need for stronger ethical standards, accountability, and integrity in Nigeria's public service. This call was made at the Verbatim Magazine/ICPC presentation of the "100 Pillars of Integrity in Public Service Award", which recognized 100 ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) and their chief executives for demonstrating commitment to integrity and ethical compliance.
Representing the ICPC chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu, Mr. Kupolati Kayode stated that building a culture of integrity is essential to achieving sustainable national development. He noted that prosecution remains necessary but cannot by itself create the kind of society Nigerians desire. According to Kayode, the award recipients are examples of public servants and institutional leaders who have remained committed to due process, transparency, and ethical conduct.
The ICPC described integrity as a critical pillar of national development, noting that public institutions can only be as strong as the character of the people managing them. Kayode explained that integrity ensures that rules are followed rather than circumvented, adding that public contracts should be awarded based on competence rather than connections. He linked institutional efficiency with economic growth, noting that reducing the cost of doing business could attract investment and improve Nigeria's access to global markets and credit.
The ICPC also called for greater public education on corruption, stressing that promoting integrity should not be left to the anti-corruption agency alone. Kayode urged the media, religious institutions, parents, and other stakeholders to play active roles in promoting ethical values. He encouraged the media to avoid glamorizing questionable wealth without asking questions about its source, while religious institutions were encouraged to promote integrity alongside other teachings.
The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) commended the organizers for recognizing institutions and public servants committed to ethical conduct. Representing the Chairman of the CCT, Justice Dr. M. A. Danladi, the representative stressed that integrity is not merely a personal virtue but a fundamental requirement for effective governance and national development. The representative noted that public office is a position of trust and that public officers are expected to exercise their responsibilities with honesty, impartiality, transparency, and accountability.
The CCT representative urged public institutions to treat integrity as an ongoing institutional culture rather than a one-time achievement. He emphasized that professionalism, accountability, fairness, and respect for the rule of law should become embedded in the daily operations of public institutions. The representative also called for stronger systems that promote transparency, prevent misconduct, and encourage responsible leadership.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Mr. Thompson Oludare-Sunday, who was honored, noted that the recognition is an honor and that the agency plays a critical role in Nigeria's financial system. The NDIC collaborates with the Central Bank of Nigeria to ensure that banks operate in accordance with sound practices and prudential guidelines.
Key points
- ICPC and CCT emphasize the need for stronger integrity, accountability, and ethics in Nigeria's public service.
- The "100 Pillars of Integrity in Public Service Award" recognized 100 MDAs and their chief executives for demonstrating commitment to integrity and ethical compliance.
- The ICPC and CCT call for greater public education on corruption and stronger systems that promote transparency, prevent misconduct, and encourage responsible leadership.
