Nigeria’s National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency Tops Transparency Index
Abuja, Nigeria – In a major milestone for transparency and accountability, the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has emerged as the top performer in the 2024 Transparency and Integrity Index. The index, launched in 2021, evaluates the performance of 514 selected Nigerian government institutions in areas such as fiscal transparency, open procurement, human resources, control of corruption, and citizen engagement.
According to Dr. Umar Yakubu, Executive Director of the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CFTPI), the principles used for the ranking followed global best practices and United Nations Conventions on Anti-Corruption. NOSDRA scored an impressive 77.92 percent, making it the highest-ranked institution in the index.
The announcement was made at the unveiling of the Transparency and Integrity Index 2024, held in collaboration with the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPRS) in Abuja. The event saw the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, represented by Barr. Adekunle Olusegun, a retired Permanent Secretary, call on all government agencies, departments, commissions, and units to enhance the anti-corruption agenda of the Nigerian Government.
"It is time to recognize this matrix as not just an abstract concept, it reflects the trust citizens place in us as public servants. We are charged with the responsibility of serving our community and enhancing their wellbeing. Transparency is not merely a policy, but it is a fundamental principle that underpins our democracy," Sen. Akume emphasized.
The Director of BPRS, Dansuki Arabi, also emphasized the need for all government institutions to be transparent in their dealings to win the trust of citizens. He noted that transparency is essential for building trust and promoting accountability in public service.
The Transparency and Integrity Index aims to promote transparency and accountability in the Nigerian public sector by providing a platform for citizens to hold their government accountable. The index has become a crucial tool for measuring the performance of government institutions and identifying areas for improvement.
The announcement of NOSDRA’s top ranking in the Transparency and Integrity Index is a significant step forward in promoting transparency and accountability in the Nigerian public sector. It serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency in building trust and promoting good governance.
