Corruption plagues federal agencies with poor ethics compliance

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has voiced concern over the lack of ethical principles in the ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government. This observation follows the release of the 2025 Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS) and the ACTU Effectiveness Index (AEI) for Federal Government MDAs. In its assessment of 344 MDAs, the ICPC found that none achieved full ethical compliance; only 48 demonstrated substantial compliance. A further 132 MDAs recorded partial compliance, 141 showed poor compliance, and 23 were classified as non‑compliant. Thirteen MDAs were non‑responsive and deemed high‑risk.

The commission’s findings highlight significant gaps in the systems and structures of MDAs. Many lack core values, mission and vision statements, and domesticated policies on gift acceptance and hospitality. Numerous MDAs fail to conduct monitoring and evaluation of their activities, and some do not have strategic plans or monitoring systems in place. Specifically, 169 MDAs lack guidelines on granting advances to staff, while 114 do not submit financial reports to the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation. Additionally, 41 MDAs failed to carry out internal audit activities, and 96 did not submit their annual audited accounts to the Office of the Auditor‑General of the Federation and the National Assembly.

The ICPC’s assessment of the ACTU Effectiveness Index revealed that only 33 Anti‑Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs) were rated “Very Effective,” whereas 142 were rated “Ineffective.” The commission noted that weak administrative systems, poor whistleblowing frameworks, inadequate training, and underperforming ACTUs undermine the public sector’s ability to operate transparently and efficiently.

Overall, the ICPC’s findings indicate that, despite some improvements in financial management, many MDAs still lack the basic systems and capacities needed to prevent corruption. The report emphasizes the urgent need for MDAs to establish and implement effective structures that promote transparency and accountability. This assessment represents a significant step toward promoting good governance and combating corruption in the public sector.