Ethical standards and integrity deficits in business and government transactions have been identified as the greatest obstacle to Nigeria’s pursuit of sustainable development.
Governance in Nigeria is also said to be marred because politicians and public officials in the country lack ethical and moral standards, engaging in practices such as abuse of office that undermine ethical values, positive behaviours, and societal norms essential for effective functioning.
A civil society organisation, Accountability Lab Nigeria, said this last week during a presentation jointly made by its Country Director, Programme Learning Director and Programme Officer, Friday Odeh, Ehi Idakwo and Mnenga Shiiwua, respectively.
“Enforcing ethical standards in government is vital for preventing waste and abuse and prioritizing public interest over private interest. However, fragmented policies and disjointed implementation often undermine efforts, such as the need for more general knowledge of the National Ethics and Integrity Policy and the poor adherence of public servants to the code of conduct. This gap leads to inefficiencies in addressing ethical governance, including when high-ranking government officials are above these policies.
“While the Code of Conduct for Public Servants outlines ethical standards, the National Ethics and Integrity Policy focuses on values, causing enforcement challenges. Synchronising these policies and collaborating among government agencies, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the private sector in implementing ethical practices are not only opportunities but moral imperatives. This is a chance to reshape Nigeria’s narrative, fostering integrity, accountability, and responsible governance to benefit citizens and the nation’s global image,” the CSO added.
Accountability Lab also noted that poor leadership and inadequate enforcement hinder effectiveness of entities like Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).
Meanwhile, it noted that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) must lead in actions to change the narrative.
The Lab added that Integrating the Nigerian Code of Conduct for Public Servants and the National Ethics and Integrity Policy is also pivotal in addressing these challenges.
In summation, Accountability Lab said; “Reinforcing ethical governance in Nigeria through unified policy integration is critical for national progress. By combining the Nigerian Code of Conduct for Public Servants and the National Ethics and Integrity Policy and effectively implementing them, Nigeria can nurture a culture of integrity, ethical leadership, and accountable governance.
“However, to truly foster a culture of unwavering integrity, Nigeria must priortise conversations around societal norms and invest in behavior-change interventions. These dimensions are at the heart of ethical transformation, as they can reshape behaviours, transcend the boundaries of public officials, and permeate every facet of society.
“The proposed measures offer Nigeria a significant opportunity. Nigeria can usher in an era of integrity, accountability, and ethical strength by addressing challenges decisively and embracing a unified approach. This strategy lays the foundation for prosperity and unity. Nigeria envisions a future where integrity shapes actions, attracts investment, enhances trust, and contributes to sustainable development and global reputation.
“The proposed measures offer Nigeria a chance not only to tackle current issues, from massive political corruption to harmful social norms, but also to establish a foundation for a future where ethical conduct guides decisions, attracts investments, fosters trust, and contributes to sustainable development while enhancing the country’s global standing. It is a vision worth pursuing, and it commences with the determined incorporation of policies and an unwavering dedication to nurturing a culture of integrity in all aspects of Nigerian society.”
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