In a decisive move to tackle Nigeria’s deep-rooted corruption and foster a culture of integrity within its public sector, the Accountability Lab (AL) and the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) have launched a comprehensive initiative aimed at transforming the attitudes and behaviors of civil and public service workers. This campaign underscores the necessity of fundamental reforms in public service to eradicate corruption and reinforce integrity.
Central to this initiative is the call for a cultural shift towards integrity and accountability, reinforced by rewarding those who embody these values and highlighting their contributions. The enforcement of legal standards and the promotion of transparent governance are deemed critical to achieving a more effective public service system.
This push for reform was highlighted during the Accountability Lab/BPSR’s two-day workshop, “Integrity Innovation Lab to Support the Development of a Culture of Integrity within Government and Governance,” held in Abuja, in collaboration with the MacArthur Foundation and the Ford Foundation.
Odeh John, AL Nigeria Country Director, emphasized the workshop’s core objective: “Building a culture of integrity is essential. When public servants demonstrate integrity and accountability, it fosters trust among citizens. Recent protests against poor governance underscore the need for better treatment of citizens and improved service delivery. Our goal is for the government to proactively disclose information that fosters transparency and trust. We aim to transform engagement with government agencies and promote accountability within their ranks.”
Accountability Lab’s Programme Manager, Ehin Idako, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We believe a thriving culture of integrity in Nigeria’s public sector is achievable. It requires collaborative efforts from all stakeholders. Our programs are designed to drive the adoption of integrity, accountability, and transparency. We are committed to this effort and will continue to engage stakeholders and celebrate those who exemplify these values.”
The workshop’s concept note reveals a stark reality: Nigeria’s accountability crisis is severe. The 2023 Corruption Perception Index places Nigeria 154th out of 180 countries, highlighting rampant corruption. The Global Governance Efficiency Index similarly shows deficiencies in government effectiveness, regulatory quality, and rule of law. Public trust in government is critically low, with only 27% of Nigerians expressing confidence in their institutions, while service delivery remains unsatisfactory for 60% of the population. Surveys further indicate that nine out of ten Nigerians believe the country is on the wrong path, underscoring the urgent need for reform.
The Accountability Lab Nigeria, in partnership with the MacArthur Foundation and the Ford Foundation, aims to address these issues through its Integrity Innovation Lab Conference. This event is designed to facilitate solution-oriented discussions among public servants, equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to foster accountability, integrity, and ethical leadership.
As part of a global network dedicated to improving governance, Accountability Lab Nigeria supports active citizenship, responsible leadership, and accountable institutions, striving to drive positive social and economic change throughout the country.
and then