Nigeria's Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured an impressive fourth-place ranking in the latest Federal Government assessment of official websites. The performance scorecard for the 2024/2025 period evaluated over 200 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Recognition for Digital Excellence
The results were publicly presented by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) in collaboration with the Inter-Ministerial Task Team (IMTT). The comprehensive assessment focused on the functionality, compliance, and efficiency of MDA websites across the country.
Representing the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, the Commission's Spokesperson, Mr. John Okor Odey, addressed the gathering. He credited the strong showing to the organization's unwavering focus on leveraging information technology. Dr. Aliyu highlighted that this was not the Commission's first accolade, having clinched the top spot in two previous editions of the scorecard.
Leadership and Digital Transformation
According to the Chairman, consistent leadership with a strong grasp of technology has been instrumental in driving the ICPC's digital transformation agenda. He reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to treating IT as a critical tool for enhancing transparency, accountability, and effective public service delivery.
Dr. Aliyu also praised the BPSR and other technology-focused organizations in Nigeria for their pivotal roles. He acknowledged their efforts in steering the transition from paper-based systems to digital governance and in bolstering the safety of the national cyberspace. The Chairman pledged the ICPC's continued partnership with relevant stakeholders to build a more accountable and digitally advanced Nigeria.
Objectives of the Scorecard Initiative
In his opening remarks, the Director-General of the BPSR, Dr. Dasuki Arabi, outlined the core purpose of the exercise. He stated that the primary goal is to strengthen MDA capacity for transparency, accountability, and good governance by ensuring the public has unrestricted access to information.
Dr. Arabi described the initiative as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government's dedication to openness, transparency, and improved citizen engagement. He emphasized that in today's digital age, functional websites and the effective use of technology are indispensable for information dissemination, public service delivery, and providing citizen access to data.
He further explained that the BPSR developed a standardized scorecard template to ensure MDA websites meet global benchmarks. This scorecard also serves as a key performance indicator under the National e-Government Master Plan for evaluating Nigeria's overall e-government status.
Dr. Arabi concluded that fully standardized MDA websites are expected to yield significant benefits, including:
- Improved public access to information.
- Reduced unnecessary human interface in transactions.
- Elimination of corruption in public financial processes.
- Curbing of online scams and fraudulent activities.
In a statement, the ICPC Spokesperson, J. Okor Odey, noted that the 2024/2025 results show significant improvements in the functionality and compliance levels of MDAs. This reflects steady progress in Nigeria's public sector digital reforms.
