By George Ozalla
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has recorded a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s governance landscape by rising to third place in the 2025 Transparency and Integrity Index (TII), a sharp improvement from its 19th position in 2024.
The ranking, conducted annually by the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI), assessed over 500 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). ICPC secured an impressive score of 78.13 percent, a remarkable leap from the 24 percent it attained just a year earlier. The development is widely seen as a reflection of deep internal reforms, stricter disclosure practices, and the Commission’s renewed commitment to building public trust.
The Transparency and Integrity Index measures MDAs across five critical dimensions: fiscal transparency, open procurement, human resource and inclusion, control of corruption, and citizens’ engagement. ICPC’s performance across these areas has not only elevated its standing but also positioned the Commission as a model for institutional accountability.
Reactions to the outcome have been largely positive. Governance experts and civil society groups have hailed ICPC’s achievement as proof that transparency reforms in public institutions can yield tangible results when backed by strong leadership and consistent monitoring. According to observers, the jump in ranking underscores the agency’s determination to realign itself with global best practices in governance.
Dr. Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), described the Index as a vital accountability tool, reinforcing Nigeria’s reform agenda under the National Strategy for Public Service Reforms (2021–2025), the Freedom of Information Act, and the Open Government Partnership. He stressed that such benchmarks are not only about recognition but also about setting standards that other MDAs are expected to follow.
ICPC’s new position therefore represents more than a symbolic victory. It signals a transformative phase in Nigeria’s anti-corruption and public sector transparency efforts, and sets a higher bar for government institutions across the board.
Founded in 2000, the ICPC is Nigeria’s foremost anti-corruption agency mandated to prevent, investigate, and prosecute corruption cases, while also promoting ethical values and integrity in public service. Its recent rise in the transparency index is being viewed as a testament to its evolving role as a cornerstone in the nation’s integrity drive.
