NDIC Reclaims Top Spot in ICPC’s Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard
By Patience Ikpeme
The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has once again emerged as the top performer in the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)’s 2023 Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS), maintaining its position as a leader in ethical governance within the Nigerian public sector.
This remarkable achievement marks the NDIC’s second consecutive top ranking in the EICS, following its first-place finish in the 2021 edition. The EICS is an annual assessment tool designed to evaluate the compliance of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) with institutional ethics and integrity requirements, with a focus on key performance indicators in areas such as Management Culture and Structure, Financial Management Systems, and Administrative Systems.
In the 2023 EICS, which involved a comprehensive assessment of 404 MDAs between March and July 2023, the NDIC demonstrated exceptional adherence to these standards, earning a remarkable score of 91.30%. This outstanding performance is a testament to the NDIC’s unwavering commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards and serving as a beacon of integrity within the Public Service.
Speaking on the NDIC’s remarkable achievement, Bashir A. Nuhu, Director, Communication & Public Affairs Department of the NDIC, stated that “the Corporation’s consistent first-place ranking is a direct result of our zero tolerance policy for corruption and our unwavering commitment to benchmarking our operations with standard best practices.”
This commitment to ethical excellence is evident in the NDIC’s recent achievements, including the earning of three ISO Certifications in September 2023 following a rigorous audit by MSECB, a leading international provider of Audit and Certification services. These certifications demonstrate the NDIC’s commitment to implementing and maintaining world-class operational procedures that promote transparency and accountability.
The NDIC’s Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) played a pivotal role in achieving this exceptional performance. The ACTU collaborated closely with the ICPC, conducting sensitization programs for NDIC staff, identifying and enhancing internal controls to prevent fraudulent practices, and ensuring strict compliance with established policies and procedures by the Corporation’s management.
This collaboration is a reflection of the NDIC’s unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of transparency and accountability within its operations. Such a commitment is crucial to ensuring the safety of deposits and contributing to the stability of the Nigerian financial system.
As Bashir Nuhu stated, “The NDIC remains dedicated to ensuring the safety of deposits and contributing to the stability of the financial system. We will continue to prioritize ethical governance and transparency as we work towards our mission of safeguarding depositors’ funds and promoting a sound and stable financial system.”
The NDIC’s outstanding performance in the 2023 ICPC EICS underscores its exemplary role in upholding ethical standards and promoting accountability within the Nigerian public sector. The Corporation’s commitment to excellence serves as an inspiration for other MDAs and demonstrates that ethical governance is not only possible but also achievable.
