BPSR, CeFTPI Unveil 2025 Handbook for Transparency, Integrity Index

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BPSR, CeFTPI Unveil 2025 Handbook for Transparency, Integrity Index

The Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), in collaboration with the Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI), has unveiled the 2025 edition of the Transparency and Integrity Index (TII) Methodology Handbook.

The official presentation, held at the Federal Ministry of Finance Auditorium, drew key stakeholders including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), Dr. Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri, the Director-General of BPSR, Mr. Dasuki Arabi, and representatives of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) nationwide.

The TII, now in its fifth year, provides a standardized framework for assessing over 500 national and sub-national institutions across five critical governance pillars: Fiscal Transparency, Open Procurement, Control of Corruption, Human Resources and Inclusion, and Citizens Engagement.

The methodology is grounded in national laws and international frameworks, including the United Nations Convention Against Corruption and Nigeria’s Freedom of Information Act.

In his keynote address, Dr. Mbaeri emphasised the significance of the TII to national development.

“Transparency and integrity are not optional virtues, they are the very foundation of public trust. By implementing the TII methodology, we can catalyze a paradigm shift towards greater accountability, transparency, and inclusivity in governance,” he said.

He highlighted the Index’s potential to impact service delivery and procurement ethics positively, calling on MDAs to “integrate the methodology into their operational standards.”

BPSR Director-General, Dr. Dasuki Arabi, praised the Center’s commitment to institutional transparency and noted its alignment with Nigeria’s reform agenda.

“There is a clear indication that MDAs’ responsiveness to the transparency methodology has increased. The updated 2025 methodology reflects evolving governance challenges and equips institutions with tools for continuous improvement,” he said.

He added that the Index supports the implementation of Executive Order 001 on transparency in public service delivery and contributes to key economic reform initiatives of the Tinubu-led administration.

While presenting the updated methodology, CeFTPI Executive Director, Dr. Umar Yakubu, emphasised the role of proactive disclosure.

“Institutions are assessed on their publication of statutory information, such as budget allocations, procurement records, staff data, and anti-corruption policies, on their websites. Each of the five assessment categories carries equal weighting, and performance is scored based on accessibility, completeness, and compliance with legal standards,” he said.

Yakubu further clarified that the TII is designed not to shame institutions but to promote introspection and reform.

“The TII is a preventive mechanism against corruption. We encourage MDAs to study the assessment methodology carefully and take deliberate steps to improve their openness and public accountability,” he said.

With the 2025 evaluation cycle underway and the TII report set for release on September 28, International Day for Universal Access to Information, institutions have been urged to align their governance and digital disclosure practices with the revised methodology.

Signed:

Aliyu Umar
Head, Strategic Communication
Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR)
2/6/2025