The Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), in partnership with the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI), has launched the 2026 Transparency and Integrity Index (TII) Methodology Handbook. The initiative is aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, integrity, and good governance across public institutions in Nigeria.
The handbook was unveiled during a stakeholders’ workshop held in Abuja. Speaking at the event, the Director-General of BPSR, Mr. Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi, represented by the Acting-Director of Finance and Accounts, Mrs Gloria Omene, described the Transparency and Integrity Index as a practical tool that helps Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) assess and improve their performance in transparency and accountability.
Mrs. Omene explained that the Transparency and Integrity Index was developed by CeFTPI in 2021 as part of efforts to promote good governance in Nigeria. Since then, it has grown into an annual assessment framework that evaluates more than 500 federal and state government institutions on their commitment to transparency, integrity, and open governance.
According to her, the Index plays an important role in promoting transparency, preventing corruption, and helping public institutions improve their performance. It also provides a clear framework for identifying weaknesses and areas where reforms are needed.
She noted that the 2026 assessment will evaluate institutions in five key areas: Fiscal Transparency, Open Procurement and Contracting, Human Resources and Inclusion, Control of Corruption, and Citizens’ Engagement. Each area contributes 20 percent of the total score and is measured using 31 indicators designed to provide an objective assessment of institutional performance.
Mrs. Omene said the methodology is based on several national and international laws, policies, and standards that promote accountability and good governance. These include the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007, the Public Procurement Act 2007, the Freedom of Information Act 2011, Executive Order 001 of 2017, the Federal Character Principle, and the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018. It also draws from international frameworks such as the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption, and the Open Government Partnership (OGP).
She explained that the assessment focuses on information that should ordinarily be available to the public. This includes budget allocations and implementation reports, revenue disclosures, audit reports, procurement records, recruitment processes, anti-corruption policies, whistleblowing mechanisms, conflict-of-interest policies, and tools that enable citizens to engage with government institutions.
Under the Fiscal Transparency category, institutions will be assessed on the publication of budget documents, budget releases, implementation reports, revenue records, and audit reports. The Open Procurement and Contracting category will examine the disclosure of procurement plans, tender notices, contract awards, implementation reports, and information about contractors.
The Human Resources and Inclusion category will evaluate recruitment practices, promotion policies, staff information, gender representation, disability inclusion, organisational structures, and compliance with federal character requirements. The Control of Corruption category will assess the existence and implementation of anti-corruption and anti-bribery policies, whistleblowing systems, and conflict-of-interest frameworks. Meanwhile, the Citizens’ Engagement category will focus on the availability of interactive websites, official communication channels, social media platforms, annual reports, and other mechanisms that encourage public participation and feedback.
Speaking on the importance of the Index, Mrs Omene pointed out that a growing public demand for transparent and responsive institutions has made accountability more important than ever. She said the current economic and governance challenges facing the country require public institutions to adopt measurable standards that promote openness and build public trust.
“The Transparency and Integrity Index help institutions turn governance principles into practical actions. It enables them to identify gaps, measure performance, and implement reforms that improve service delivery and strengthen public confidence,” she added.
Mrs. Omene also highlighted several government reforms aimed at improving transparency and integrity in public financial management. These include the Fiscal Responsibility Act, Public Procurement Act, Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, ongoing tax reforms, debt management initiatives, the Cybercrime Act, the Finance Act, and Executive Order 9 of 2026 on petroleum revenue, and the Office of the Tax Ombud.
She further disclosed that state governments are assessed using the same methodology. The assessment covers areas such as budget implementation, debt management, procurement transparency, recruitment practices, anti-corruption measures, and citizen engagement mechanisms, including town hall meetings, official websites, email platforms, and social media channels.
Mrs Omene stressed that findings from previous assessments show that many public institutions are becoming more proactive in disclosing public information, which has helped to strengthen governance systems and improve accountability across the public sector.
Mrs Omene encouraged participants to contribute their expertise and feedback during the workshop to ensure that the 2026 Transparency and Integrity Index remains relevant, practical, and responsive to emerging governance challenges.
She commended CeFTPI for its continued partnership and commitment to promoting transparency and accountability. In addition, she thanked stakeholders, governance experts, civil society organisations, and representatives of public institutions for their contributions to the success of the initiative.
The workshop brought together representatives from federal and state government institutions, development partners, governance professionals, civil society organisations, and accountability advocates, all committed to advancing transparency, integrity, and improved public sector performance in Nigeria.
