Bureau unveils handbook for fiscal transparency

In a significant move to enhance transparency, integrity, and accountability within public institutions, the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, in collaboration with the Center for Fiscal Transparency, has unveiled a comprehensive handbook.

The handbook covers essential areas such as website integrity, fiscal transparency, open procurement, anti-corruption measures, citizen engagement, human resource practices, and inclusivity.

This Director General, BPSR, Mr. Dasuki Arabi launched the handbook in Abuja on Thursday.

The DG noted that the guide is a testament to the ongoing efforts that began in 2022 to empower public officials across various government departments with the tools to promote proactive disclosure of public information and adopt best practices.

He said, the “Transparency and Integrity Index Methodology Handbook” is designed to serve as a cornerstone in fostering an environment of trust and ethical conduct.

“This handbook is our pledge to create a culture of accountability and trust, by embracing transparency, we are not just adhering to good governance but also enabling citizens to hold us accountable.”

These pillars according to Arabi are crucial for building robust institutions that cater to the needs of all citizens.

Echoing the handbook’s core values, the Bureau’s activities align with the national anti-corruption strategy and the national ethics and integrity policy. The implementation of these strategies is aimed at establishing a peer review mechanism that encourages proactive information disclosure and upholds public business’s core values.

Arabi stated that one of the key priorities of President Bola Tinubu’s administration is to improve governance for efficient public service delivery.

“Our commitment to transparency and accountability is unwavering. We are dedicated to strengthening our institutions from within to meet the highest standards of integrity,” he stated.

He added that the handbook’s release marks a pivotal step towards a transparent and responsive public sector. However, success hinges on the collective commitment and dedication of every individual.

“It is our shared responsibility to effect change and maintain the principles of transparency and integrity. Together, we can forge a brighter future for our citizens and future generations,” he added.

The Transparency and Integrity Index launched in 2021, serves as a comprehensive tool for assessing the transparency of public institutions.

Beyond assessment, it also enhances existing accountability measures. The TII focuses on evaluating the openness and transparency of public institutions.

The Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopa represented by an official of the Commission, Dr. Festus Boyega discussed the “broken window theory” and its implications for Nigeria.

He drew parallels between the theory, which suggests that visible signs of disorder and misbehaviour in an environment can lead to more serious crimes, and the current state of Nigeria.

He highlighted the need for collective action among agencies to address issues such as multidimensional poverty, which affects 46 per cent of Nigeria’s population, and the education crisis, with millions of children out of school.

Dr Boyega emphasized the importance of transparency, collaboration, and addressing the “broken windows” in society, such as child mortality and the need for improvement in Nigeria’s global index ratings.

“The overall message is a call to action to fix the systemic issues represented by the “broken windows” to achieve social development goals,” he said.

The launch concluded with a call to action for continued collaboration and innovation in building a better future for the nation’s citizens. The organizers expressed their gratitude to all participants for their engagement and looked forward to the fruitful collaborations ahead.