By Boyi Akimu

The Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST), Samaru, Zaria, has been ranked 486 out of 514 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in the 2024 Nigeria Integrity and Transparency Index, scoring a mere 2.50%. This ranking raises significant concerns about NILEST’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

Under the leadership of its Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Muhammad Kabir Yakubu, NILEST’s performance in the index raises important questions about its operations. The Nigeria Integrity and Transparency Index assesses transparency, accountability, and adherence to ethical standards in public institutions.

NILEST Director, Prof. Muhammad Kabir

The index evaluates institutions based on key criteria, including transparency in budgeting and procurement, accountability in decision-making and resource management, ethical standards in service delivery, compliance with regulatory frameworks, and citizen engagement and participation. Conducted by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) and the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI), the index aims to promote transparency and accountability across public institutions.

Recently, in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, presented the report. Among the 514 MDAs assessed, 26 institutions did not conform to the variables used, while 151 institutions scored between 8.00 and 0.31 percent.

The top performers in the index were led by the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), which ranked 1st with 77.92%. The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) came 2nd with 71.53%, followed by the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) in 3rd place with 60.17%. Other top performers included the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) with 44.93%, Bank of Industry (BOI) with 39.43%, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) with 37.98%, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) with 37.24%, and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) with 34.64%.

The full 2024 Nigeria Integrity and Transparency Index report is available on the BPSR and CeFTPI websites.

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