ICPC Rises to Second in 2026 Transparency Index, Scores 80.13%
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has risen from third to second position among 518 federal public institutions assessed in the 2026 Transparency and Integrity Index (TII), improving its score from 78.13 per cent in 2025 to 80.13 per cent.
The development was contained in a press statement issued by the ICPC on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, and signed by J. Okor Odey, Head, Media and Public Communications, following the latest assessment by the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI).
According to the Commission, its 80.13 per cent score placed it among only four institutions that attained the TII’s “Excellent” performance band, which covers institutions scoring 70 per cent and above.
The latest result represents a two-percentage-point improvement for the anti-corruption agency compared with its 2025 performance, when it scored 78.13 per cent and ranked third among 575 institutions assessed.
Reacting to the rating, ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, said the recognition demonstrated progress in the Commission’s internal transparency and institutional reform efforts, while stressing that an anti-corruption agency must demonstrate the standards it expects from other public institutions.
“I am delighted that the progress we are making as a Commission is being independently recognised. For an anti-corruption agency, we understand that we must not only demand transparency, accountability and integrity from other public institutions; we must also demonstrate these values in our own systems and operations,” Aliyu said.
The Chairman, however, said the Commission would not become complacent over the latest ranking, directing management and staff to identify areas requiring further improvement across the thematic areas assessed by the Index.
“This rating is an encouragement for us to do more. We will carefully examine our performance across all the thematic areas, identify where improvements are required and strengthen the necessary systems,” he said.
Aliyu added that the Commission’s objective was to improve its performance in subsequent assessments while sustaining transparency, accountability and integrity in its operations.
“Our objective is to perform even better in the 2027 assessment and continue to demonstrate the standards of transparency and integrity that we expect from other public institutions,” he added.
The 2026 assessment also highlighted the generally low transparency scores recorded across the federal public sector. According to the ICPC statement, only eight of the 518 institutions assessed scored above 50 per cent, while only four reached the “Excellent” benchmark of 70 per cent and above.
The Transparency and Integrity Index assesses public institutions across several areas, including disclosure of financial information, procurement and contracting, human resources, anti-corruption measures and citizens’ engagement.
It also examines the availability of budget and financial records, recruitment and staff information, anti-corruption and whistleblowing policies, as well as mechanisms through which citizens can obtain information and participate in public processes.
The ICPC said its latest performance sustained an upward trajectory in the annual assessment. In 2025, the Commission ranked third with 78.13 per cent, behind the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC).
The Commission said the improvement reinforced its position that anti-corruption agencies must lead by example by maintaining internal systems that promote transparency, accountability, professionalism and ethical conduct.
The 2026 Transparency and Integrity Index was unveiled in Abuja on September 28, 2026, in the presence of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi; representatives of government institutions and civil society organisations.
CeFTPI established the Transparency and Integrity Index in 2021 as an annual evidence-based assessment of public institutions, with emphasis on proactive disclosure, accountability, citizens’ access to information and institutional mechanisms for preventing corruption.
