By Nkechi Eze
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strategic partnerships in the fight against corruption. It commended the BudgIT Foundation for its role in promoting transparency and accountability in public service.
According to a signed statement made available to journalists by the commission’s spokesperson Demola Bakare, the commendation was made during BudgIT’s newly developed Project Tracking Policy Manual’s official presentation to the ICPC at its Headquarters in Abuja.
The ICPC Chairman, represented by the Commission’s Director of the System Study and Review Department, Mr. Olusegun Adigun, applauded the Foundation’s initiative, describing the manual as a significant contribution to efforts aimed at tracking and monitoring government projects across the country.
“This is a commendable step that aligns with the Commission’s core mandate of promoting transparency in government spending. We are committed to deepening our partnership with BudgIT and collaborating on all fronts to advance the fight against corruption through systemic reforms and citizen engagement”, he stated.
Mr. Adigun emphasized the need for collective action in tackling corruption, urging stakeholders across sectors to join hands in delivering a more accountable governance structure.
According to him, “We must come together to lift our nation out of the shackles of poverty,” he noted, reaffirming the ICPC’s openness to collaboration with credible organizations working to improve governance.
Speaking on behalf of BudgIT Foundation, Mr. Vahyala T. Kwaga, Group Head of Research and Policy Advisory, expressed appreciation for the continued support of the ICPC.
While highlighting the importance of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two institutions, Mr. Kwaga described the MoU as a catalyst for impactful joint initiatives.
“The Project Tracking Policy Manual is a practical tool that supports the anti-corruption agenda by promoting evidence-based policymaking and budget accountability. It is the outcome of rigorous research by seasoned experts and is designed to provide actionable insights for both public institutions and civil society”, he stressed.
According to him, the manual will serve as a framework for institutional transparency, offering data visualization tools and reports that expose budget inefficiencies while recommending necessary reforms.
It also aims to empower communities, enhance stakeholder participation, and enable the development of performance scorecards for lawmakers based on project delivery in their constituencies.
The ICPC and BudgIT Foundation pledged to continue working together to strengthen transparency and promote good governance across all levels of government.
