An Abuja-based think tank, Agora Policy, in its new report, says transparency and accountability measures have not had the desired effect on governance and development.
It noted that gaps in legislation, capacity, values and resourcing have frustrated transparency and accountability in Nigeria.
The report, titled ‘Imperative of Strengthening Nigeria’s Transparency and Accountability Measures’, said bridging these gaps would strengthen the various anti-corruption measures and in turn deepen good governance.
It called for prompt presidential assent to the Federal Audit Service Bill as well as integrity checks on heads and staff of organisations with anti-corruption mandates.
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The report, produced with the support of MacArthur Foundation, said, “As Nigeria prepares for a new government, a stocktaking of the transparency and accountability measures is desirable.
“This is to ensure that the zeal for transparency and accountability is sustained and that the prevailing measures are fit for purpose, and further strengthened and institutionalised. Whether now or in the future, Nigeria clearly needs more transparency and accountability, not less.”
The report also called for the disclosure of assets declared by public servants to the Code of Conduct Bureau and improved resourcing and capacity building for anti-corruption agencies as well as enhanced checks and balances to ensure the watchdogs were not mired in corruption.
