Here’s the lowdown:
- Government launches a new Performance Management System (PMS)
- CeFTPI is concerned about repeated unfulfilled promises
- They demand real transparency and public access to evaluations
- They recommend using their Transparency and Integrity Index (TII) for assessment
Another System, Another Promise?
The government, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has launched a Performance Management System (PMS) as part of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2025 (FCSSIP). Sounds good, right? The idea is to make sure everyone in government is pulling their weight and being held accountable. But CeFTPI isn’t so sure.
Déjà Vu All Over Again
CeFTPI points out that we’ve been here before. Remember when the government said they’d use Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to assess ministers and ministries? Yeah, those results never saw the light of day. No public scrutiny, no real accountability. So, why should we believe this time will be different?
Where’s the Proof?
CeFTPI is calling for concrete action. They want a real mechanism for public access and independent oversight. They’re tired of announcements without substance. As they put it, announcements alone aren’t reforms. If the government is serious about performance and accountability, they need to open up their processes to the Nigerian people.
A Solution: The Transparency and Integrity Index (TII)
CeFTPI has a solution ready to go: their Transparency and Integrity Index (TII). This index is designed to assess the openness, ethical standards, and accountability of public institutions. It looks at things like public access to procurement processes, anti-corruption measures, budget disclosures, and citizen engagement. Basically, it’s a way to measure whether the government is *actually* being transparent and accountable.
Why the TII Matters
Integrating the TII into the PMS framework could make all the difference. It offers a credible, data-driven way to evaluate performance. It’s not just about internal memos and high-level launches; it’s about providing real data that the public can see and understand.
It’s vital to implement such tools, because, as Transparency International emphasizes, corruption erodes trust, weakens democracy, and hinders development. Nigeria has consistently faced challenges in combating corruption, which has impacted various sectors.
Accountability Starts at the Top
CeFTPI is clear: accountability has to start at the top. The SGF needs to show real political will by embracing transparency-oriented tools like the TII. Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) need to be monitored internally and assessed through independent benchmarks. Without genuine commitment to transparency, the PMS is just another bureaucratic exercise.
Nigerians Deserve Better
Nigerians deserve a public service that doesn’t just talk about performance but proves it with facts, data, and open access to information. Will the government step up and deliver? Only time will tell.
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