On the 23rd and 24th of March 2022, Accountability Lab Nigeria, a CSO dedicated to making governance work for the people, in partnership with the Bureau of Public Service Reform (BPSR) held The Integrity Conference, an interactive solution-oriented workshop for public servants to support the development of a culture of integrity within Government, as one of the knowledge-building tools to influence norms and change behaviours. The event utilized practical learning scenarios such as case studies of role models and trendsetters, with the stories of Integrity Icons as a major point of focus. The event is supported by the John D. and Catherine T. Macarthur foundation, Ford foundation and Luminate group.

The 2-day event held at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja, had in attendance representatives of Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, public and private sector stakeholders, civil servants and finally Integrity Icons, honest government officials identified across the country by Accountability Lab, upon whose stories many of the knowledge sharing tools were modelled after.

At the start of the inaugural event, representatives of government agencies gave their addresses marking the significance of the intervention. The BPSR DG in his welcome address stated: “Integrity in the public service is apt and strategic to good governance. I urge you all to frankly proffer solutions that will ensure integrity in the public service.” Representing TUGAR, Mrs Jane Onwumere said: “We’ve worked closely with the BPSR and are appreciative of the reforms in the public sector. We have also seen over the years how Accountability Lab has encouraged others in the society by naming and faming those who do well. The importance of integrity cannot be overemphasized.” In her goodwill message Ese Okwong of the ICPC appreciated both hosts, congratulating Accountability Lab for promoting integrity in public service. “Accountability Lab Nigeria has come with us to schools to inspire students, we have also been part of their selection process, they are doing a good job to sensitize the nation.” The National Orientation Agency (NOA) was represented as saying “This event is coming at a good time. Every public servant is required to exhibit accountability in the spirit of open governance.”

Originally published in Development News Network

Kibo Ngowi