The Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) is planning to introduce the Nigerian Public Sector Governance Code to enhance trust, boost efficiency, and curb corruption in the public sector.
At a stakeholder engagement and consultation on the draft exposure document on the Nigeria Public Sector Governance Code in Abuja on Tuesday, the Executive Secretary of FRCN, Dr. Rabiu Olowo, described the Code as a critical framework for deepening transparency, accountability, culture, values, and conduct within the public sector.
“We believe that the public sector is very important. It is a sector that we believe should instill a model of culture within Nigerian society. We believe that it is a sector that should tell the private sector the way to go, to lead and champion good conduct. The technical team has come up with a document that we believe can stand the test of time to align with the objective that has been set,” he explained.
On the possibility of a clash with relevant financial laws and whether the FRCN will approach the National Assembly for a review of necessary laws, a former Head of Service of the Federation, who also chairs the Technical Working Group, Danladi Kifasi, disclosed that no revision of any law would be necessary.
He added: “We are looking for good conduct, good character of institutions and organisations that will improve service delivery in the public service. So, the Code is not an instructional book.
“It is a guide that the public service has to practice. Professional bodies have a code of ethics. The public service should have a code of ethics. It is not going to have any conflict with any existing law. It is only adding value to it. And if all of us imbibe it, we may not need policemen. We may not need the EFCC or ICPC to continue to police our public service institutions.”
In his remarks, the Vice Chair of the Technical Working Group, Muhammad Ahmed, said instilling transparency, dedication, and adherence to the rules guiding public service is the endgame.
His words: “I think for us, integrity and transparency cannot conflict with any law. It is as simple as that. And if, indeed, we are focusing on promoting transparency, ethical standards, and good governance, then there will be no law that will go contrary to that. So, to that extent, we expect a public servant to ensure that whatever he or she is doing will be guided by this code, which emphasises those basic principles.”
He noted that the technical group is still consulting relevant stakeholders, saying every Nigerian has the right to review the document and submit his or her comments.
He added that the code governs behavior in the public service, “how we can begin the journey of ensuring that we have a very strong culture of good governance, regardless of position. The fact of the matter is that all of us are serving the public interest, irrespective of our position. And if you are serving the public interest, this code is saying, this is how we should behave. This is how we should conduct ourselves. This is what we need to do to ensure that we protect the assets and ensure that at least we have very strong corporate governance in our public service.”
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, said the Code marks a significant milestone in the government’s collective effort to strengthen governance, accountability, and efficiency in the Nigerian public sector.
She stressed that the importance of good governance cannot be overemphasised, saying it is critical for efficient service delivery in the public service.
She noted that the introduction of the NPSGC is a very welcome development, especially at this point in 2025, which marks the final year of the implementation of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025 (FCSSIP 25).
The Head of Service added: “This year is a crucial one for us in the public service, as we aim to consolidate all efforts and deliver the expected results of this ambitious reform agenda. The theme of the year for the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation—‘FCSSIP25: Final Sprint – Delivering Results’—perfectly aligns with this development, as the governance code will play a significant role in ensuring that we achieve the goal of better service delivery before the conclusion of the FCSSIP 25.”
She added that the slogan for the year, ‘2025: Year of Accomplishments,’ underscores our collective commitment to completing what the government started.
Mrs. Walson-Jack further noted that the implementation of the NPSGC will serve as a key pillar in ensuring that 2025 becomes a year of accomplishments, as the government works towards embedding accountability, efficiency, and integrity within the public service.
“The code developed by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) is not just a document but a working framework that will transform our public institutions in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. Therefore, your insights, recommendations, and commitment to upholding the principles enshrined in the code will be invaluable in driving this priority area of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration,” she stated.
The Head of Service insisted that the Code will ensure that public institutions function effectively, transparently, and with accountability to the people.
She expressed optimism that by working together, stakeholders and the government can build a governance framework that will not only serve the current generation but also lay a strong foundation for future generations.
