Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) has emerged the second-best of the 191 Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) that were assessed at the 2019 National FOI Compliance & Transparency Ranking. The parameters for the ranking were proactive disclosure, responsiveness in the request for information, level of disclosure, FOI training, and timeliness. They also considered the existence of FOI Desk Officer, publication, and submission of statutory annual FOIA compliance report.
The announcement was made at the unveiling ceremony that took place on 26 September 2019 and was co-organised by six civil society organisations: the Basic Right Watch (BRW), BudgIT, Connected Development (CODE), Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Public & Private Development Centre (PPDC) and Right to Know (R2K), who partnered to ensure a robust evaluation across agencies.
In 2017, the Commission was listed No. 91 at 75th position out of 166 MDAs, in 2018, the Commission was listed 36 at 17th position out of 187 MDAs.
However, the efforts of Management at better governance, proactive compliance and transparency resulted in the materially improved ranking in 2019. It is particularly pleasing that, this impressive ranking was achieved by an internal commitment to continuous improvement without the help of an external consultant.
Since 2017, NIPC management and staff have worked diligently on the proactive disclosure of all required information. The Commission updated its website with a dedicated FOI section and trained all staff. Since mid-2017, the Commission has proactively published information of its budgets and financial performance, companies listed under the NIPC Act, procurement, court cases, etc. The Commission also proactively published information on pioneer status applications processed. This information is updated every quarter and can be accessed at https://nipc.gov.ng/proactive-disclosures/
Management is delighted with the 2019 ranking and is committed to instilling a culture of compliance with all statutory obligations.
