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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has recognized the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) as the leading agency in its 2025 integrity assessment.

NUPRC achieved the highest score of 91.83, surpassing the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

In its Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS) report, the ICPC also highlighted 13 ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) as having a “high corruption risk” based on their evaluation of organizational policies, internal controls, and compliance with statutory requirements.

In response to the ranking, the Energy Accountability and Governance Network (EAGN) stated that NUPRC’s position as the top-ranked agency among the 357 MDAs assessed underscores the effectiveness of the internal governance framework established under the leadership of its Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe.

The oil sector accountability organization noted that this accomplishment resulted from ongoing reforms designed to enhance institutional discipline, improve transparency, and align upstream petroleum regulation with international best practices.

According to a statement from its Executive Director, Dr. Abdulrahman Sadiq, the ICPC recognition reflects a leadership approach that prioritizes accountability, due process, and legal compliance.

He emphasized that Komolafe’s tenure was marked by strengthened compliance structures, enhanced internal audit systems, and a clear distinction between regulatory duties and discretionary influence.

EAGN further stated that the integrity ranking enhances Nigeria’s attractiveness to international investors, especially in the upstream oil and gas sector, where regulatory certainty and ethical governance are critical for sustainable investments.

The group urged the current management of NUPRC to uphold the standards that secured the commission's top ranking, warning that any decline could erode investor confidence and weaken regulatory effectiveness.

“It is vital for the current leadership to preserve the integrity of the existing systems. A robust and transparent regulator is crucial for revenue optimization and long-term stability in the upstream petroleum sector,” Sadiq stated.

The ICPC clarified that the EICS, along with the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units’ Effectiveness Index, was created to promote ethical behavior across MDAs, enhance oversight, and serve as a standard for public sector accountability.

What is the ICPC's role in assessing integrity among agencies?

The ICPC evaluates the integrity and ethical conduct of various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to promote transparency and accountability in public service.

What was NUPRC's score in the ICPC integrity assessment?

NUPRC achieved a score of 91.83, making it the top-performing agency in the 2025 integrity assessment.

Why is the integrity ranking important for Nigeria?

The integrity ranking enhances Nigeria’s appeal to international investors, particularly in sectors like oil and gas, where regulatory certainty and ethical governance are essential for attracting long-term investments.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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