Nigeria’s latest ranking as the 36th most corrupt country in the world has sparked a heated exchange between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Labour Party (LP). The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, released by Transparency International, placed Nigeria alongside countries such as Mexico, Iraq, and Cameroon, with a score of 26 points. Denmark, Finland, and Singapore were ranked as the least corrupt, while Cape Verde led Africa with 62 points. Transparency International’s chair, Francois Valeria, described corruption as a persistent global issue and highlighted its impact on climate action, noting that 148 countries have shown no improvement since 2012.
The Labour Party swiftly condemned Nigeria’s corruption ranking, placing the blame on the APC-led government. Obiora Ifoh, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, argued that corruption had worsened under the current administration. He accused anti-corruption agencies of focusing on minor cases while ignoring large-scale corruption in government institutions. He also pointed to the decline of the whistleblowing policy, which once encouraged citizens to report corrupt activities but has now faded into irrelevance. Furthermore, Ifoh highlighted the lack of serious action against political officeholders accused of corruption, particularly in cases like the alleged Fraud involving the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs.
APC questions Transparency International’s ranking criteria.
However, APC defended its anti-corruption efforts, insisting that the government had introduced key reforms. Nze Chidi Duru, the party’s Deputy National Organising Secretary, argued that initiatives such as Tax reforms and direct funding for local governments were designed to curb financial mismanagement. He claimed that these measures would gradually reduce corruption by increasing transparency and accountability. Duru also questioned the methodology used by Transparency International, stating that the government was unaware of the specific data sources used in the ranking. He maintained that while the current perception might be unfavourable, ongoing reforms would yield visible results over time.
Despite these assurances, public confidence in the government’s anti-corruption fight remains low. Many Nigerians believe enforcement efforts are selective, targeting political opponents while shielding influential figures within the ruling party. High-profile corruption cases often stall without significant convictions, reinforcing concerns that corruption is deeply entrenched. The lack of institutional independence has further weakened accountability, making it difficult to tackle corruption effectively. Critics argue that unless there is genuine political will to hold all individuals accountable, Nigeria’s corruption problem will persist.
Persistent corruption can limit economic opportunities.
Beyond the political debate, Transparency International’s findings raises concerns about the broader impact of corruption on Nigeria’s Economy and governance. Widespread corruption discourages foreign investment, weakens public institutions, and diverts funds meant for essential services like healthcare and education. Businesses operating in Nigeria also struggle with bureaucratic bottlenecks and unofficial payments that inflate operational costs. Addressing these issues requires more than policy statements; it demands strict enforcement of anti-corruption laws, institutional reforms, and greater transparency in public administration. Without meaningful action, Nigeria risks further economic instability and continued struggles in global corruption rankings.
Moreover, Civil Society and the media play a crucial role in the fight against corruption. Investigative Journalism and civic activism have uncovered numerous cases of financial mismanagement, putting pressure on authorities to act. However, journalists and whistleblowers often face threats and harassment, making it difficult to sustain transparency efforts. In some cases, restrictive laws have been used to silence dissenting voices, further weakening accountability. Strengthening legal protections for these groups and ensuring public access to information would enhance oversight and promote a more open governance system.
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With Nigeria preparing for future elections, corruption remains a key issue that could influence voter sentiment and shape political debates. Political parties will likely use the latest ranking to criticise opponents, but real progress depends on institutional reforms rather than rhetoric. Strengthening anti-corruption agencies, ensuring judicial independence, and closing financial loopholes are crucial steps. A sustained commitment to transparency, strict enforcement of anti-corruption laws, and active citizen engagement will determine whether Nigeria improves its standing in future assessments.