Transparency International (TI), through its Nigerian chapter, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), has released the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), showing a slight improvement in Nigeria’s ranking.
Nigeria scored 26 out of 100, a marginal increase from 25 in 2023. The country’s global ranking improved from 145th to 140th out of 180 countries. While this reflects progress, it remains far from the substantial change required to dismantle systemic corruption. Sub-Saharan Africa, as a region, continues to struggle with corruption, recording the lowest average CPI score of 33 out of 100.
The CPI measures the perception of corruption in the public sector rather than specific incidents. According to CISLAC, the index is widely recognized as an impartial and globally acknowledged benchmark used by governments, businesses, and civil society organizations. Notably, this is the first CPI under the current administration, setting a benchmark for future assessments.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS
CISLAC identified several factors contributing to Nigeria’s improved CPI ranking.
One significant factor is the increase in high-profile corruption prosecutions. Law enforcement agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), have intensified their efforts in prosecuting corruption cases, recovering assets, and collaborating with stakeholders. However, CISLAC emphasized the need for these agencies to remain independent and prosecute cases without political interference.
Another area of progress is asset recovery, with Nigeria making strides in repatriating stolen public funds. This includes cooperation with France on the recovery of the Abacha loot and recent efforts with the United States to recover $52.88 million from former oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke. CISLAC called for improved management of recovered assets to ensure they benefit ordinary citizens.
Civil society and media advocacy have also played a crucial role in exposing corruption and holding the government accountable. Investigative journalism and advocacy groups, such as CISLAC, continue to put pressure on authorities to act against corruption. The digitization of government services, including e-governance solutions like digital tax collection and procurement processes, has further improved transparency and reduced bribery opportunities.
PERSISTENT WEAKNESSES
Despite these gains, CISLAC highlighted several areas of concern where corruption remains entrenched.
Judicial corruption continues to undermine Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework. Reports from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) indicate that 20% of those who interacted with the judiciary were asked to pay bribes. Additionally, many government institutions fail to comply with anti-corruption policies, weakening public accountability mechanisms.
State capture and nepotism also remain pressing issues, with key government appointments often based on personal or ethnic affiliations rather than merit. CISLAC noted that individuals with corruption allegations continue to be appointed to public office, while the absence of a whistleblower protection law discourages citizens from reporting corruption.
Oil theft and subsidy fraud continue to drain Nigeria’s resources, with billions of dollars lost annually due to illicit activities in the petroleum sector. The power sector also remains plagued by corruption, leading to an unstable national grid despite heavy government investment. Nigerians continue to face electricity tariff hikes while receiving inadequate power supply.
Tax evasion and selective tax waivers were also flagged as major concerns. While small businesses and individuals bear the burden of multiple taxes, multinational corporations and elites receive questionable waivers, leading to significant revenue losses.
CISLAC further warned about the shrinking civic space and attacks on press freedom. The government has increasingly suppressed civic engagement, with journalists, activists, and whistleblowers facing intimidation, arrests, and, in some cases, deadly crackdowns. The organization cited recent incidents, including the detention of minors during #EndBadGovernance protests, as examples of rising state repression.
Political corruption remains a challenge, with allegations of bribery within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Assembly. The lack of internal democracy in political parties further contributes to corrupt electoral practices.
In the security sector, CISLAC raised concerns about wasteful expenditures and the misuse of security agencies for political purposes. The organization also criticized the lack of transparency in public institutions, as many government agencies fail to comply with the Freedom of Information Act and the Open Government Partnership commitments.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT
To address these issues, CISLAC recommended several measures, including ensuring the independence of anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC, ICPC, and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). The organization urged the government to implement fair and swift trials for corruption cases and to establish judicial integrity monitoring mechanisms.
CISLAC also called for the full digitization of government contracts, budgets, and procurement processes to enhance transparency. It advocated for stricter oversight of asset recovery efforts, ensuring recovered funds are properly managed and utilized for public benefit.
The organization stressed the need for improved protection of whistleblowers and urged the National Assembly to pass the Whistleblower Protection Bill. It also called for reforms in the electoral process to restore public trust and reduce corruption in political financing.
CISLAC further recommended that government policies be more responsive to the economic challenges faced by citizens. It criticized wasteful government spending and urged public officials to demonstrate empathy by prioritizing essential services over luxury expenditures.
CONCLUSION
While Nigeria’s slight improvement in the Corruption Perceptions Index offers some hope, significant challenges remain. The government’s ability to sustain anti-corruption efforts, strengthen institutions, and enhance transparency will determine future progress. With the CPI serving as a benchmark, stakeholders—including civil society, the media, and the general public—must continue to push for accountability and systemic reforms to combat corruption in Nigeria.