The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), the leading global indicator of public sector corruption, provides an annual ranking of 180 countries based on perceived levels of corruption. The index, compiled by Transparency International, is a widely recognized barometer of governmental transparency and accountability.
In the latest CPI rankings, Nigeria scored 26 out of 100, reflecting a marginal improvement of one point from the previous year. However, despite this slight progress, the country still ranks 140th out of 180 nations, highlighting persistent challenges in combating corruption.
Understanding Nigeria’s Corruption Score
The CPI measures perceptions of corruption in the public sector by aggregating data from various credible sources, including expert assessments and business surveys. A score closer to zero indicates high levels of corruption, while a score near 100 suggests a clean and transparent public sector.
Nigeria’s score of 26 signals a deeply entrenched corruption problem. Although the one-point improvement might be seen as progress, the country remains in the lower tier of global rankings, suggesting that corruption continues to be a significant issue undermining economic development and governance.
Regional and Global Comparisons
When compared to other countries in Africa, Nigeria falls below the continental average. In contrast, countries like Botswana, Seychelles, and Rwanda consistently achieve higher scores, reflecting stronger anti-corruption institutions and enforcement mechanisms. On the global scale, Nigeria lags behind developed nations, where countries such as Denmark, Finland, and New Zealand consistently score above 80, signifying minimal corruption.
Factors Contributing to Corruption in Nigeria
Several factors contribute to Nigeria’s low ranking on the CPI:
- Weak Institutional Frameworks – Despite the existence of anti-corruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), enforcement remains inconsistent.
- Political Corruption – Reports of embezzlement, vote-buying, and lack of transparency in public offices continue to plague governance.
- Judicial Inefficiency – The legal system often experiences delays in prosecuting corruption cases, allowing impunity to thrive.
- Petroleum Sector Mismanagement – Nigeria’s oil-rich economy has historically been marred by allegations of misappropriation and lack of accountability in resource allocation.
- Public Perception and Societal Norms – Many Nigerians perceive corruption as a norm in governance, reducing public trust in anti-corruption efforts.
Consequences of Corruption
The high level of corruption in Nigeria has far-reaching consequences, including:
- Economic Instability – Misallocation of resources hinders development and foreign investment.
- Weakened Public Services – Corruption in healthcare, education, and infrastructure leads to inadequate service delivery.
- Increased Poverty – The mismanagement of public funds exacerbates socio-economic inequalities, keeping millions in poverty.
- Erosion of Public Trust – Citizens lose faith in government institutions, leading to political instability and unrest.
Efforts to Combat Corruption
Despite these challenges, Nigeria has taken steps to address corruption:
- Digitalization of Government Services – Initiatives such as the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the Bank Verification Number (BVN) system have improved transparency in financial transactions.
- Anti-Corruption Campaigns – Government agencies have increased public awareness and initiated legal action against corrupt officials.
- International Partnerships – Collaborations with international organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank have provided technical and financial assistance to strengthen anti-corruption efforts.
To further improve its CPI ranking, Nigeria must take decisive steps to strengthen the independence and effectiveness of anti-corruption institutions, enforce transparency in public procurement, and encourage whistleblower protections. Judicial reforms, alongside civic engagement and media freedom, will also play a crucial role in reducing corruption levels.
While a one-point improvement on the CPI is a step in the right direction, Nigeria still has a long road ahead in achieving significant reductions in corruption. Only through sustained efforts and political will can the country create a transparent and accountable governance system that fosters national development and economic stability.
