Nigeria has moved up in the global corruption rankings, now positioned as the 36th most corrupt country in the world, according to Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). Sharing this spot with Uganda, Mexico, Madagascar, Iraq, and Cameroon, Nigeria scored 26 out of 100—where 0 represents extreme corruption and 100 signifies a clean system. But does this mean the country is finally making progress, or is this just another statistical illusion in the fight against corruption?
The latest CPI results show a marginal improvement from Nigeria’s previous score of 25 in 2023, which placed the country at 145th out of 180 nations. While some view this as a step in the right direction, others argue it is too small to signal real change. President Bola Tinubu’s administration has been vocal about strengthening anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and ICPC, enforcing transparency in procurement, and prosecuting high-profile corruption cases. But has this translated into genuine reform, or is it merely political posturing?
Public opinion remains divided. Civil society groups have ramped up pressure on the government, pushing for greater transparency and accountability. More Nigerians are engaging in anti-corruption activism, demanding action rather than promises. Legislative measures aimed at whistleblower protection, asset declaration, and freedom of information have been introduced, but enforcement remains weak. The gap between laws on paper and actual implementation continues to widen, leaving many skeptical about the country’s commitment to real reform.
Critics point to the selective prosecution of corruption cases, where low-level offenders are targeted while politically connected individuals escape justice. Others argue that the economic crisis, unemployment, and poverty have worsened corruption, forcing many into desperate survival tactics. The reality on the ground remains grim—bribery, mismanagement of public funds, and political favoritism are still deeply entrenched.
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Nigeria’s rise in the global corruption ranking might look impressive at first glance, but is it truly a sign of progress or just a reshuffling of statistics? Transparency International’s rankings are perception-based, relying on expert assessments and surveys, which means they don’t always capture the full scope of corruption in day-to-day life. Many Nigerians still struggle with corrupt public institutions, police extortion, and bureaucratic red tape that slows development.
To translate this numerical improvement into real change, Nigeria needs consistent reforms, an independent judiciary, and a public sector built on integrity, transparency, and accountability. Without firm action against corruption at all levels, this ranking will remain nothing more than a fleeting headline. The question remains—is Nigeria truly fighting corruption, or just playing the numbers game?
