Nigeria has been ranked as the 36th most corrupt nation in the world in the latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2024, a report released by Transparency International (TI). This marks a concerning slide in the nation’s ongoing battle against corruption, positioning it among several countries with significant governance challenges. Nigeria shares the 36th spot with countries such as Uganda, Mexico, Madagascar, Iraq, and Cameroon, each scoring 26 points on the CPI scale, which ranges from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
For the average Nigerian, the CPI’s latest findings underscore the pervasive corruption that continues to undermine efforts for national progress, from economic development to sustainable governance. The new ranking raises pressing questions about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s anti-corruption initiatives, particularly under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which has made tackling corruption one of its key pledges.
A Clear Global Trend: Corruption Still a Global Crisis
The Transparency International report, which surveyed 180 countries and territories, highlights a global trend that appears grim for many nations. According to François Valeria, the chair of Transparency International, corruption remains an urgent issue worldwide, affecting not only economic growth but also climate action efforts. Valeria pointed out, “Research also reveals that corruption is a major threat to climate action. It hinders progress in reducing emissions and adapting to the unavoidable effects of global heating.”
However, despite the overwhelming statistics, Valeria also noted that there are signs of progress in some regions. “While 32 countries have significantly reduced their corruption levels since 2012, there’s still a huge amount of work to be done. Over two-thirds of countries score below 50 on the scale,” he added. This stagnation in global anti-corruption progress calls for a more robust and sustained commitment to reforms.
Nigeria’s ranking places it in a precarious position, given the broader international efforts to fight corruption. The country’s persistent corruption issues are linked to broader socio-political challenges, including weak institutions, political instability, and an underdeveloped judiciary system. Many analysts argue that until these structural weaknesses are addressed, meaningful progress will remain elusive.
Nigeria’s Complicated Relationship with Transparency
Nigeria’s historical struggles with corruption have left a deep mark on its national identity, with widespread graft seen in both public and private sectors. These problems were compounded in the years following the country’s return to democratic rule in 1999, as politicians and bureaucrats continued to engage in corrupt practices despite anti-corruption measures put in place.
The Nigerian government has made efforts over the years to combat corruption. These efforts include the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). Yet, critics have argued that these agencies often face limitations in their capacity to investigate and prosecute high-ranking officials involved in corrupt activities. For many Nigerians, the perceived ineffectiveness of these institutions is part of the reason why the country continues to rank poorly on international corruption indices.
“Many of the reforms in place are just window dressing,” said political analyst Adebayo Olarenwaju. “The lack of political will to confront powerful individuals within the system has made it very difficult for Nigeria to make any meaningful progress in this area. Anti-corruption laws exist, but enforcement remains weak.”
The African Dilemma: No Top 10 African Nations on Clean List
The 2024 CPI also reveals the absence of African nations in the top 10 least corrupt countries, a pattern that underscores the continent’s broader challenges in combating corruption. Countries like Denmark, Finland, and Singapore topped the global clean list with scores of 90, 88, and 84, respectively, setting a stark contrast to the situation in Africa.
Cape Verde, a small island nation, was noted as the least corrupt African country, occupying the 35th spot with 62 points. Despite its relatively higher score, Cape Verde’s position still highlights the challenges faced by African nations, many of which suffer from weak governance, political instability, and pervasive corruption.
The World’s Most Corrupt: South Sudan, Somalia, and Venezuela Lead the Pack
At the opposite end of the spectrum, South Sudan, Somalia, and Venezuela were ranked as the most corrupt nations in the world for 2024. These countries, along with others struggling with political turmoil, conflict, and fragile economies, continue to grapple with endemic corruption that inhibits development and undermines social stability.
In a statement released with the report, Transparency International emphasized the global urgency to address corruption, particularly in conflict-prone regions. The organization noted that, “Corruption destroys lives and undermines human rights,” pointing to the millions of people living in countries where corruption is not only an obstacle to economic progress but also a direct threat to their safety and well-being.
Looking Ahead: What Does Nigeria’s Ranking Mean for the Future?
The implications of Nigeria’s 2024 ranking on the Corruption Perceptions Index are far-reaching. As one of the largest economies in Africa, Nigeria’s challenges with corruption have regional and even global consequences. From the oil industry to education, the country’s institutions continue to be plagued by graft, limiting the effectiveness of policies aimed at national development.
“We need to rethink how we approach governance,” said Dr. Chinonso Ibekwe, a Nigerian political economist. “This ranking should serve as a wake-up call to the government. More needs to be done to ensure transparency, improve accountability, and enforce the laws that are already in place.”
While the Nigerian government has made some strides in its anti-corruption efforts, it is clear that more needs to be done to address the systemic issues that fuel corruption. Whether President Tinubu’s administration can rise to the challenge will be critical in determining Nigeria’s future on the global stage.
