Nigeria has moved up five spots in Transparency International’s (TI) 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, ranking 140th out of 180 countries. On the surface, this appears to be progress, but a closer look suggests that it is far from a cause for celebration.
The shift in ranking does not necessarily mean a decline in corruption; rather, it could indicate that other countries are faring worse.
Despite the marginal improvement in position, Nigeria still sits at a dismal 140th place, with a corruption perception score of just 26 out of 100.
This means corruption remains deeply entrenched in public institutions, continuing to undermine governance, economic stability, and the overall welfare of citizens.
The fact that Nigeria shares the same score as countries like Uganda, Iraq, and Cameroon nations similarly plagued by corruption scandals further reinforces the reality that the country has yet to make any meaningful progress in tackling corruption.
For everyday Nigerians, the effects of persistent corruption are devastating. It fuels poverty, weakens institutions, and stifles economic growth.
Essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development suffer due to funds being siphoned away by corrupt officials. Citizens continue to face skyrocketing living costs, unemployment, and insecurity, all of which are exacerbated by the government’s inability to enforce transparency and accountability.
Furthermore, corruption has contributed to Nigeria’s worsening security crisis. From the mismanagement of defense budgets to bribery within law enforcement agencies, corruption has allowed crime and insurgency to thrive.
It has also scared away investors, depriving the economy of much-needed foreign capital and job creation opportunities.
The latest TI report also highlights how corruption is a major threat to climate action.
Nigeria, already struggling with environmental challenges such as flooding, desertification, and oil spills, risks further disaster if corruption continues to hinder the effective implementation of policies aimed at combating climate change.
While government officials may attempt to spin Nigeria’s improved ranking as a sign of progress, the reality is that moving up a few spots does not translate into better governance or improved living standards. Corruption remains a fundamental obstacle to national development, and unless significant reforms are implemented, Nigerians will continue to bear the brunt of its consequences.
Rather than celebrating a mere shift in numbers, the focus should be on concrete actions: strengthening anti-corruption agencies, ensuring accountability at all levels of government, and fostering a culture where transparency is the norm rather than the exception.
Only then can Nigeria achieve true progress, one that reflects in the lives and livelihoods of its people, not just in a global ranking.
