Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) shows Nigeria ranked 140th out of 180 countries. Auwal Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), spoke with National Scoop. He reported Nigeria’s 2024 CPI score as 26 out of 100. This is a slight improvement from 25 to 2023. Nigeria’s global ranking moved up from 145th to 140th.
Rafsanjani acknowledged this small positive step. However, he stressed that Nigeria urgently needs more significant progress to fight deeply rooted corruption.
The report identified Denmark, Finland, and Singapore as leading the world’s fight against corruption. Conversely, South Sudan, Somalia, and Venezuela faced the greatest corruption challenges.
Africa’s Fight Against Corruption: Nigeria’s Position
Cape Verde leads in Africa, ranking 35th globally with 62 points. Unfortunately, no African nation reached the top 10, a list dominated by European countries. Nigeria shares its ranking with Uganda, Mexico, Madagascar, Iraq, and Cameroon. Each of these countries scored 26 points. This shared position illustrates the widespread nature of corruption.
Francois Valeria, Chairman of Transparency International, highlighted that corruption remains a serious global issue. But he also pointed out that positive change is happening in many places.
Valeria explained how corruption harms efforts to protect the climate. It hinders reducing emissions and adapting to a warming world. Nigeria’s corruption ranking affects not only governance but also crucial areas like environmental protection.
Valeria noted that the CPI assesses 180 countries. It measures perceived levels of public sector corruption. The scale ranges from 0 (meaning highly corrupt) to 100 (meaning very clean).
This report is a simple message: governments and organizations must act. They need to prioritize fighting corruption and promoting transparency. Nigeria needs to improve its corruption ranking. The country must sustain its efforts against corruption. The goal is a more ethical and accountable government.
