An Analysis of Nigeria’s Position in the 2024 Corruption Perception Index

Abstract

Nigeria's performance in Transparency International's 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) reflects a modest improvement in the country's ongoing battle against corruption. The nation ranked 140th out of 180 countries, advancing five positions from its 2023 standing of 145th. This change corresponds to a slight increase in its score from 25 to 26 out of 100, indicating a marginal enhancement in perceived public sector integrity. Despite this progress, Nigeria's score remains significantly below the global average of 43 and the Sub-Saharan African average of 33. The country shares its 140th position with nations such as Uganda, Mexico, and Iraq, all scoring 26. This ranking underscores Nigeria's continued struggle with systemic corruption, despite efforts by anti-graft agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). Based on the foregoing, this brief recommends that: i. The National Assembly may enact a comprehensive whistle-blower protection legislation that would adequately protect whistleblowers from reprisals such as job loss, harassment, demotion, physical abuse and even murder; ii. The National Assembly may introduce legislative safeguards to insulate judicial appointments and budgetary allocations from executive interference. This could help in expediting high-profile corruption trials and rebuild judicial integrity; and iii. The National Assembly make intensify oversight on government agencies ensuring an enhanced transparency in public spending through the implementation of robust asset management policies to prevent the re-looting of recovered funds.