An Analysis of Nigeria’s Position in the 2025 Corruption Perception Index

Abstract

According to Transparency International's 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index report released in February 2026, Nigeria ranks 142nd out of 182 countries with 26 points out of 100. This represented a slide from the 2024 CPI reports of 26 points and 140 ranking. Nigeria is also positioned as the 36th most corrupt nation on the index. The ranking places Nigeria behind 33 other African countries, spotlighting persistent governance challenges in Africa’s most populous nation. With this, Nigeria’s score remains well below the global average of 43. CISLAC reported that the ranking reflected limited progress in tackling systemic corruption despite repeated reforms and enforcement actions by government institutions. As reported by François Valérian, Chair of Transparency International, corruption is a dynamic worldwide problem that contributes to instability, deteriorating democracy, and human rights abuses in addition to undermining growth. To make real progress against corruption and to strengthen democracy in the country, Nigeria Legislature (National Assembly) needs to do more in strengthening institutions such anti-graft agencies and other institutions responsible for maintaining checks and balances as well as fighting corruption so that they can operate effectively.