In a damning indictment of Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with corruption, the latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released by Transparency International has ranked the country a dismal 140th out of 180 nations surveyed. This sobering assessment underscores the pervasive nature of corruption in Nigeria, where despite repeated promises of reform, graft and impunity continue to undermine the rule of law, stifle economic growth, and erode public trust. As Nigerians demand accountability and transparency from their leaders, the CPI ranking serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for systemic reforms to tackle the scourge of corruption and reclaim the country’s future.

Nigeria placed 140th out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index.

With a score of 26 points, Nigeria shares its ranking with Uganda, Mexico, Madagascar, Iraq, and Cameroon.

The index evaluates 180 countries and territories based on perceived corruption levels in the public sector, assigning scores ranging from 0 (indicating high corruption) to 100 (denoting a very clean environment).

Denmark emerged as the least corrupt country with 90 points, followed by Finland (88 points) and Singapore (84 points).

However, no African country made the top 10, but Cape Verde ranked as the least corrupt nation in Africa with 62 points, placing 35th overall.

Cape Verde ranked 35th globally, scoring 62 points as Africa’s least corrupt country.

According to the rankings, South Sudan, Somalia, and Venezuela were deemed the most corrupt nations.

Transparency International Chair Delia Ferreira Rubio commented on the latest ranking, “The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index reveals corruption as a pervasive global threat, yet many countries are making strides towards positive change.”

Valeria further emphasized the corrosive effect of corruption on global climate initiatives, cautioning that it undermines efforts to curb emissions and effectively combat climate change.

According to the report, 32 countries have made notable progress in combating corruption since 2012, whereas 148 countries have either shown no improvement or declined in their rankings.

“Over two-thirds of countries score below 50, meaning billions of people live in nations where corruption destroys lives and undermines human rights,” Valeria stated.

The ranking underscores Nigeria’s persistent corruption woes, a longstanding obstacle to effective governance and sustainable economic growth.

Nigeria made minor strides in 2024, but it still trails behind several African countries in combating corruption.

Top-ranked African countries include:

– Seychelles, scoring 72, which remains the highest-ranked African nation
– Cape Verde, with a score of 62
– Namibia, scoring 59
– Mauritius, with a score of 56
– Rwanda and Botswana, both scoring 57

These countries have achieved higher rankings due to their implementation of robust anti-corruption frameworks, accountability mechanisms, and governance reforms.