The Progress, Challenges and Prospects of Nigeria’s Anti-corruption War 

Nigeria stands at a critical juncture in its fight against corruption, a persistent issue that has long hindered the country’s development and eroded public trust. With a dismal Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) score of 24 out of 100 in 2023, Nigeria ranks a staggering 154th out of 180 countries, falling woefully short of the global average of 43.

The situation is exacerbated by the fact that corruption is not only widespread but also deeply rooted in the minds of many Nigerians who see bribery and corruption as an inevitable part of life. Despite these challenges, there are glimmers of hope such as a draft treaty that is now in the works on establishing an International Anti-Corruption Court (IACCourt).

Also, Nigeria’s financial secrecy ranking is a wake-up call for the country to take drastic measures to tackle corruption. With a secrecy score of 60, Nigeria ranks 30th globally, indicating significant vulnerabilities in its financial systems. This ranking is particularly concerning given the widespread of reported cases of corruption such as tax evasion and money laundering.

High-profile cases, such as Malabu Oil and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), highlight the profound challenge that corruption poses, as investigations into these cases reveal a persistent pattern of mismanagement and embezzlement of public funds, diverting away resources from inclusive development. These incidents do not only impact Nigeria’s reputation but also strengthen existing inequalities affecting the most vulnerable populations.

Since he took over the affairs of the country in May 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has prioritised the fight against corruption through various measures. The government has strengthened the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to enhance its investigative capabilities and also introduced digital platforms to promote transparency in public procurement. While these efforts aim to increase citizen engagement and advocacy, the road to a corruption-free Nigeria is paved with challenges. Some of the challenges are impunity among high-ranking officials, as well as the slow pace of judicial processes.

The situation in Nigeria reflects broader patterns observed across the African continent where corruption remains persistent, with sections of the elite systematically extracting wealth from public resources for personal gain. This “kleptocracy” thrives on patronage networks, where political loyalty is rewarded with access to state resources. Unfortunately, foreign actors, particularly multinational corporations, further complicates the landscape, as they often engage in corrupt practices to secure lucrative contracts.

Even though there have been efforts in the past to address these systemic issues, new anti-corruption laws and initiatives introduced in recent years have faced pushback from segments of the political class. In fact, Nigeria has ratified international conventions aimed at combating corruption but the actual implementation of these measures often falters due to weak institutions and systemic blockages.

More challenges

In Nigeria, ‘godfatherism’ is a significant challenge to good governance and democratic development. It involves the use of money, power, and other forms of influence to secure political offices, contracts, and other benefits. The deep-seated challenges must be addressed for genuine reform to take root.

Aside from this, the country is also battling with ‘ghost workers’ in the public sector. With fictitious appointments, connected individuals receive salaries without fulfilling any duties, draining public resources and perpetuating inefficiency. Even with the elimination of approximately 80,000 ghost workers recently, the problem persists.

Citizen-led activism and growing awareness

Despite the challenge, civil society organisations (CSOs) play an important role in advocating for greater transparency and accountability. These groups actively monitor government budgets and service delivery, working to expose corrupt practices and engage citizens in the fight against corruption. These efforts are essential in creating a culture of accountability and demanding better governance.

As things unfold daily, Nigeria’s efforts against corruption will be significantly bolstered by the proposed establishment of the IACCourt as the court will provide a complementary mechanism for prosecuting high-level corruption cases, particularly transnational cases that often evade local judicial systems.

The IACCourt will help law-enforcement in crimes that have been universally agreed upon under the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) – bribery of public officials, embezzlement, misappropriation of public resources, and money laundering. By facilitating cross-border cooperation and enhancing legal frameworks, the IACCourt will help Nigeria recover stolen assets and hold corrupt individuals accountable.

Similarly, it’s believed establishment will signal a serious commitment to combating corruption to the Nigerian public and the international community.

Strengthening institutions

For Nigeria to address corruption, it must foster a culture that prioritises transparency and accountability at all levels of government. This requires not only the establishment of strong legal frameworks but also the political will to enforce them.

Strengthening anti-corruption institutions, ensuring judicial independence, and fostering collaboration between government leaders and civil society are critical components of this effort. In this regard, Nigeria and others embracement of the IACCourt will be a major touchstone. Also, renewed international cooperation will significantly bolster Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts through engagement with global initiatives focused on assets recovery.

Interestingly, the recent establishment of the Open Central Register of Beneficial Ownership marks a significant additional step towards a greater corporate transparency. Still, its success hinges on rigorous implementation.

In all, a united front against corruption, supported by both the government and civil society, is essential for building a more equitable future. It is not an option; it is a necessity for Nigeria’s survival and prosperity. The path forward is fraught with challenges, yet the potential for transformative change exists. It is imperative that Nigeria as leader in Africa takes a frontline position in bolstering the inter-continental fight against corruption, including through robust support of the IACCourt, and the global peer learning to foster a culture of integrity and accountability in global exchanges.

If the fight against corruption is successful, Nigeria and the developing world as a whole will fulfil their vast development potentials in a transforming world.

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Dr Ola Bello is the Executive Director for Good Governance Africa (GGA). He has extensive experience in mining governance and economic transformation.