Transparency International: Nigeria 2nd most corrupt country in West Africa

According to the Corruption Perception Index of 2020 by Transparency International, Nigeria was ranked as the second most corrupt country in West Africa. As the region of Sub-Saharan Africa was labeled the lowest performing with an average score of 32, Asama More, the regional advisor for West Africa at Transparency International, shed light on the index and the implications it holds for the region. The index revealed that Nigeria's score had decreased by two points, indicating persistent structural issues within the country. More emphasized the urgent need for transparency and accountability in public services to combat nepotism, bribery, and extortion. He called for comprehensive actions, including reforms in legal and institutional frameworks, and a strong political will to drive change at all levels of government. The lack of decisive action reflects in the results, demanding a more proactive approach to address corruption effectively. In comparison to other countries in West Africa, Ghana showcased improvement in its score but still remained below the desirable threshold. More highlighted the consistent top performers in the region, including Seychelles, Botswana, and Cape Verde, urging other countries to follow suit. With only a few countries scoring above the red zone, there is a pressing need for heightened anti-corruption efforts across the continent. More emphasized the importance of upholding existing commitments under international conventions and regional agreements to combat corruption effectively. In response to the Nigerian government's claim that the report does not reflect the actual situation in the country, More explained that the index is based on the perceptions of experts and professionals who have direct interactions with the public sector. He stressed the significance of addressing the root causes of corruption and engaging in constructive dialogues to tackle the issue effectively. The region's collective efforts are crucial in lifting countries out of the red zone and advancing towards a corruption-free future.