Buhari’s corruption fight receives knock; Nigeria ranks low in transparency report

A report by the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) released by Transparency International (TI) has suggested corruption is getting worse in Nigeria.

The country ranked 148 out of 180 countries in the report which covers 2017, with a total score of 27/100.

The 2016 CPI report had put Nigeria at 136th position, with a total score of 28/100.

The report noted that while the rest of the world has improved in the perception on corruption, Nigeria slips further down as the fight against corruption stagnates.

One of President Buhari’s campaign promises was to end corrupt practices in the country, and the new report casts a shadow over his efforts.

Despite putting several suspects on trial, many Nigerians have accused Buhari of condoning corrupt practices by top government officials within his cabinet.

Former SGF boss Babachir Lawal was enmeshed in corruption allegations over mismanagement of funds dedicated for grass cutting and still walks free.

Also, funds said to have been recovered by the current administration have not been properly accounted for or put to judicious use.

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CPI is computed by the Transparency International Secretariat in Germany and is published in Nigeria by CISLAC.

CISLAC on its part said it is worried about the new but unfavourable trend in the fight against corruption in the country as shown in the report.

“This fresh setback in the fight against corruption confirms that grand-corruption, political corruption, nepotism, favouritism and bribery persist in Nigeria at all levels,” the organisation said.

CISLAC, in its recommendations, urged the government to take its anti-corruption strategy to the grass-root level, and to also nominate judges with proven record of high integrity to handle corruption cases.