By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
As Transparency international, TI, released the 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index CPI, today, the Corruption rating reveals that Nigeria still maintains a very low score of 24 out of 100 points in 2021/ 2022.
The CPI launched today in Abuja by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, revealed that from 2021- 2022 Nigeria has not improved in it’s fight against corruption, in 11 years.
Execurive Secretary of CISLAC, Auwal Ibrahim Musa ( Rasfsanjani) who launched the CPI published by CISLAC lamented that despite the claim by the Federal Government of Nigeria to fight corruption sadly it is a problem in the country.
Rasfsanjani said,” There has been no change in the country scoring between 2021 and 2922, adding that in comparison Nigeria ranks 150 out of 154 on CPI results.
According to CISLAC and TI Nigeria notes that while Nigeria moved 4 places up on the country ranking , the nation has maintained its previous score of 24 which is the lowest score on the CPI since 2021, in the last 11 years.
He said,” To fight corruption, the Federal, State and Local Government must be on the same page but sadly it is left to the Presidency alone.”
He further noted that apart from corruption in the private and public sectors corruption is also the security sector, adding that recruitment of personal is often enmeshed in corruption while arms are brought into the country from porous boarders.
CISLAC further listed the key weakness which will need to be improved is pardon of convicted high profile individuals by current administration in Nigeria is a major setback in efforts to address corruption in Nigeria.
Prevalence of high profile corruption as another major challenge , citing the recovery of 30 billion naira from the former Accountant General if the federation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
” Increase in oil theft with continuous occurrence happening despite presence of security agencies, and judicial challenges among others.
CISLAC however commended the efforts of agencies like ICPC and EFCC in their fight against corruption, adding that such Agencies should be giving the enabling tools to enhance their job.
Other factors challenging fight against.corruption Rasfsanjani is political manipulation and control by politicians is undermining efforts of these security
agencies.
Meanwhile, CISLAC has called on the Nigerian Government to fight corruption , the Presidency, INEC , political parties , security actors and other stakeholders should ensure a free, fair and credible elections.
” Ensure adequate consultation with stakeholders like citizens, media, CSOs before Presidential pardons are granted.
Transparency in the petroleum subsidy process by investigating and prosecution of those found wanting, adding that judiciary should ensure justice is delivered as the elections is fast approaching.
CISLAC spokesman, Samuel Asimi while presenting the corruption perception index methodology explained that the corruption index data was collected from 13 sources and the manifestation of corruption was captured by the CPI using index on bribery , diversification of public funds, prevalence of Officers using public office for private gain without facing consequences, red tape and mediocrity among others.
