The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has attributed Nigeria’s stagnation in the corruption perception index (CPI) in which it scored 26 out of 100 in the 2025 assessment, same as in 2024, to failure of successive reforms to produce meaningful impact.
CISLAC, while reacting to the 2025 CPI report released by Transparency International (TI) on Tuesday, February 10, in Abuja, described Nigeria’s 37th position among the world’s most corrupt countries as a “national embarrassment” and recommended measures to reverse the negative perception.
The global index, compiled annually by Transparency International, assesses perceived levels of public sector corruption across countries using data from independent institutions and experts.
According to TI’s report, while Nigeria scored 26 out of 100 in the 2025 CPI, retaining the same score it recorded in 2024, it however slipped from 140th to 142nd position on the global ranking, reflecting what CISLAC described as stagnation in anti-corruption efforts.
In his reaction, CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), said the ranking underscored the failure of successive reforms to produce meaningful impact.
“It is deeply troubling that Nigeria remains trapped among the most corrupt nations in the world. This is not just a statistic; it is a national embarrassment,” Rafsanjani said.
“Despite some efforts, the overall perception is that corruption remains deeply entrenched in our public institutions.”
Rafsanjani noted that the CPI does not measure specific incidents of corruption nor directly evaluate the performance of anti-graft agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Instead, it reflects expert and business perceptions of corruption within the public sector.
However, while criticising the overall ranking, CISLAC acknowledged notable improvements in certain areas, particularly asset recovery and financial system reforms.
The EFCC recovered over ₦566 billion and $411 million, along with 1,502 properties, between October 2023 and September 2025, according to CISLAC.
The group further stated that the ICPC also announced recoveries amounting to ₦37.44billion and $2.353million within the same period.
It also recalled that Nigeria was removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) “grey list” in October 2025 after implementing a 19-point action plan to strengthen its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks.
“These are commendable steps,” CISLAC noted, “but recoveries alone are not sufficient. There must be transparency in how recovered assets are managed and utilised for the benefit of citizens.”
The group also praised investigative journalists and civil society organisations for sustaining advocacy efforts and exposing corruption despite increasing risks.
However, CISLAC stressed that deep-rooted challenges across key sectors continue to undermine progress.
The organisation cited the judiciary as facing allegations of nepotism, bias and undue influence, which have weakened public trust in the justice system.
CISLAC also noted that the legislature has also been rocked by bribery scandals, including allegations that lawmakers extorted funds from heads of tertiary institutions in exchange for budget approvals.
In the oil and gas sector, the group recalled that the 2022 Auditor-General’s report, published in 2025, revealed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) could not account for billions of naira and foreign currencies in oil-related revenues, raising concerns about financial mismanagement.
The group further noted that the power sector has similarly been criticised following reports of alleged misappropriation of ₦128 billion, while Nigerians continue to grapple with erratic electricity supply and rising tariffs.
CISLAC further expressed concern about the shrinking civic space, citing documented attacks on journalists and the alleged misuse of laws such as the Cybercrime Act to silence dissenting voices.
“Corruption thrives where accountability is weak and civic voices are suppressed,” Rafsanjani warned.
On political developments ahead of the 2027 general elections, CISLAC criticised the National Assembly’s earlier rejection of a proposal to make electronic transmission of election results mandatory, describing it as a setback to democratic reforms in the country.
To reverse the negative perception, CISLAC recommended, amongst other things, that the Nigerian government, “Ensures that agencies such as the EFCC, ICPC, and NFIU operate independently, free from political interference, and are adequately funded.
“Implement swift and fair trials for corruption cases and enact laws that enhance transparency and accountability.
“Establish a robust integrity monitoring mechanism within the judiciary, including whistleblowing channels, mandatory asset disclosure, and conflict-of-interest protocols. The processes for judicial appointments and promotions should be fully transparent.
“Prioritise impartial and unhindered investigations into corruption within the security sector to address Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation.
“Security agencies and operatives must not be used as instruments of politically motivated vendettas.
“Introduce robust tracking systems for oil production and sales, ensuring that the NNPC accounts for the alleged missing funds as highlighted in the Auditor General’s Report of 2022, published in 2025.
“Additionally, the government should ensure the effective implementation of the Public Procurement Act, 2017, mandating full digitisation and public access to all government contracts, budget allocations, and procurement processes.”
It also urged the National Assembly to pass the Whistleblower Protection Bill to safeguard individuals exposing corruption and uphold fundamental freedoms of expression.”
CISLAC further recommended, “Anti-corruption agencies mandated under the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act 2022 should establish publicly accessible databases detailing assets in their custody, in line with the Act and the proactive provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2011.
“Ensure that high-profile corruption cases are pursued to their logical conclusion, safeguarding national interests.
“Explore international avenues for addressing transnational grand corruption cases where applicable.”
Rafsanjani said, “Nigeria cannot afford to normalise corruption or treat this ranking as business as usual.”
As Nigeria prepares for another electoral cycle and seeks to attract foreign investment, CISLAC said that the country’s CPI performance sends a sobering signal about the urgency of comprehensive reforms.
CISLAC noted that the message is clear: without decisive action, Nigeria risks remaining stuck among the world’s most corrupt nations, a status the group insists the country must urgently shed.