NEITI Advocates for Stronger Anti-Corruption Measures Amid Slight Improvement in Nigeria’s TI Corruption Index
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) is calling for heightened efforts against corruption in response to Nigeria’s slight improvement in the Transparency International (TI) 2024 Corruption Perception Index (CPI).
Speaking at a recent high-level forum focused on anti-corruption strategies in Abuja, NEITI’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya highlighted that while the latest index shows modest progress in Nigeria’s global ranking, the nation must intensify its commitment to transparency and accountability.
He says “The 2024 CPI report reflects a slight advancement in Nigeria’s position, which is a sign of incremental progress. However, this also serves as a reminder that significant work lies ahead”.
Orji went on to outline key areas identified for immediate action which include stricter enforcement of anti-corruption legislation, the comprehensive implementation of the Beneficial Ownership Register to combat illicit financial flows, increased fiscal transparency concerning government revenues and expenditures, and enhanced collaboration between anti-corruption agencies and civil society organizations.
NEITI commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for effectively utilizing data in its investigations and reaffirmed its dedication to partnering with various agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and the Code of Conduct Bureau.
As Chair of the Inter-Agency Task Team, NEITI committed to coordinating the efforts of 21 anti-corruption bodies to maintain Nigeria’s progress. The agency detailed its contributions to the anti-corruption initiative, which include implementing global transparency standards in the extractive sector, publishing reports that expose revenue leaks, advocating for policy reforms, and deploying technology-driven solutions like the Beneficial Ownership Portal.
In a bid to further its mission, NEITI is developing a Data Center aimed at providing public access to reliable information, reinforcing its pledge to transparency.
The Executive Secretary urged all stakeholders—including government, private sector, civil society, and citizens—to engage actively in the anti-corruption fight. “The battle against corruption is a collective responsibility. Nigeria must not settle for marginal improvements but strive for a transformative leap in future corruption perception rankings,” he concluded.
