Nigeria has inched up in the latest global corruption perception rankings released by Trading Economics, reflecting a modest shift in its global standing but leaving it still among the most corruption-plagued nations.

The country now ranks 140th out of 180 nations in the December 2024 report, an improvement from 145th in the previous ranking. The movement suggests Nigeria has gained five positions, but analysts warn this does not necessarily mean corruption has meaningfully declined. Often, such shifts result from other countries deteriorating rather than a significant domestic turnaround.

Across Africa, a mixed picture emerged. Ivory Coast made a notable leap from 87th to 69th, while Rwanda rose from 49th to 43rd. Ghana slipped from 70th and held steady at 80th, retaining a much stronger position than Nigeria.

Globally, Denmark maintained its lead as the least corrupt nation, followed closely by Finland and Singapore. At the other end of the scale, Somalia, South Sudan, and Venezuela remain the most corruption-ridden countries.

In Nigeria, governance experts say the persistent perception of high corruption is rooted in systemic issues: weak enforcement of anti-graft laws, political interference in investigations, and limited transparency in public procurement.

President Bola Tinubu?s administration has pledged to strengthen anti-corruption agencies and cut waste in government spending. Yet critics argue that the fight against graft is still selective, often sparing political allies.

Development economists caution that without deeper reforms, Nigeria risks losing investor confidence and undermining economic diversification plans. Civil society groups are calling for stronger whistleblower protections, greater judicial independence, and digital reforms to limit opportunities for bribery.

While the country?s higher placement in the index may offer a temporary image boost, observers stress that sustained improvement will require more than just moving up the table, it will require tangible changes in governance that Nigerians can feel. (BusinessDay)

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