NIGERIA’S Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has criticised the latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by Transparency International, which ranked Nigeria 140th out of 180 countries. The anti-graft agency insists the report does not reflect the country’s progress in tackling corruption.
EFCC defends Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts
EFCC spokesperson Olanipekun Olukayode dismissed the report’s findings, stating that Nigeria has made ‘substantial progress’ in its fight against corruption. ‘Nobody is going to deny that we are improving. Whether they give us higher ratings or not, what matters is that we continue strengthening our efforts,’ he said in a statement on Wednesday.
Transparency International’s report, released earlier this month, assessed global corruption levels, particularly its impact on climate action. Nigeria received a score of 26 out of 100, placing it among the lower-ranked nations.
Agency highlights foreign arrests
The EFCC countered the report’s credibility by pointing out recent law enforcement successes, including the arrest of foreign nationals involved in fraud. ‘In a single operation, we arrested over 790 suspects, including 194 foreigners, some from countries that rank higher than Nigeria in the TI index,’ Olukayode revealed.
He further stressed that the agency remains focused on improving Nigeria’s internal anti-corruption measures rather than seeking international approval. ‘We will not be discouraged by external ratings; our priority is ensuring accountability and making tangible progress in governance,’ he added.
Nigeria’s fight against corruption continues
Despite its low ranking, Nigeria has intensified efforts to combat financial crimes through crackdowns on fraud, cybercrime, and money laundering. The EFCC maintains that continued reforms and stronger enforcement will yield long-term results, regardless of international rankings.
While Transparency International’s index reflects global perceptions, the EFCC argues that Nigeria’s actual progress in fighting corruption tells a different story.
