CISLAC Urges Government to Strengthen Anti-Corruption Agencies

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna Nigeria has retained its low score on the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) , recording 26 out of 100 f...

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna

Nigeria has retained its low score on the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), recording 26 out of 100 for the second consecutive year, according to Transparency International (TI) and its Nigerian chapter, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC).

The latest index shows that Nigeria dropped two places on the global ranking, sliding from 140th position in 2024 to 142nd out of 180 countries assessed in 2025. The decline reflects sustained public perception of widespread corruption and limited progress in governance reforms.

The CPI, which measures perceived levels of public sector corruption using data from independent and reputable institutions, does not assess individual corruption cases but rather captures broader national trends. Transparency International describes the CPI as the world’s most widely recognised benchmark for comparing corruption levels across countries.

In a statement accompanying the release and signed by the Executive Director of CISLAC and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the organisation noted that Nigeria’s stagnant score does not amount to a direct assessment of the performance of anti-corruption agencies, many of which continue to show commitment despite systemic challenges.

CISLAC identified several positive developments that helped Nigeria maintain marginal stability on the index, particularly in the area of asset recovery.

According to the statement, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recovered over ₦566 billion, $411 million, and 1,502 properties between October 2023 and September 2025, while the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) recovered ₦37.44 billion and $2.353 million in 2025 alone.

International cooperation on asset recovery was also highlighted, including an agreement by the UK Crown Dependency of Jersey in January 2026 to repatriate over $9.5 million in corruption-linked assets for deployment in critical infrastructure projects in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025 was cited as another significant milestone. CISLAC noted that the delisting followed the successful implementation of a 19-point action plan aimed at strengthening anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks.

The organisation also acknowledged the contributions of civil society organisations and the media in exposing corruption and promoting accountability, describing them as indispensable pillars of Nigeria’s democratic system.

However, CISLAC expressed concern over persistent structural challenges undermining anti-corruption efforts in the country. These include judicial corruption, allegations of bias, nepotism in public appointments, and declining public confidence in the justice system.

The report further pointed to continued oil theft and subsidy fraud, referencing the 2022 Auditor-General’s report, published in September 2025, which alleged that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) failed to account for billions of naira and millions of dollars in oil-related revenues.

Other areas of concern identified by CISLAC include the weakening of opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election, corruption in the power sector, shrinking civic space, persistent insecurity linked to corruption within the security sector, and limited transparency across public institutions—many of which have yet to fully comply with the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.

The organisation also cited attacks on journalists and civic activists, noting that at least 86 incidents targeting media practitioners and citizens were recorded in 2025, further eroding democratic accountability.

CISLAC therefore called for greater institutional independence for anti-corruption agencies, enhanced transparency in judicial appointments, comprehensive security sector reforms, full digitisation of procurement processes, and public disclosure of recovered assets.

It also urged the National Assembly to pass the Whistleblower Protection Bill, amend the Electoral Act to mandate electronic transmission of election results, and ensure strict adherence to constitutional provisions on budgetary appropriations.

Reaffirming its commitment to national development, CISLAC stated that it remains open to collaboration with government institutions and other stakeholders to advance transparency, accountability, and democratic governance in Nigeria.