The Global Corruption Perceptions Index (GCPI) is a recognised global indicator of public sector corruption. The index ranks approximately 180 countries and territories based on how corrupt their public sector is perceived to be by experts and the business sector.
The word corruption is etymologically derived from the latin word “corruptus,” or “corrupta” which means degenerate, decadent, depraved, venal; infected, rotten and decayed. This refers to “change from good to bad,”; the state of being corrupt. “Corruptus” refers to foul odour.
Corruption is dishonest or illegal behaviour, especially by people in power. It can also refer to the act of inducing someone to do something wrong through improper or unlawful means such as bribery.
Corruption is a human problem. However, it is most common in kleptocracies, oligarchies, narco-states and mafia states. Corruption is the refusal to do what is right. It is the unfair use of power for personal advantage.
Systemic corruption is the cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabrics of Nigerian society. It is a major hindrance to socio-political and economic development. The country’s endemic corruption also contributes to its overall weak rule of law as measured by the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index, which ranked Nigeria 120 out of 140 countries surveyed on absence of corruption in 2022. Corrupt practices in the justice system often lead to slow and ineffective dispensation of justice.
Corruption in Nigeria vis-à-vis Global context
Presently, Nigeria suffers from corruptus in extremis. Corruption is gradually being normalised in every sector. Citizens who exhibit discipline and shun corrupt practices are often disdained and seen as dull and abnormal even by their colleagues.
The government has made efforts to minimise corruption through the enactment of laws and the enforcement of integrity systems such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).
According to Transparency International in its Global Corruption Index 2024, Nigeria ranks 140 out of 180 countries. In 2023, Nigeria ranked 145 out of 180 countries.” Denmark ranked first, Finland ranked second, while Singapore ranked third.
These countries have the most honest public sector. They are the least corrupt countries of the world based on the recently released statistics. The most corrupt countries are South Sudan, Somalia and Venezuella.
The cost of corruption in different continents
Transparency International outlined the cost of corruption in different continents as follows:
CPI 2024 for the Americas: Corruption fuels environmental crime and impunity across the region
CPI 2024 for Asia Pacific: Leaders failing to stop corruption amid an escalating climate crisis
In the region most prone to natural disasters, governments across Asia Pacific are still not delivering on anti-corruption pledges.
CPI 2024 for Eastern Europe & Central Asia: Vicious cycle of weak democracy and flourishing corruption.
Weak democratic institutions and rule of law are exacerbated by ongoing instability and external pressures.
CPI 2024 for the Middle East & North Africa: Corruption linked to authoritarianism, but calls for reform emerging
Stagnation stems mostly from near-absolute control by political leaders, who benefit from the wealth they channel into their own pockets, clamping down on any dissent to retain power.
CPI 2024 for Sub-Saharan Africa: Weak anti-corruption measures undermine climate action
Despite a very low regional performance in 2024, there were African countries that invested in anti-corruption and made remarkable progress.
CPI 2024 for Western Europe & EU: Leaders’ hollow efforts cause worsening corruption levels.
In fragile times, Europe’s ability to combat corruption is falling short, hindering the bloc’s response to challenges that range from the climate crisis to fraying rule of law and overstrained public services.
According to the Chair of Transparency International, Francois Valerian, “Corruption is an evolving global threat that does far more than undermine development – it is a key cause of declining democracy, instability and human rights violations.
The international community and every nation must make tackling corruption a top and long-term priority. This is crucial to pushing back against authoritarianism and securing a peaceful, free and sustainable world.
The dangerous trends revealed in this year’s Corruption Perceptions Index highlight the need to follow through with concrete action now to address global corruption.”
Least Corrupt Countries
Rank Country Score
1 Denmark 90
2 Finland 88
3 Singapore 84
4 New Zealand 83
5 Luxembourg 81
5 Norway 81
5 Switzerland 81
8 Sweden 80
9 Netherlands 78
10 Australia 77
10 Iceland 77
10 Ireland 77
Lessons from Anti-corruption Policies of Denmark
The successes recorded by the least corrupt countries are based on certain anti-corruption laws, strategies, vibrant anti-corruption agencies and implementable policies.
In Denmark, the primary anti- corruption law is found within the Danish Criminal Code, specifically sections 122 and 144, which criminaliSes both the act of giving a bribe (active bribery) and receiving bribe (passive bribery) to public officials; essentially, the law prohibits bribery in both the public and private sectors with further provisions addressing bribery of arbitrators in section 304a of the criminal code.
Denmark is part of the Criminal Law Convention on Corruption which was adopted by the Council of Europe in January 1999. The Convention criminalises various forms of corruption, including bribery of public officials, bribery in the private sector, trading in influence, and money laundering.
Transparency, integrity, independent judiciary, civic activism and social trust are the factors that make Denmark one of the least corrupt countries in the world.
Enablers of corruption in Nigeria
According to World Economic Forum, corruption cost Nigeria the sum of 1.26 trillion dollars annually.
- Procurement: The highest quantum of corruption is in the area of procurement. Lack of due process breeds corruption.
- Lack of Political will. The unwillingness of political office holders to deal decisively with corruption.
- Rapid Modernisation. The weakening of traditional values due to rapid modernisation
- Bigotry. Prejudice or intolerance meted out on an individual on the basis of race or creed, etc.
- Nepotism. A situation whereby there is uneven spread of appointment of heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
- Political Patronage. When people are rewarded merely on the basis of supporting a ruling party.
- Poor remuneration and lack of incentives. This is an enabler of financial corruption. There is a great temptation for workers to engage in corrupt practices in an ecosystem where incentives are absent and they are poorly remunerated.
Recommendation
There is a great need to make the Nigerian state an authentically egalitarian society. There should be welfare schemes and social safety nets that are sincerely administered such that the poor and vulnerable can receive support from the government.
Corporate organisations should be properly regulated such that they do not become enablers of corruption.
Political leaders at the various tiers of government must sincerely resolve to extinguish corruption and its semblance.
Financial institutions should be thoroughly regulated so as to mitigate incidences of corruption and other malpractices.
Basically, if we strengthen our laws, backed with thorough and intentional monitoring and evaluation of institutions, corruption will drastically reduce.
The fight against corruption should be people centred. Every member of the society should have proper orientation and knowledge of the monstrous nature of corruption, its ability to hinder development and destroy a nation.
Rule of Law should not only be verbalised, but it must be real and perceptible. When corrupt people are punished as stipulated by the law, impunity is checked or possibly reduced to the barest minimum. When there is no commensurate punishment for corruption, corrupt practices are reinforced in the system; as such, there will be prevalence of impunity. This spells doom and gloom for the country.
Conclusion
A corrupt society is diseased and ruptured. The root cause of corruption must be identified and speedily addressed before it metastasises. When corruption is allowed to fester; in the long run everyone will suffer the consequences. The judiciary should be allowed to become truly independent without external interference. Deterrence is germane in the fight against corruption.
Author:
Ejimonu Emmanuel, PhD
Visiting Fellow
Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership
