According to Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, Nigeria is the 36th most corrupt country in the world. Nigeria, along with Uganda, Mexico, Madagascar, Iraq, and Cameroon, scored 26, out of 100 countries.
The CPI, which was released on Tuesday, February 11, ranks perceived levels of public sector corruption in 180 nations and territories on a scale of 0 (very corrupt) to 100 (extremely clean).
Denmark was the least corrupt country, receiving 90 points, followed by Finland (88 points) and Singapore (84 points).
No African country made the top ten least corrupt nations, which were dominated by European ones. However, Cape Verde was the least corrupt African country, receiving 62 points and ranking 35th overall.
The most corrupt countries during the year under review are South Sudan, Somalia, and Venezuela, which are at the bottom of the list.
Speaking on the results, François Valeria, Chair of Transparency International, noted, “The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) shows that corruption is a dangerous problem in every part of the world, but change for the better is happening in many countries.”
Valeria highlighted the impact of corruption on global issues such as climate action, stating, “Research also reveals that corruption is a major threat to climate action. It hinders progress in reducing emissions and adapting to the unavoidable effects of global heating.”
Valeria also stated that, while 32 countries have drastically reduced corruption levels since 2012, 148 countries have remained stagnant or deteriorated during the same time period.
“The global average of 43 has also stood still for years, while over two-thirds of countries score below 50. Billions of people live in countries where corruption destroys lives and undermines human rights,” Valeria added.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli