By Ebi Kesiena
Nigeria has fallen two places in Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), ranking 142nd out of 182 countries assessed globally.
The latest report shows Nigeria scored 26 out of 100, the same score it recorded last year, indicating no measurable improvement in perceived levels of public-sector corruption. Transparency International explained that the CPI evaluates countries and territories based on perceived corruption in the public sector, using a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100.
“Nigeria has a score of 26 this year, with a change of 0 since last year, meaning it ranks 142 out of 182 countries,” the report stated.
In 2024, Nigeria placed 140th out of 180 countries. Although the number of countries assessed increased to 182 in the 2025 edition, the country’s unchanged score resulted in a drop of two places in the global ranking.
The report noted that while Nigeria climbed five places in the 2023 index, the 2022 assessment had already highlighted limited progress in tackling corruption, underscoring persistent governance challenges.
Globally, Denmark retained the top position as the least corrupt country with a score of 89, followed by Finland with 88 and Singapore with 84. Within Sub-Saharan Africa, Seychelles maintained its position as the region’s best performer, scoring 68 points. Cabo Verde followed with 62, while Botswana and Rwanda each recorded 58 points.
At the lower end of the regional ranking were Sudan (14), Eritrea (13), Somalia (9) and South Sudan (9), reflecting severe governance and accountability deficits.
Commenting on the findings, Transparency International’s Regional Advisor for Africa, Paul Banoba, said the report highlights the urgent need for stronger anti-corruption efforts across the continent. He stressed that corruption disproportionately affects vulnerable populations and undermines development outcomes.
“Public sector corruption always hits the most vulnerable people the hardest, despite the African Union’s adoption of the Convention on Preventing and Combatting Corruption more than two decades ago, more needs to be done.” Banoba said.
He urged African governments to move beyond commitments and implement concrete reforms, including strengthening accountability institutions, enhancing transparency, safeguarding civic space, and promoting public participation alongside effective checks and balances on power.
