- Nigeria ranked 36th in Transparency International's 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, scoring 26 points
- Transparency International noted global corruption challenges and the need for continued reform
- Cape Verde was the least corrupt African country, ranking 35th with 62 points
Transparency International, a global coalition dedicated to fighting corruption, has ranked Nigeria as the 36th most corrupt country in the world in its 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI).
Nigeria shares this position with Uganda, Mexico, Madagascar, Iraq, and Cameroon, all of which scored 26 points on the index.
The CPI, released on Tuesday, ranks 180 countries and territories based on their perceived levels of public sector corruption, using a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
According to the ranking, Denmark is the least corrupt country in the world with a score of 90 points, followed by Finland in second place with 88 points, and Singapore in third with 84 points.
No African country made it into the top 10 least corrupt nations, which was dominated by European countries.
However, Cape Verde was recognised as the least corrupt African country, ranked 35th with 62 points.
South Sudan, Somalia, and Venezuela were ranked as the most corrupt countries for the year, with each facing significant corruption challenges.
In a statement accompanying the release of the index, Transparency International's chair, François Valeria, said, “The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index shows that corruption is a dangerous problem in every part of the world, but change for the better is happening in many countries.”
Valeria further highlighted the research findings, which suggest that corruption is a major obstacle to climate action, as it hinders efforts to reduce emissions and adapt to the unavoidable effects of global warming.
“The CPI ranks 180 countries and territories worldwide by their perceived levels of public sector corruption. The results are given on a scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean),” Valeria explained.
Although 32 countries have shown significant progress in reducing corruption since 2012, Valeria noted that there is still considerable work to be done.
“The global average of 43 has also remained stagnant 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,” he added.
The Corruption Perceptions Index is widely used as an important indicator of corruption levels and governance standards across the globe.
Full List below:
The Corruption Perceptions Index
Nigeria's struggle with corruption continues as the world marks International Anti-Corruption Day
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that as International Anti-Corruption Day raised awareness about corruption globally, former President Obasanjo emphasised that tackling corruption must begin with accountability at the highest levels of government.
Obasanjo stressed the need for daily, consistent efforts in the fight against corruption, likening it to a hydra-headed problem.
