The latest rating of Nigeria by Transparency International (TI), a global anti-corruption watchdog based in Berlin, Germany, shows that corruption is increasing despite current efforts by the Umaru Yar’Adua administration to curtail it.

Survey released by Transparency International shows that Nigeria has dropped nine places – from 121 to 130th position, out of the 180 countries ranked on the global Corruption Perception Index (CPI) for 2009.

The survey mirrors domestic public sector corruption in selected countries conducted by TI. According to it, Nigeria obtained a score of 2.5 out of possible 10 marks. In Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria emerged 27th out of 47 countries surveyed, and 33rd out of the 53 countries in Africa. According to the detailed Index, New Zealand emerged top of perceived corruption-free nation with a total score of 9.4. Somalia is rated the world’s most corrupt nation.

For Nigeria, this is certainly no good news. It represents undulating fortune because in 2008, for instance, the country improved nine points to be rated 121. But there have been a steady worsening of Nigeria on the corruption Index ranking from 101 in 2002, to an all-time high of 154th position in 2005, out of 159 countries surveyed by the anti-graft global watchdog. But just when government thought it was doing well to fight corruption, the latest ranking must have been a jarring shock. And the Minister of Information, Prof. Dora Akunyili rightly said so. She, however, admitted that government needs to do more to claim a favourable ranking next time.

We appreciate Federal Government’s concerns on the implications of worsening rating on the corruption index of our country. Though no nation of the world is immune to the perils of corruption, one of the consequences is that those who make decisions on where to invest, or the countries with which to do business, will be extremely suspicious about those countries and their citizens. Over the years, Nigeria has not been seen by potential investors as a safe haven. Our nationals who travel abroad and pass through international airports often bear the brunt of perception of Nigeria as a heavily corrupt nation.

Rather than be dispirited by the latest ranking by TI, the Federal Government should step up efforts in the war against corruption. Even now, there are many Nigerians who believe that the current war against corruption needs more verve, particularly in the area of using the judiciary to constitute a delay in the trial process of accused persons.

Bad governance breeds corruption. The anti-corruption war therefore, requires renewed commitment and fresh strategies. Government officials must lead the way. As the Transparency International report indicates, the public sector in Nigeria is heavily tainted with corruption.
The anti-graft agencies like the EFCC and ICPC must dwell firmly on the public sector without neglecting the private sector. Government should not be seen as shielding any corrupt official or former political office holder.

Equally important is need to restructure our value system by de-emphasising materialism. Every effort against corruption must start from individual re-orientation, without neglecting the larger society.