Nigeria Holds Steady as 36th Most Corrupt Nation in 2025 Global Index
In the latest assessment of global integrity, Nigeria has been positioned as the 36th most corrupt country in the world according to the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index released by Transparency International. This comprehensive report evaluates perceived levels of public-sector corruption across 182 nations, providing a critical snapshot of governance and accountability worldwide.
Detailed Ranking and Score Analysis
Despite a slight decline in its overall placement, Nigeria maintained its exact position from the previous year, underscoring persistent challenges in anti-corruption efforts. The country dropped from 140th to 142nd in the global ranking but retained the 36th spot among the most corrupt nations. Nigeria scored 26 points on the index, which uses a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean), indicating significant room for improvement in transparency and ethical governance.
Nigeria shares this unenviable ranking with several other countries, including Cameroon, Guatemala, Guinea, Kyrgyzstan, and Papua New Guinea. This grouping highlights regional and global patterns of corruption that transcend geographical boundaries.
Global and Continental Context
The 2025 index reveals stark contrasts in corruption perceptions worldwide. Denmark emerged as the least corrupt country globally, followed closely by Finland, Singapore, and New Zealand. These nations consistently demonstrate strong institutional frameworks and effective anti-corruption measures.
On the African continent, the report shows mixed progress. No African country made the top 10 cleanest nations globally, but Seychelles, Cabo Verde, and Botswana ranked as the least corrupt within Africa. At the opposite extreme, South Sudan and Somalia were listed among the most corrupt countries worldwide, with Venezuela taking the dubious distinction of being ranked the most corrupt nation globally.
Transparency International's Assessment
Transparency International emphasized that corruption remains a formidable global challenge, with many countries experiencing stagnation or decline in their anti-corruption efforts. The organization's findings suggest that despite increased awareness and some policy initiatives, systemic corruption continues to undermine development, economic growth, and public trust in institutions across numerous nations.
The Corruption Perceptions Index serves as a crucial tool for policymakers, civil society organizations, and citizens to monitor progress and identify areas requiring urgent attention. For Nigeria, maintaining the same ranking suggests that while the country may not have regressed significantly, it has also failed to make substantial forward movement in combating corruption.
