Global Anti-Corruption Gathering in Qatar Highlights Stark Contrasts for Nigerian Delegates
The 11th Conference of State Parties to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) convened in Doha, Qatar from December 14-19, 2025, bringing together global stakeholders in the fight against corruption. Hosted by the State of Qatar in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), this biennial gathering serves as the primary policymaking forum for the Convention.
Qatar's Transformation as Anti-Corruption Showcase
For Nigerian participants, Qatar's development served as both inspiration and painful contrast. The Gulf nation's remarkable transformation from desert landscape to global hub within three decades demonstrated what strategic investment and strong anti-corruption frameworks can achieve. Qatar's Administrative Control and Transparency Authority (ACTA) has established robust institutions that prioritize integrity and transparency, earning the country 59 points on Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index and second place among Gulf and Arab nations.
The physical evidence of Qatar's success was unmistakable throughout Doha. World-class infrastructure, including a driverless metro system, clean public spaces, and impressive architecture, stood in stark contrast to the infrastructure deficits plaguing many developing nations. Security and order prevailed, with residents and tourists moving freely without fear of violent crime that has become commonplace elsewhere.
Nigerian Delegates Confront Home Realities
For Nigerian civil society representatives attending CoSP11, Qatar's achievements highlighted their country's persistent governance challenges. The same period that witnessed Qatar's transformation coincided with Nigeria's transition from military rule to civilian democracy in 1999, yet Nigeria's development trajectory has been markedly different.
Nigerian participants noted with anguish how public funds that should have driven national development have instead disappeared into private accounts through what they described as primitive accumulation and mindless treasury looting. The contrast between Qatar's efficient public transportation system and Nigeria's infrastructure gaps, between Qatar's security and Nigeria's kidnapping epidemic, between Qatar's social cohesion and Nigeria's widespread poverty, became unavoidable topics of reflection.
Civil Society's Crucial Role in Anti-Corruption Efforts
The conference featured a dedicated Civil Society Day that allowed organizations worldwide to network and coordinate advocacy strategies. Nigerian groups including Grassroots Center for Rights & Civic Orientation (GRACO), Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Africa Network for Environment & Economic Justice (ANEEJ), and several others participated actively.
However, tensions between state parties and civil society organizations surfaced during the conference. Some governments initially objected to non-governmental participation, highlighting ongoing challenges in state-civil society collaboration. The subsequent Doha Civil Society Declaration expressed concern about shrinking civic space in many countries and called for stronger protections for anti-corruption activists, journalists, and whistle-blowers.
Africa's Limited Engagement with Transparency Mechanisms
Conference discussions revealed that only four African nations—Liberia, Morocco, Mauritius, and Tunisia—had signed the UNCAC Global Coalition's Transparency Pledge as of December 2025. This voluntary commitment promotes civil society participation in anti-corruption reviews through information sharing, publication of assessment reports, and regular briefings.
The UNCAC Coalition warned that diminishing support for inclusive anti-corruption approaches in many countries is reducing transparency and accountability. They emphasized that restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly directly undermine UNCAC objectives and called for stronger safeguards against retaliation targeting those who expose corruption.
Conference Outcomes and Lasting Impressions
Beyond formal negotiations on corruption prevention, asset recovery, political finance, and beneficial ownership transparency, the conference facilitated crucial knowledge exchange. Participants explored both state and societal responsibilities in detecting and exposing corruption through various side events and exhibitions.
As delegates departed after four intensive days, Nigerian participants carried mixed emotions—inspired by Qatar's example yet burdened by their country's challenges. The conference reinforced that corruption's ultimate victims are ordinary citizens denied proper social goods and services, while highlighting that institutional integrity, political will, and protected civic space remain essential for meaningful progress.
