Is Corruption in Decline in Nigeria?

Contrary to public perception, the scourge of corruption appears to be in decline in Nigeria. Available data shows that corruption in the first 20 years of the 21^st century is less than the last 20 years of the 20^th century. This means that corruption has been in the decline since the inception of democratic rule compared with the same period of military rule. Notwithstanding his failures in providing security to Nigerians, President Buhari’s efforts to “prevent and counter corruption in its various manifestations have earned him the role of the African Union’s Anti-Corruption Champion,” says a recent report of the United Nations Office of Drug and Crime (UNODC).

Admittedly, corruption is the greatest barrier towards Nigeria’s desire to lift more than 100 million Nigerians out of poverty before 2030. As Nigeria celebrates her 61^st birthday, Center for Media and Peace Initiatives (CMPI) – a New York based media and public policy think-tank is bringing together leaders from the public and private sectors for a frank and forward-looking conversation to assess not only the achievements that have been recorded in the process of tackling corruption, but also the framework for evaluating the impact of related progress in this moment of reckoning for Africa’s largest democracy.

Instead of focusing on the gloom and doom of many of Nigeria’s contradictions, the virtual conference jointly sponsored by the Nigeria-based anti-corruption organization - Signature Television, will explore the prospects of a country truly independent of graft. Participants will collectively imagine what a corrupt-free Nigeria will mean in the comity of nations? What’s the connection between the twin challenges of fighting insecurity and corruption?

The conference – a birthday event for the West African country- is an important contribution in the tackling corruption to the benefit of the Nigerian people. Join top-level leaders to discuss patterns and trends of corruption and not perceptions of corruptions

Dr. Uchenna Ekwo - CMPI Dr. Oliver Stolpe VinMartin Ilo
President, CMPI Country Representative, UNODC MD/CEO Signature TV, Abujja
Larry Freeman Dr. Kole Shettima
Affrica Affairs Analyst MacArthur Foundation