PRESS RELEASE

The release of the 2024 Mo Ibrahim Index on African Governance has revealed alarming trends in Nigeria’s governance performance. Ranking 33rd out of 53 African nations, with a score of 45.7 out of 100, Nigeria’s governance score has declined by 1.4 points between 2014 and 2023. This dip reflects troubling shortcomings across several key categories, including Security & Rule of Law (39.7), Participation, Rights & Inclusion (47.9), Foundations for Economic Opportunity (48.6), and Human Development (46.4).

These low scores, compounded by findings from the 2024 Transparency and Integrity Index (TII), recently released by the Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity, underscore a broader systemic decline within Nigeria’s federal, state, and local government institutions. While Nigeria has long been regarded as “the giant of Africa” due to its size, population, and resources, these rankings highlight how persistent governance failures are undermining its potential and standing both regionally and globally.

The findings in both indices emphasize the country’s struggles with transparency, public sector accountability, and the enforcement of anti-corruption measures. With ineffective governance systems in place, Nigeria faces a critical need for reform to rebuild public trust and reverse these negative trends.

The impact of Nigeria’s declining governance score is far-reaching. The lack of rule of law and security has not only created domestic instability but also deterred foreign direct investment, stalling economic growth. Issues in human development, economic opportunity, and inclusion further threaten the country’s aspirations to lead Africa in political and economic spheres. Without addressing these gaps, Nigeria’s prospects for long-term development and regional leadership remain jeopardized.

Furthermore, these governance shortcomings exacerbate problems like poverty, inequality, and inadequate infrastructure, directly affecting the quality of life for Nigerians. Failure to tackle these issues could have lasting consequences, from diminishing public trust to creating an environment ripe for corruption and impunity.

In light of these findings, the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity urges Nigerian authorities to take immediate action to address these governance deficits. Key reforms should include strengthening anti-corruption measures, improving transparency in government operations, enforcing the Public Procurement Act, establishing stronger protections for whistleblowers, and ensuring greater accountability across public institutions.

The country’s performance in the Security & Rule of Law category highlights the urgent need for judicial and security reforms to protect citizens’ rights, reduce lawlessness, and ensure fair application of the law. These efforts should be paired with policies that promote civic engagement and provide marginalized groups with greater opportunities for inclusion and participation.

The reports also emphasize the importance of investing in human capital to improve Nigeria’s human development indicators. Increased investment in healthcare, education, and skills training is essential to equip the workforce for future economic challenges. In addition, creating a stable business environment with transparent regulations will help attract foreign investment and support the growth of local businesses, improving Nigeria’s competitiveness on the African continent.

Finally, the Centre calls on all stakeholders—civil society, the media, the private sector, and Nigerians at large—to support efforts aimed at improving governance, upholding the rule of law, and prioritizing human development. Now is the time for committed action to restore trust, foster inclusive growth, and create a more transparent and accountable governance system.

Signed:

Victor Okebe Agi

Public Relations Officer

Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity