The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has urged Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies to intensify action against corruption enabled through digital platforms, strengthen whistleblower protections, and address political interference that weakens enforcement efforts.
In a statement issued by Executive Director Y.Z. Ya’u to mark the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day, the organisation said corruption remains a major threat to Nigeria’s development, security, and democratic stability.
Ya’u noted that despite ongoing efforts by government institutions and civil society groups, corruption continues to undermine service delivery, weaken public institutions, and erode trust in governance.
He added that persistent gaps in procurement processes, public finance management, electoral systems, and digital governance demonstrate the need for renewed political will and structural reforms.
CITAD emphasized that the anti-corruption fight must now fully extend into digital spaces, warning that opaque digital operations, weak regulatory oversight, and the misuse of digital tools are creating new channels for abuse.
The organisation also expressed concern over the rising use of digital platforms to suppress dissent, describing it as a threat to democratic participation.
“Digital channels remain the most accessible means for citizens to express themselves,” CITAD said, urging authorities to prevent the misuse of security agencies to harass citizens online.
It stressed that without safe and open online civic spaces, Nigeria’s anti-corruption commitments would remain largely rhetorical.
CITAD called on government at all levels to strengthen transparency systems, promote digital accountability—especially in procurement and data management—and fully implement the Freedom of Information Act to ensure unfettered access to public records.
The organisation further urged anti-corruption agencies to prioritise digital corruption cases, improve whistleblower protections, and eliminate political interference in their operations.
This year’s International Anti-Corruption Day is themed “United Against Corruption for Development, Peace and Security.”
