Assessment of the Contributions of Transparency International (TI) to the Fight Against Corruption in Nigeria

Abstract

Corruption remains a deeply entrenched challenge in Nigeria, undermining governance, economic growth, and public trust in state institutions. Despite numerous anti-corruption initiatives, the persistent and systemic nature of corruption in Nigeria continues to hinder sustainable development and democratic consolidation. This situation justifies the present study, which seeks
to examine the contributions of Transparency International (TI) to anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria. Survey design was adopted, employing both questionnaire and in-depth interviews as instruments of data collection. Questionnaire responses were quantitatively analyzed using simple percentage methods to identify trends and general perceptions, while data from in-depth interviews were subjected to content analysis to extract themes and insights. The study was anchored on the Good Governance theory as the theoretical framework. The findings reveal that Transparency International is widely perceived as a credible and influential force in Nigeria’s anti-corruption landscape, with respondents acknowledging its multifaceted contributions ranging from raising public awareness and informing anti-corruption policies, to fostering institutional transparency and empowering civil society actors. In view of these findings, the study recommends that to leverage the widespread public trust and perceived credibility of Transparency International, stronger formal partnerships should be established between TI and key anti-corruption institutions such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and other civil society groups. This would allow TI’s awareness-raising campaigns and policy recommendations to have a direct pathway into institutional action and legislative outcomes.