The Centre for Information Technology and Development, CITAD, has urged Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies to step up investigations into digitally enabled corruption and enhance whistleblower protection. This call was made in a statement signed by the Executive Director, Y.Z. Ya’u, to commemorate the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day. According to Ya’u, corruption poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s development, security, and democratic stability.
Corruption continues to undermine public institutions, compromise service delivery, and fuel insecurity across the country. Despite efforts by government agencies and civil society organisations, corrupt practices persist in areas such as procurement processes, public finance management, electoral systems, and digital governance. CITAD emphasized that the anti-corruption fight must now extend fully into digital spaces, where a lack of transparency, weak regulations, and misuse of power create new channels for abuse.
The organisation warned against the increasing trend ofusing digital platforms to silence dissenting voices, which it described as a threat to democratic participation. Digital channels remain a crucial means for citizens to express themselves, and the government must tolerate digital expression while preventing the misuse of security agencies to harass or intimidate citizens for expressing dissent.
CITAD urged the government at all levels and relevant stakeholders to strengthen transparency and accountability systems, promote digital accountability, and fully implement the Freedom of Information Act. The organisation reiterated its call for anti-corruption agencies to prioritize digital corruption cases, enhance whistleblower protection frameworks, and eliminate political interference that weakens their operations.
The theme of this year’s International Anti-Corruption Day, “United Against Corruption for Development, Peace and Security,” highlights the need for collective action against corruption. In Nigeria, corruption has significant implications for the country’s development, security, and democratic stability. By intensifying investigations into digitally enabled corruption and promoting transparency and accountability, the government can take crucial steps towards addressing this challenge. As the country continues to grapple with the effects of corruption, the need for renewed political will and systemic reforms remains paramount.
