CITAD marks international anti-corruption day,
— Demands stronger digital transparency, citizens’ protection
Kola Oyelere Kano
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called for strengthened accountability systems, enhanced digital transparency, and greater protection for citizens participating in governance as Nigeria joins the global community in marking the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD).
This year’s commemoration, themed “United Against Corruption for Development, Peace and Security,” comes at a time CITAD says corruption remains a major threat to Nigeria’s development, security, and democratic stability.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Y.Z. Ya’u, the organization lamented that corruption continues to undermine public institutions, weaken service delivery, and erode citizens’ trust across federal, state, and local government levels.
Despite the efforts of anti-corruption agencies and civil society, CITAD noted that persistent graft in public procurement, election management, financial administration, and digital governance calls for a renewed national commitment.
CITAD also raised concern over the growing incidence of corruption within the country’s digital space, citing opaque data governance, misuse of surveillance technologies, political manipulation of cybercrime laws, and weak oversight of public digital infrastructure.
“As Nigeria deepens its digital transformation, embedding accountability in the digital ecosystem is no longer optional; it is essential,” the statement read.
The organization warned that the misuse of security agencies to harass or intimidate online critics threatens free expression and undermines anti-corruption efforts. It stressed that without safe and open digital spaces, the fight against corruption would remain ineffective.
CITAD issued a set of recommendations urging the government at all levels to:
Strengthen transparency and accountability mechanisms across public institutions.
Improve digital accountability in procurement, data governance, and deployment of digital infrastructure.
Fully implement the Freedom of Information Act to ensure citizens and journalists can access public records without fear.
Protect journalists, activists, whistleblowers, and online critics who expose corruption.
Invest in civic and digital literacy, particularly targeting youth and women.
Deepen collaboration between government, civil society, media, and international partners to consolidate anti-corruption reforms.
The group also called on anti-corruption agencies to prioritize investigations into digitally enabled graft, protect whistleblowers, and resist political interference that undermines enforcement.
As the country grapples with economic hardship, insecurity, and threats to democratic institutions, CITAD emphasized that the cost of corruption is becoming increasingly severe. It reiterated its commitment to championing transparency, strengthening institutions, and ensuring that citizens can participate freely in the democratic process.
“Only through collective action and reforms rooted in both civic engagement and digital governance can Nigeria make meaningful progress,” CITAD stated.