The Centre for Information Technology and Development, CITAD, has called on Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies to intensify investigations into digitally enabled corruption, bolster whistleblower protection and tackle political interference that undermines the effectiveness of enforcement institutions.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Executive Director, Y.Z. Ya’u, to commemorate the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day, IACD.
Ya’u noted that corruption remains one of the greatest threats to Nigeria’s development, security, and democratic stability.
“Across the country, corruption continues to weaken public institutions, undermine service delivery, fuel insecurity, and erode citizens’ trust in governance,” the statement read.
Despite efforts by government agencies and civil society organisations, he said corruption still persists in procurement processes, public finance management, electoral systems, and digital governance areas requiring renewed political will and systemic reforms.
CITAD stressed that the anti-corruption fight must now extend fully into digital spaces, where lack of transparency, weak regulations, and misuse of power create new channels for abuse.
It warned against the increasing trend of weaponizing digital platforms to silence dissenting voices, describing it as a threat to democratic participation.
“Digital channels remain the most accessible means for citizens to express themselves. Government must therefore not only tolerate digital expression but also prevent the misuse of security agencies to harass or intimidate citizens for expressing dissent, the organisation stated.
“Without safe and open online civic spaces, Nigeria’s anti-corruption commitment will remain rhetorical.”
CITAD urged government at all levels and relevant stakeholders to Strengthen transparency and accountability systems across all tiers of government, Promote digital accountability, particularly in procurement and management of public data and digital infrastructure and Fully implement the Freedom of Information Act to guarantee unhindered access to public records.
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 is “United Against Corruption for Development, Peace and Security.”