For the first time in 16 years, Nigeria is not among the 10 most corrupt countries of the world.
According to the 2016 report released by the United Nations’ anti- graft body, countries with the highest corruption index include: South Africa (1), North Korea (2), Sudan (3), Afghanistan (4), South Sudan (5), Iraq (6), Turkmenistan (7), Uzbekistan (8), Libya (9) and Eritrea (10).
According to the report, Nigeria is now conspicuously absent from the top most corrupt countries, apparently due to the present administration’s fight against corruption.
Other issues considered by the anti-corruption body in removing Nigeria from the top 10 most corrupt nations are integrity of the leadership, access to budget information, high level of press freedom and independence of judiciary.
“I congratulate Nigeria and Nigerians for the giant forward leap and call on the citizens – both leaders and the led – to work together and sustain the achievement. Corruption can only be defeated if we do away with sectionalism, become more alive to our responsibilities, step up demand for good governance at all levels of government and generally put Nigeria first before anything.
“With this encouraging report, l believe we are moving forward. May God help Nigeria,” the report stated.
