The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) Called for Stronger Accountability, Digital Transparency, and Citizens’ Participation in the Fight Against Corruption.
A statement by YZ Ya’u, the Executive Director of the centre marking the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) with the theme “United Against Corruption for Development, Peace and Security”, said that corruption continues to weaken public institutions.
According to Ya’u, Digital channels remain the most affordable and accessible means through which citizens can express themselves, and the growing culture of weaponizing such expressions of opinion is inconsistent with our democratic aspirations and must not be tolerated at any level.
The statement reads, “As an organization committed to promoting accountability, transparency, and good governance, CITAD reaffirms that corruption remains one of the most significant threats to Nigeria’s development and democratic stability.
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“Across the country, corruption continues to weaken public institutions, undermine service delivery, fuel insecurity, and erode citizens’ trust in governance. Despite efforts by anti-corruption agencies and civil society, the persistence of corruption, especially in procurement, public finances, election processes, and digital governance, demands renewed commitment and stronger systemic reforms.
“CITAD notes with concern that corruption increasingly manifests within digital systems as well, including opaque data governance practices, misuse of digital surveillance tools, 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.
“CITAD emphasizes that the fight against corruption must now extend to both offline and online governance spaces, where the misuse of power, absence of transparency, and weak regulatory enforcement create new avenues for abuse.”
The statement added, “Government must therefore not only demonstrate full tolerance for digital expression but also take decisive measures to prevent the misuse of security agencies by public officials to harass or intimidate citizens for expressing dissent. Without safe, open, and free online spaces for civic participation, Nigeria’s commitment to fighting corruption will remain merely rhetorical.”
CITAD Calls on Government and Stakeholders to Strengthen transparency and accountability mechanisms across federal, state, and local government institutions; Promote digital accountability, especially in procurement, data governance, and deployment of public digital infrastructure; Ensure full implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act to enable citizens and journalists access to public records without intimidation; Protect activists, journalists, whistleblowers, and online critics who expose corruption and hold power to account.
part of the call include Investing in civic and digital literacy to empower citizens, especially youth and women to identify, report, and resist corruption; Reinforcing collaboration between government, civil society, media, and development partners to sustain anti-corruption reforms.
CITAD also urged anti-corruption agencies to prioritize investigation of digitally enabled corruption, strengthen whistleblower protection, and address political interference that weakens enforcement.
The centre said, “As Nigeria continues to confront economic challenges, insecurity, and pressures on democratic institutions, the cost of corruption has never been more severe. Only through collective action, transparency, and accountability, powered by both civic engagement and digital governance reforms can Nigeria achieve meaningful progress.
It said, “CITAD remains committed to building a society where integrity is valued, institutions are transparent, and citizens can participate freely without fear of reprisal.”
