The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) joins the global community in commemorating the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) with the theme “United Against Corruption for Development, Peace and Security.” According to CITAD, as an organization committed to promoting accountability, transparency, and good governance, corruption remains one of the most significant threats to Nigeria’s development and democratic stability.

This was contained in a statement signed by YZ Yau, Executive Director of CITAD, and made available to newsmen, stressing the organization’s position on the urgent need for reforms.

CITAD observed that across the country, corruption continues to weaken public institutions, undermine service delivery, fuel insecurity, and erode citizens’ trust in governance. The organization noted that 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 further expressed concern that corruption increasingly manifests within digital systems, including opaque data governance practices, misuse of digital surveillance tools, political manipulation of cybercrime laws, and weak oversight of public digital infrastructure. The organization emphasized that as Nigeria deepens its digital transformation, embedding accountability in the digital ecosystem is no longer optional but essential.

According to CITAD, the fight against corruption must now extend to both offline and online governance spaces, where misuse of power, absence of transparency, and weak regulatory enforcement create new avenues for abuse.

CITAD stressed that digital channels remain the most affordable and accessible means through which citizens can express themselves. The organization condemned the growing culture of weaponizing such expressions of opinion, describing it as inconsistent with democratic aspirations. CITAD insisted that government must demonstrate full tolerance for digital expression and take decisive measures to prevent 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, CITAD warned, Nigeria’s commitment to fighting corruption will remain rhetorical.

CITAD therefore called on government and stakeholders to:
1. Strengthen transparency and accountability mechanisms across federal, state, and local government institutions.
2. Promote digital accountability, especially in procurement, data governance, and deployment of public digital infrastructure.
3. Ensure full implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act to enable citizens and journalists access to public records without intimidation.
4. Protect activists, journalists, whistleblowers, and online critics who expose corruption and hold power to account.
5. Invest in civic and digital literacy to empower citizens, especially youth and women, to identify, report, and resist corruption.
6. Reinforce 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 organization emphasized that as Nigeria continues to confront economic challenges, insecurity, and pressures on democratic institutions, the cost of corruption has never been more severe. CITAD maintained that only through collective action, transparency, and accountability, powered by both civic engagement and digital governance reforms, can Nigeria achieve meaningful progress.

Finally, CITAD reaffirmed its commitment to building a society where integrity is valued, institutions are transparent, and citizens can participate freely without fear of reprisal.