IACD 2025: CITAD Urges Stronger Accountability, Digital Transparency in Fight Against Corruption
By Mustapha Salisu
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD), the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called for strengthened accountability systems, enhanced digital transparency, and greater citizen participation in the fight against corruption.
The global event, themed “United Against Corruption for Development, Peace and Security,” emphasizes the urgent need for collective action to address the persistent menace of corruption, which continues to weaken institutions, erode public trust, and threaten Nigeria’s democratic stability.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Engr. Y.Z. Ya’u, today, CITAD expressed concern that corruption remains one of the greatest obstacles to the country’s development despite the efforts of anti-corruption agencies and civil society organizations.
The statement noted that the persistence of corruption, particularly in procurement processes, public finance management, electoral systems, and the digital governance space, demands renewed commitment and comprehensive reform.
CITAD observed that corruption is increasingly manifesting within digital systems through opaque data governance practices, misuse of surveillance technologies, political manipulation of cybercrime laws, and weak oversight of public digital infrastructure.
The organization stressed that as Nigeria deepens its digital transformation, embedding accountability within the digital ecosystem is not optional but essential.
According to CITAD, the fight against corruption must now extend beyond traditional institutions to include online governance spaces, where the misuse of power, lack of transparency, and weak enforcement create opportunities for abuse.
The organization warned that the growing culture of weaponizing digital expression to silence dissenting voices contradicts democratic values and must not be tolerated.
It therefore urged government authorities to guarantee safe, open, and free online civic spaces, noting that without such protections, Nigeria’s commitment to fighting corruption would remain rhetorical.
CITAD also called on the government to strengthen transparency and accountability mechanisms at all levels, promote digital accountability in procurement and data management, and ensure full implementation of the Freedom of Information Act to enable citizens and journalists access to public records without fear or intimidation.
The organization further emphasized the need to protect activists, journalists, whistleblowers, and online critics who expose corruption and hold power to account.
It urged authorities to invest in civic and digital literacy programs that empower citizens, particularly youth and women, to identify, report, and resist corrupt practices while encouraging stronger collaboration among government, civil society, media, and development partners to sustain anti-corruption reforms.
CITAD also called on anti-corruption agencies to prioritize the investigation of digitally enabled corruption, strengthen whistleblower protection mechanisms, and address political interference that weakens enforcement.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic challenges, insecurity, and pressures on democratic institutions, CITAD warned that the cost of corruption has never been more severe.
The organization maintained that only through collective action, transparency, accountability, and meaningful civic participation supported by digital governance reforms can the country achieve genuine progress.
Engr. Ya’u reaffirmed CITAD’s commitment to building a society where integrity is upheld, institutions are transparent, and citizens can participate freely in governance without fear of reprisal.
