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By Muhammad Ahmad Iliyasu

Nigeria’s governance and fiscal challenges are undermined by persistent corruption, inefficiencies in public finance, and a lack of transparency, all of which have stymied economic progress, among other issues. According to the 2024 Mo Ibrahim Index on African Governance, Nigeria ranked 33rd out of 53 African nations with a score of 45.7 out of 100, reflecting a decline of 1.4 in its governance score between 2014 and 2023. 

The ranking (above) is further emphasized by low scores across critical categories such as Security & Rule of Law (39.7), Participation, Rights & Inclusion (47.9), Foundations for Economic Opportunity (48.6), and Human Development (46.4). While these challenges are substantial, examples worldwide illustrate the transformative potential of fiscal transparency and public integrity when supported by robust institutions and data-driven strategies. Nigeria can identify actionable solutions to address its governance deficits by examining how other countries have succeeded in these areas.

One of the most striking examples of fiscal transparency comes from Estonia, which has emerged as a global leader in e-government. Estonia has digitized its public financial management systems and introduced blockchain technology to monitor public procurement and spending. According to the World Bank, these innovations have resulted in a 30% increase in administrative efficiency and a 25% decrease in opportunities for corruption. 

In comparison, Nigeria’s procurement processes remain largely opaque, frequently marred by corruption scandals involving inflated contracts and the misappropriation of public funds. By 2023, procurement-related corruption cost Nigeria an estimated 30% of its annual budget. Estonia’s success showcases that technology when applied systematically, can be a game-changer in ensuring fiscal accountability.

Participatory budgeting, which originated in Porto Alegre, Brazil, is another area from which Nigeria could draw valuable lessons. By directly involving citizens in decisions regarding local government budgets, Porto Alegre has boosted investment in vital services such as healthcare and education by 20%, specifically targeting underserved communities. This participatory approach has not only enhanced public service delivery but also built trust in government institutions. 

In Nigeria, public participation in budgeting remains minimal, with the process often limited to elite stakeholders. A 2021 report by BudgIT revealed that over 70% of Nigerians feel disconnected from how public funds are allocated. A more citizen-centric budgeting process would bridge this gap, fostering trust and ensuring that budgetary decisions reflect public priorities.

Anti-corruption frameworks in countries such as Singapore and Botswana highlight the significance of institutional independence and efficiency. Singapore’s Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), established in 1952, functions independently from other government agencies and has played a crucial role in reducing corruption to negligible levels. This success is evident in Singapore’s top-tier ranking on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), where it achieved a score of 85 out of 100 in 2023. In contrast, Nigeria scored 24 out of 100, ranking 150th among 180 countries. The difference stems not only from institutional strength but also from the enforcement of laws. While Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has made strides, its efforts are frequently compromised by political interference, inadequate resources, and inconsistent prosecution of high-profile cases.

Fiscal discipline is another area where Nigeria lags behind global standards. Sweden and Germany, for instance, have adopted fiscal rules that ensure economic stability. Sweden’s balanced budget rule requires government expenditures not to exceed revenues over an economic cycle, while Germany’s “debt brake” caps structural deficits at 0.35% of GDP. These policies have allowed both nations to maintain sustainable debt levels—38% and 60% of GDP, respectively, as of 2022. In contrast, Nigeria’s public debt has risen sharply, reaching 40% of GDP in 2023, with debt servicing consuming over 80% of government revenues. Without strict fiscal rules, Nigeria risks entering a debt trap that could hinder long-term economic growth.

Open data initiatives also illustrate the potential for transparency. The United Kingdom’s Open Data Portal provides public access to over 40,000 datasets on government operations, enabling citizens and civil society to monitor public spending effectively. This transparency has contributed to a 15% increase in public trust in government institutions, as reported in a 2020 World Bank study. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s efforts at transparency, such as the Nigeria Open Contracting Portal (NOCOPO), have yet to achieve comparable results. A lack of comprehensive data and limited public awareness have restricted its impact, with Transparency International noting that only 10% of procurement data is consistently published.

In this context, the Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTIP) plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s quest for better governance. Through its annual Transparency and Integrity Index, CeFTIP evaluates government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) on their adherence to standards of transparency and accountability. Its reports reveal systemic gaps in compliance with fiscal transparency norms and provide recommendations to bridge these gaps. Additionally, CeFTIP organizes sensitization campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of fiscal openness, while its capacity-building programs train public officials in best practices for financial management and anti-corruption measures. These efforts are vital in establishing the foundational infrastructure for a culture of accountability in Nigeria.

Whistleblower protection is another area where Nigeria falls short. In New Zealand and Canada, robust legal frameworks safeguard whistleblowers from retaliation, resulting in a significant increase in reported cases of corruption and misconduct. According to the International Whistleblower Protection Network, countries with effective protections detect 30% more corruption cases. In Nigeria, the whistleblower policy introduced in 2016 initially led to the recovery of over $500 million but has since stagnated due to weak legal protections and a lack of institutional support.

South Africa offers valuable lessons in civil society collaboration. Organizations such as the Public Service Accountability Monitor (PSAM) have successfully partnered with government entities to track public spending, resulting in a 25% improvement in service delivery outcomes, according to the World Bank. In Nigeria, civil society organizations like CeFTIP, BudgIT, and Connected Development have made strides in promoting accountability but often face resistance from government agencies. Strengthening these partnerships could amplify their impact and ensure more transparent governance.

Recommendations

For Nigeria to replicate these successes, it must prioritize institutional reforms like DOGE and adopt data-driven strategies tailored to its context. Establishing a robust digital public finance system akin to Estonia’s would enhance transparency and reduce corruption. Adopting participatory budgeting processes, starting at the local government level, would empower citizens and align public spending with community needs. Strengthening anti-corruption agencies through legal and financial autonomy is essential to combating high-level corruption.

Moreover, Nigeria should introduce enforceable fiscal rules to curb excessive borrowing and ensure sustainable debt levels. Expanding open data initiatives and increasing public awareness of platforms like NOCOPO would improve oversight and citizen engagement. Supporting organizations like CeFTIP through increased funding, open access, and government collaboration could scale their impact on promoting transparency. Finally, enacting comprehensive whistleblower protection laws and fostering partnerships with civil society organizations would create a more inclusive and accountable governance framework.

By learning from the advancements in countries such as Estonia, Singapore, and Brazil, and by utilizing the ongoing initiatives of organizations like CeFTIP, Nigeria can establish a direction toward fiscal transparency and public integrity. These reforms, although challenging, are essential for rebuilding public trust, attracting investment, and ensuring a prosperous future for all Nigerians.

Muhammad Ahmad Iliyasu is Strategic Communications Officer at the Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity. He can be reached via his email: Muhada102@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Kano Sector Command has deployed 1,889 personnel for a special Eid-el-Fitr patrol operation aimed at ensuring smooth vehicular movement and safety on highways.

The Sector Commander, Ibrahim Abdullahi Matazu, stated that the operation, scheduled to run from March 27 to April 2, includes 1,348 regular marshals and 541 special marshals.

The Daily Reality reports that their duties will include traffic control, enforcement of road safety regulations, and providing immediate assistance to accident victims.

Matazu urged motorists to adhere to traffic rules, warning against reckless driving, underage driving, and car racing during the festive period.

“The FRSC Kano Sector Command wishes the good people of the state a peaceful and hitch-free Sallah celebration,” he said.

By Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu

The Nigerian House of Representatives has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to block all pornography websites, arguing that adult content is fueling moral decay in the country.

Lawmakers behind the move claim it is necessary to protect societal values, but many Nigerians are asking: With all the pressing challenges facing the nation, is this the priority?

At a time when the cost of living is unbearable, insecurity is rampant, and unemployment continues to frustrate millions, banning pornography feels like a classic case of misplaced focus.

There is no doubt that pornography is a controversial topic, especially in a country as religious and conservative as Nigeria. Many believe it is a moral threat, linking it to addiction, broken homes, and declining values among the youth. But is an outright ban the solution?

If the government is genuinely concerned about morality, should it not focus on improving education, strengthening family values, and addressing the root causes of social vices? What about the rising cases of drug abuse, internet fraud, and sexual exploitation—issues that demand urgent action?

It is often easier for politicians to push symbolic laws than to tackle society’s deeper problems. But morality cannot be legislated; it is shaped by economic stability, good governance, and proper education.

Even if we assume the government is serious about this ban, another question arises: Can it actually be enforced? Countries like India, Indonesia, and China have attempted similar restrictions, only for people to bypass them with VPNs and other simple workarounds.

Nigeria, with its millions of tech-savvy youths, will be no different. At best, this ban will be a temporary roadblock; at worst, it will push the industry underground, making regulation even more difficult.

What is most concerning is the potential for this move to set a dangerous precedent for internet censorship in Nigeria. Today, it is pornography. Tomorrow, it could be news websites, social media platforms, or even political activism.

If the government can dictate what people access online, what stops it from controlling other forms of content? Where does it end?

Beyond the moral and censorship debates, an outright ban could also have unintended economic consequences. Nigeria’s creative and tech industries thrive on the internet’s openness.

Restrictions like this could discourage investment in the digital space. Besides, history has shown that banning something does not eliminate demand—it simply drives it underground.

This move may just create a bigger mess instead of solving anything. If the real concern is protecting children and upholding values, there are smarter ways to achieve this.

Many developed countries regulate adult content through strict age verification, parental control mechanisms, and public awareness campaigns. A more effective approach would involve educating young people about digital responsibility, empowering parents with monitoring tools, and addressing the economic and social conditions that contribute to moral decline.

With the economy in crisis, insecurity worsening, and corruption still unchecked, is banning pornography really what Nigerians need right now?

This is not to suggest that pornography is beneficial or free of consequences. However, governance revolves around priorities. A country that is struggling to feed its people should not waste energy on internet policing.

Nigeria’s progress will not depend on what it bans but rather on how effectively it addresses the fundamental issues that hold it back.

And unfortunately, a porn ban does nothing to fix them.

Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu, an NYSC serving corps member, writes from the Center for Crisis Communication (CCC) in Abuja. 

By Uzair Adam 

The Edo State Police Command has arrested over 30 suspects in connection with the brutal killing of 16 northern travelers and the burning of their truck in Udune Efandion.  

The Daily Reality reports that the attack occurred on Thursday along the Uromi/Obajana Expressway.  

Confirming the arrests in a statement on Friday in Benin, the command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, condemned the killings and assured that justice would be served.  

Yamu stated that the police were committed to ensuring justice for the victims and that no stone would be left unturned in the ongoing investigation.  

He revealed that a truck carrying 25 travelers from Elele, Rivers State, was intercepted by a vigilante group in Uromi. 

During the stop, some travelers were reportedly found in possession of locally made dane guns, raising suspicion among the vigilantes.  

“While this was ongoing, some vigilante members raised an alarm, claiming the travelers were suspected kidnappers. 

This led some community members and passers-by to attack and lynch 16 occupants. The truck conveying them was also set on fire,” Yamu said.  

Police operatives from the Uromi Division swiftly responded to the scene and managed to rescue ten of the travelers, two of whom sustained injuries. 

The injured victims were taken to a hospital and are currently responding to treatment.  

“In the course of investigations, 14 suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime. An emergency meeting was also convened with stakeholders and community members,” Yamu added.  

Meanwhile, a unit of the Police Mobile Force and other tactical teams have been deployed to the area to prevent further violence.  

The Commissioner of Police in Edo, Betty Otimenyin, urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement while cautioning against reprisal attacks or unlawful gatherings that could escalate tensions.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Nigerians, particularly in the northern region, mourn the tragic killing of several Hausa hunters traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano. The incident sparks an outcry on social media.

Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president and PDP presidential candidate, extended his condolences to the families of the victims and urged a comprehensive and impartial investigation.

“We must protect innocent lives,” he stated, urging authorities to act swiftly to prevent future incidents of jungle justice. 

Abubakar called for public confidence in security institutions, insisting that justice must be done and seen to be done. The community awaits action in the wake of this horrific event.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Amnesty International has called for an immediate and transparent investigation into the brutal lynching of at least 16 travelers in Uromi, Edo State.

The victims, who were hunters traveling from Rivers State to Kano to celebrate Eid with their families, were attacked by a vigilante group and armed youths on Tuesday.

According to reports, the victims’ vehicle was blocked, and they were dragged out one by one, beaten, tied to used tires, doused with petrol, and set ablaze.

Disturbing videos of the incident show the victims pleading for mercy while onlookers cheered as the attackers used axes, iron rods, and machetes.

Amnesty International condemned the killings, urging Nigerian authorities to go beyond mere condemnation and ensure the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.

The rights group noted that the failure to punish mob violence has emboldened vigilantes to take the law into their own hands.

This incident is part of a rising trend of highway attacks by vigilante groups in rural areas, often carried out with impunity.

Amnesty International stressed that the government must take decisive action to prevent such violence, equip secure justice for victims.

The Nigerian police have yet to issue a detailed statement on arrests or ongoing investigations.

By Uzair Adam

Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the Kano State Police Public Relations Officer, disclosed this on Friday.

Details later…

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Prominent political analyst and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has condemned the brutal killing of 16 northerners who were reportedly burnt alive in Edo State while traveling for Sallah.

In a statement issued on March 28, 2025, Omokri described the attack as an act of “jungle justice” and called on the Edo State Government to take immediate action in ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.”

This incident has saddened my day and blighted the outlook for a happy Sallah. Under no circumstances was what happened defensible or permissible,” he said.

Omokri stressed that the swift prosecution of the perpetrators would send a strong message that all Nigerian lives matter, regardless of region or ethnicity.

He urged northerners to remain calm while the Edo State Government takes necessary steps, expressing confidence that the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would intervene if necessary.

“I urge Mutanen Arewa to please exercise restraint as we give room and time for the Edo State Government to do the needful,” he appealed.

He also challenged public figures who are vocal about attacks in northern Nigeria but remain silent when similar incidents occur elsewhere to speak up and demand justice.

“My condolences to the families of those affected by this injustice. And I especially commiserate with the government and people of whatever states they originated from,” Omokri stated.

The gruesome killings have sparked national outrage, with many calling for urgent measures to address rising tensions and ensure the safety of all citizens.

The Edo State Government is yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

An Israeli soldier has told CBS News that he was ordered to use Palestinian civilians as human shields during military operations in Gaza. 

The soldier, identified by CBS as “Tommy” (not his real name), detailed how his unit was instructed to force civilians into dangerous situations to protect Israeli troops.

“We’ve burned down buildings for no reasons, which is violating the international law, of course,” he told CBS News. “…And we used human shields as protection.”

Tommy said his commander ordered his unit to use Gazan civilians to search buildings for explosives instead of dogs.

“They were Palestinian,” he said. “We sent them in first to see if the building was clear and check for booby traps…They were trembling and shaking.”

The allegations add to growing concerns over Israel’s conduct in its ongoing military campaign in Gaza. Human rights organizations have long accused the Israeli military of violating international law, including the use of civilians in combat zones.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have denied such practices, insisting that they operate within legal and ethical guidelines. However, Tommy’s testimony raises serious questions about Israel’s adherence to international humanitarian law.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

Whether you love him or dislike him, Seyi Tinubu is skillfully mastering the art of being close to power and leveraging his position as the son of Nigeria’s President. The President of Nigeria wields significant power and influence, and Seyi is gradually understanding both the intricacies of Nigerian politics and the delicate task of managing those around his father.

Now, he has taken on a significant and challenging task: restoring the APC’s once-unquestioned dominance in the North—a region that, while outwardly cordial, seems to be quietly drifting away from the party and the Tinubu/Kashim presidency. The North is revolting and smiling!

On this mission, Seyi could either succeed or fail, depending on his arithmetic skills, his father’s policies and programs, and, most crucially, President Tinubu’s willingness to hear uncomfortable truths, especially those his close associates might struggle to convey.

Seyi has identified a key battleground: the youth. His recent focus on distributing food items during Ramadan is a commendable step, so to speak. If executed strategically, it could yield positive results. However, food distribution alone remains a weak and short-lived strategy. 

What more can Seyi do? A multi-pronged approach is needed- an economic and political strategy. Beyond handouts, Seyi, as a young man, should focus on real empowerment. He must identify and support enterprising young Northerners who are not part of the political elite but are making tangible impacts in their communities. 

While he may have supported and empowered many individuals in the past, his new focus should be on fresh faces—ambitious, independent-minded young Northerners who, when given support, can drive real change. This could translate into both grassroots influence and renewed political goodwill for the APC in the region.

Expanding his political network thoughtfully will be impactful; Seyi needs to move beyond the usual circle of children from the political elite. The North is home to many educated and brilliant young minds who remain untapped. Bringing them into his circle could prove invaluable for rebuilding trust and influence.

Leveraging social media influencers will play a crucial role. This time, entertainment influencers will have little to no impact. Instead, Seyi should engage influencers whose voices carry weight—those known for insightful, educational, and impactful messaging that resonates with the region’s unique socio-political landscape.

Ultimately, Seyi Tinubu’s success in the North will depend on how well he moves beyond optics and embraces a more strategic, sustainable approach. The challenge is immense and thorny, but so are the opportunities. 

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.