The Corruption Perceptions Index 2013 released by the
Transparency International, which shows that corruption remains a global
phenomenon, rates 15 countries while Nigeria now ranks 31 among the most
corrupt nations.
The Corruption Perceptions Index 2013, according to the TI
serves as a reminder that the abuse of power, secret dealings and bribery
continue to ravage societies around the world.
“The index scores 177 countries and territories on a scale
from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). No country has a perfect score,
and two-thirds of countries score below 50. This indicates a serious, worldwide
corruption problem”.
The global anti corruption crusader also calls for urgent
renewal of anti-graft war by building transparent public institutions.
“The world urgently needs a renewed effort to crack down on
money laundering, clean up political finance, pursue the return of stolen
assets and build more transparent public institutions.
“It is time to stop those who get away with acts of
corruption. The legal loopholes and lack of political will in government
facilitate both domestic and cross-border corruption, and call for our intensified
efforts to combat the impunity of the corrupt”. Countries that are rated as the
best 17 in zero tolerance for corruption are Denmark, New Zealand, Finland,
Sweden, Norway, Singapore, Switzerland, Netherlands, Australia, and Canada.
Others are Luxembourg, Germany, Iceland, United Kingdom,
Barbados, Belgium and Hong Kong in that order.
However, both Denmark and New Zealand scored 91 per cent,
both Finland and Sweden 89 per cent, Norway and Singapore 86 per cent,
Australia and Canada 81, Germany and Iceland 78 while Barbados, Belgium and
Hong Kong scored 75.
However, while no African country makes the first 17, they
dominate the first 10 while Nigeria ranks 31 on the list.