As Nigeria marks its 64th independence anniversary, the fight against corruption remains a central issue in national discourse. Corruption, described by former President Muhammadu Buhari as “the greatest form of human rights violation,” has long plagued the country, impacting governance, the economy, and social systems. However, the role of women in leading efforts to combat corruption is increasingly being recognised. From grassroots activists to high-ranking officials, Nigerian women have been at the forefront of promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.
The Burden of Corruption in Nigeria
Corruption in Nigeria takes many forms, including bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, and electoral malpractice. According to the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2023 by Transparency International, Nigeria is ranked 154th out of 180 countries, highlighting the considerable challenges it faces in fighting corruption. The economic cost is staggering; the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimates that Nigeria loses approximately $17 billion annually to illicit financial flows. Women, who often bear the brunt of social and economic inequalities, have taken on leadership roles in addressing this pervasive problem.
Women Leading the Charge in Anti-Corruption Efforts
Among the most notable women in Nigeria’s anti-corruption landscape is Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Finance Minister and current Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). As Minister of Finance, Okonjo-Iweala spearheaded reforms to reduce public-sector corruption, including securing debt relief for Nigeria in 2005, a significant achievement that saved the country billions of dollars. Her tenure was marked by a strong commitment to accountability, and she has consistently advocated for transparency in government spending. As she once remarked, “Corruption is something we can tackle if we all work together.”
Another influential figure is Obiageli ‘Oby’ Ezekwesili, former Minister of Education and a former Vice President at the World Bank. A co-founder of Transparency International, Ezekwesili has been an ardent advocate for anti-corruption reforms in Nigeria. Her introduction of the “Due Process” mechanism reduced wasteful government expenditure, and she has stated that “corruption is the biggest obstacle to our development.” Both women have played instrumental roles in challenging corrupt practices and inspiring broader participation in governance.
Grassroots Advocacy and Women-Led Movements
Beyond high-profile figures like Okonjo-Iweala and Ezekwesili, Nigerian women at the grassroots level have also made significant strides in combating corruption. Aisha Yesufu, co-convener of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, has been a powerful voice calling for transparency and accountability in governance. She has used social media to amplify her stance against corruption, saying, “Corruption isn’t just about money. It’s about lives lost due to poor governance, and we must hold those in power accountable.”
Civil society organisations such as the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), led by Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, have furthered this cause. WARDC has worked to enhance women’s participation in governance and promote anti-corruption initiatives, empowering women with the tools and knowledge to challenge corrupt practices in their communities.
The Role of Women in Transparency Initiatives
Women’s participation in transparency initiatives has been critical in advancing good governance in Nigeria. The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), led by Seember Nyager, advocates for the enforcement of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, enabling citizens to request information from public officials. The inclusion of women in these initiatives is vital, as corruption disproportionately affects women and children.
The Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), led by Mufuliat Fijabi, underscores the importance of gender equality in governance. Fijabi argues that “when women are part of governance structures, there’s a higher chance that transparency and accountability will be prioritised.”
Women’s Impact on Reducing Corruption
Research has demonstrated that increased female participation in governance can lead to lower levels of corruption. A 2018 report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) found that countries with higher female representation in government generally experience less corruption. Women are often perceived as less tolerant of corrupt practices and more likely to prioritise social welfare policies.
However, despite their contributions, women remain underrepresented in Nigerian politics, with only 6.7% of seats in the National Assembly occupied by women as of 2023. Nevertheless, the women who have secured leadership positions continue to be vocal in their fight against corruption. Data from the African Union’s African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) also supports the notion that gender-inclusive governance leads to stronger oversight and more effective anti-corruption measures.
Challenges Facing Women in the Fight Against Corruption
Despite their contributions, Nigerian women face considerable challenges in their anti-corruption efforts. Patriarchal structures and gender-based discrimination limit their access to leadership roles and decision-making platforms. Women who speak out against corruption often face threats and intimidation. In 2020, Oby Ezekwesili was subjected to online harassment for her criticism of government corruption, and Aisha Yesufu has also faced threats due to her activism.
The lack of political will to address gender disparities in governance further compounds these challenges. Although Nigeria has ratified international conventions like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), implementation remains slow, and women’s representation in key governance structures continues to be inadequate.
Strengthening Women’s Role in Governance: The Way Forward
For Nigeria to make significant progress in its anti-corruption efforts, the role of women in governance must be strengthened. Increasing women’s representation in both elected and appointed offices is essential to achieving transparency and accountability. Implementing affirmative action policies, such as gender quotas, could be a step in the right direction. Collaboration between civil society organisations, government institutions, and international partners is crucial to creating an enabling environment for women to fully participate in the fight against corruption.
As Nigeria celebrates 64 years of independence, it is important to acknowledge the critical role women have played—and will continue to play—in addressing one of the nation’s most persistent challenges. With strong female leadership pushing for transparency and accountability, there is hope that the fight against corruption will gain the momentum needed to secure a better future for all Nigerians. As Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala once said, “Nigeria will only succeed in its development journey if we eliminate corruption, and women are key to making that happen.”
