Concerns over the effectiveness of Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework took centre stage on Thursday as experts called for a more proactive and accountable media to drive transparency and public engagement.

Speaking at a high-level forum organised by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), communication scholar Professor Umaru A. Pate, said that while Nigeria has developed robust policies to tackle corruption, weak implementation continues to undermine progress.

SolaceBase reports that the event, held in Abuja, under the auspices of the ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, focused on assessing the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (2022–2026) and redefining the role of the media in its final phase.

Pate, the immediate past Vice Chancellor, Federal University Kashere, in Gombe State, described corruption as “an economic crime, a moral crisis, a governance challenge, and a development impediment,” stressing that it continues to weaken institutions and erode public trust.

Citing data from Transparency International, he noted that Nigeria scored 26 out of 100 on the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, ranking 142nd globally — a figure that reflects persistent governance challenges despite ongoing reforms.

However, he acknowledged signs of progress, noting that the ICPC recovered over ₦37.44 billion and $2.35 million in 2025.

He also referenced national survey findings showing that about 70 per cent of Nigerians refused to pay bribes when confronted with such demands in 2023.

“These developments suggest that Nigeria is not a society that accepts corruption as destiny,” Pate said.

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He explained that the National Anti-Corruption Strategy was designed as a comprehensive framework built on prevention, public engagement, ethical reorientation, enforcement, and asset recovery.

Yet, a mid-term assessment, he said, revealed critical gaps, including weak inter-agency coordination, limited public awareness, insufficient media engagement, political interference, and slow judicial processes.

According to him, tackling corruption requires more than prosecutions. He emphasised that systemic reforms, transparency, and cultural change are essential to achieving lasting results.

Central to the discussion was the role of the media, often described as the Fourth Estate, in strengthening accountability.

Pate said journalists must go beyond routine reporting and embrace investigative, data-driven approaches to expose corruption.

“The media must investigate fearlessly, report responsibly, educate citizens, and hold power accountable,” he said.

He added that when the press effectively performs its watchdog and agenda-setting functions, corruption becomes significantly harder to conceal.

Drawing parallels with global investigations such as the Panama Papers and the Pandora Papers, he noted that collaborative journalism has played a crucial role in exposing complex financial crimes worldwide.

In Nigeria, he said, the media has historically uncovered procurement fraud, financial mismanagement, and abuse of office, while amplifying citizens’ voices.

Despite this role, Pate noted that journalists face significant obstacles that limit their effectiveness.

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He listed legal intimidation, including strategic lawsuits against public participation, restricted access to information, and threats to personal safety as major concerns.

He also pointed to economic pressures within media organisations and internal editorial constraints, which often weaken investigative journalism.

Industry stakeholders at the event echoed these concerns, noting that without adequate legal protection and institutional support, journalists may struggle to sustain in-depth anti-corruption reporting.

The forum also examined the changing media landscape, highlighting how digital platforms have transformed journalism through real-time reporting, citizen participation, and cross-border collaboration.

However, participants warned that the same platforms have intensified the spread of misinformation, propaganda, and online harassment, undermining public trust in the media.

Pate cautioned that these trends threaten the credibility of journalism and could weaken its role in promoting accountability if not properly addressed.

As the National Anti-Corruption Strategy enters its final phase, Pate urged the media to reposition itself through stronger collaboration with anti-corruption agencies, including the ICPC, and professional bodies such as the Nigeria Union of Journalists.

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He called for increased adoption of data-driven reporting, improved ethical standards, and expanded civic education to raise public awareness about corruption.

He also stressed the need to prioritise the safety of journalists, warning that investigative reporting cannot thrive in an environment of fear.

Beyond institutional reforms, the discussion highlighted the need for deeper public engagement, particularly in tracking government spending, monitoring procurement processes, and scrutinising asset declarations and election financing.

Observers noted that bridging the gap between public perception and actual anti-corruption efforts remains critical, as Nigeria continues to battle a reputation for widespread corruption despite emerging evidence of behavioural change among citizens.

Pate concluded with a reminder of the media’s enduring role in democratic societies. “Corruption survives in darkness, but journalism brings light,” he said.