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.