THE ROLE OF TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT This study investigates the role of Transparency International (TI) in combating corruption in Nigeria, focusing on three key objectives: (1) assessing TI's influence on anti-corruption policy reforms through advocacy and monitoring, (2) evaluating the effectiveness of the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) in shaping public awareness and government accountability, and (3) examining TI Nigeria's role in fostering grassroots engagement in anti-corruption efforts. Grounded in the Social Accountability Theory, the study employed a mixed-methods approach with a sample size of 409 respondents, including stakeholders from government agencies, civil society, and the private sector. Findings reveal that Tl has significantly shaped anti-corruption policy reforms in Nigeria through research reports, advocacy, and institutional engagement, leading to legislative reviews and enhanced transparency in public procurement and financial governance. However, political interference and institutional resistance remain obstacles. The CPI was found to be an effective tool in driving public discourse and government accountability, though critics highlight its reliance on perceptions rather than empirical data. At the grassroots level, TI Nigeria's initiatives, such as Advocacy and Legal Advice Centres (ALACs), have empowered citizens to report corruption and demand accountability, though challenges like fear of reprisals and limited civic awareness persist. The study recommends stronger government commitment to anti-corruption reforms, enhanced collaboration between Tl and local institutions, and expanded grassroots sensitization programs to improve citizen participation. Additionally, refining corruption measurement tools to include sector-specific indicators could enhance the CPI's accuracy. These measures could strengthen Tl's impact in Nigeria's fight against corruption. v