Transparency is a word Nigerian politicians love to flaunt during campaigns but dread in practice. The truth is, transparency threatens the very foundation of the political system that sustains corruption, nepotism, and impunity. From the First Republic to the present democratic dispensation, history reveals a persistent culture of secrecy and manipulation in governance.

Historical Context of Fear

Nigeria gained independence in 1960, with leaders promising accountability and good governance. However, the first major corruption scandal, the 1962 African Continental Bank affair involving political figures, set the tone for a pattern of mismanagement. The Second Republic (1979-1983) saw another wave of financial scandals, prompting the Buhari military regime to justify its coup with an anti-corruption stance. Ironically, subsequent governments, both military and civilian, deepened the culture of opacity.

During the 1990s under General Sani Abacha, Nigeria witnessed one of the worst cases of looting in history, with an estimated $5 billion siphoned. Even in democratic Nigeria post-1999, despite the establishment of anti-graft agencies like EFCC and ICPC, corruption and lack of transparency remain entrenched. The 2016 Panama Papers leak exposed Nigerian politicians’ offshore assets, confirming fears of deliberate concealment.

Why They Fear Transparency

Transparency dismantles the “patronage system” where political elites divert public funds to maintain loyalty networks. If public procurement processes, asset declarations, and budgetary allocations were fully open, many politicians would lose access to illicit wealth and influence. This explains the resistance to the Freedom of Information Act, which took over a decade to pass in 2011 and is still largely ignored.

Implications for Nigerians

The absence of transparency translates to poor infrastructure, failing healthcare, unemployment, and rising poverty. According to Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perception Index, Nigeria ranked 150 out of 180 countries, reflecting persistent secrecy in governance. Meanwhile, trillions of naira vanish through inflated contracts, “ghost projects,” and unremitted oil revenues.

What Must Change?

For Nigeria to progress, transparency must go beyond slogans. Full digital disclosure of budgets, public audits, and enforcement of FOI compliance are essential. Civil society and media must keep demanding accountability, while citizens leverage social platforms to spotlight corruption.  

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