Nigeria has been ranked 116th out of 180 countries in the 2025 Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI), highlighting persistent governance challenges, according to the Chandler Institute of Governance (CIG). The index, a global measure of government effectiveness, evaluates nations across seven pillars, with Nigeria struggling in most areas, missing the top five African performers: Mauritius, Rwanda, Botswana, Morocco, and South Africa.
The CGGI report places Nigeria at 110th in Leadership and Foresight, 112th in Robust Laws and Policies, 114th in Strong Institutions, 89th in Financial Stewardship, 114th in Attractive Marketplace, 112th in Global Influence and Reputation, and 120th in Helping People Rise. Despite a relatively stronger showing in Financial Stewardship, Nigeria’s low rankings underscore the need for reforms to bolster public institutions and governance frameworks. Among 28 African nations ranked, only Tanzania and Rwanda showed significant progress since 2021, while Nigeria’s position declined.
The report notes mixed regional trends, with Africa’s average score for Strong Institutions improving, but Financial Stewardship, Global Influence, and Helping People Rise declining amid rising debt burdens and fiscal constraints. Nigeria’s governance struggles contrast with its economic gains, including a 67.12% surge in capital importation to $5.64 billion in Q1 2025 and a 39.98% year-to-date gain in the Nigerian Exchange. However, naira volatility (N1,560/$1 in the parallel market) and 21.88% inflation in July highlight ongoing challenges.
In a related development, Nigeria saw a slight improvement in Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, ranking 140th out of 180 countries, with a score of 28.00, its highest since 2016. This suggests incremental progress in tackling public sector corruption, but the CGGI ranking emphasizes the broader governance reforms needed to align with Africa’s top performers and sustain economic momentum.
