Corruption remains a significant obstacle to effective governance and development in Nigeria, often depicted as a highly corrupt country in international assessments such as the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). The CPI has notably influenced global discussions; however, its reliance on elite perceptions raises questions about its accuracy, fairness, and capacity to reflect the full scope of domestic reforms. This analysis examines the disparity between Nigeria's reform agenda, which encompasses measures such as fiscal transparency initiatives, asset recovery mechanisms, and judicial reforms, and the prevailing global perception of widespread corruption. The study is guided by Transnational Accountability and Legitimacy Theory, positioning global accountability indices within broader debates about legitimacy and governance. A qualitative research approach was employed, using secondary data from policy reports, legislative frameworks, and academic studies. Critical discourse analysis was employed to evaluate the inclusivity of the processes underlying the CPI and their relevance to policy. The findings indicate that while the CPI has successfully raised global awareness of corruption, its methodology continues to perpetuate biases that overlook progress made in developing countries. Nigeria's recent efforts, such as new legislation on asset recovery and increased transparency in the extractive sector, demonstrate notable advancements that are often overlooked. Meanwhile, developed economies that benefit from illicit financial flows often maintain favorable rankings, revealing inconsistencies in global assessments. The results suggest that although the CPI serves as a useful reference, its methodological limitations need to be addressed. Combining perception- based indices with objective financial data can establish a fairer and more comprehensive framework for evaluating corruption. Such reforms are crucial for improving accountability, aligning international measures with local realities, and fostering more equitable global governance.

Corruption Perceptions Index, Transparency International, legitimacy

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