The organisation stated that the abuse of cybercrime laws to persecute dissenting voices, journalists, and critics has become a worrying trend that undermines democracy.
As Nigeria marks the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has raised fresh concerns about the growing politicisation of cybercrime legislation and the misuse of digital monitoring tools to suppress civic freedoms.
Joining the global commemoration themed “United Against Corruption for Development, Peace and Security,” CITAD said corruption is increasingly migrating into digital spaces where weak oversight allows public officials to exploit technology for political ends.
The organisation noted this in a statement signed by its executive director, YZ Ya’u.
"As an organisation committed to promoting accountability, transparency, and good governance, CITAD reaffirms that corruption remains one of the most significant threats to Nigeria’s development and democratic stability."
The organisation stated that the abuse of cybercrime laws to persecute dissenting voices, journalists, and critics has become a worrying trend that undermines democracy.
"CITAD notes with concern that corruption increasingly manifests within digital systems as well, including opaque data governance practices, misuse of digital surveillance tools, political manipulation of cybercrime laws, and weak oversight of public digital infrastructure. As Nigeria deepens its digital transformation, embedding accountability in the digital ecosystem is no longer optional; it is essential."
It warned that without safeguards, digital tools meant for national security are being weaponised for political advantage and to intimidate whistleblowers.
"Digital channels remain the most affordable and accessible means through which citizens can express themselves, and the growing culture of weaponizing such expressions of opinion is inconsistent with our democratic aspirations and must not be tolerated at any level."
"Government must therefore not only demonstrate full tolerance for digital expression but also take decisive measures to prevent the misuse of security agencies by public officials to harass or intimidate citizens for expressing dissent. Without safe, open, and free online spaces for civic participation, Nigeria’s commitment to fighting corruption will remain merely rhetorical."
CITAD stressed that the fight against corruption must now extend into online governance spaces where the absence of transparency and accountability enables new forms of abuse.
"CITAD emphasises that the fight against corruption must now extend to both offline and online governance spaces, where the misuse of power, absence of transparency, and weak regulatory enforcement create new avenues for abuse."
The organisation listed a series of actions it believes government and stakeholders must adopt to curb the misuse of cybercrime frameworks, including strengthening digital accountability and protecting online critics who expose wrongdoing.
Among the recommendations were the need to: "Strengthening transparency and accountability mechanisms across federal, state, and local government institutions. Promotion of digital accountability, especially in procurement, data governance, and deployment of public digital infrastructure."
The organisation also demanded the "full implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act to enable citizens and journalists access to public records without intimidation."
Other recommendations include; "Protection of activists, journalists, whistleblowers, and online critics who expose corruption and hold power to account. Also recommended is investment in civic and digital literacy to empower citizens, especially youth and women to identify, report, and resist corruption."
The statement also recommended the collaboration between government, civil society, media, and development partners to sustain anti-corruption reforms.
It also urged anti-corruption bodies to insulate their investigations from political interference and strengthen protections for digital whistleblowers.
"CITAD also urges anti-corruption agencies to prioritise investigation of digitally enabled corruption, strengthen whistleblower protection, and address political interference that weakens enforcement."
The organisation concluded that Nigeria cannot meaningfully address corruption without safeguarding digital civic space.
"As Nigeria continues to confront economic challenges, insecurity, and pressures on democratic institutions, the cost of corruption has never been more severe. Only through collective action, transparency, and accountability, powered by both civic engagement and digital governance reforms can Nigeria achieve meaningful progress."
"CITAD remains committed to building a society where integrity is valued, institutions are transparent, and citizens can participate freely without fear of reprisal," the statement read in full.