In a shocking revelation, Nigeria, Africa’s largest black nation has plunged into a record low in the global rule of law rankings.
In the recent release, The World Justice Project’s (WJP) Rule of Law Index 2024 paints a dismal picture, with Nigeria trailing behind 119 countries, ranking a depressing 120 out of 142 nations.
Despite the Human Rights Defenders Forum, Nigeria aims to strengthen its commitment to upholding human rights and promoting a more just and equitable society, the latest findings from the WJP Rule of Law Index reveal a gloomy outcome, showing the country’s rule of law weakening in 57% of surveyed countries in 2024.
For the first time in five years, more countries improved than declined on the Index factor measuring Absence of Corruption, with corruption declining in nearly three-fifths (59%) of countries.
Additionally, a majority of countries showed improvement in ensuring effective criminal justice. These positive trends indicate that efforts to strengthen the rule of law are bearing fruit in many parts of the world.
The downward spiral is particularly alarming, given that Nigeria trails behind several countries with questionable democratic credentials, raising pressing questions about the nation’s commitment to upholding fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.
However, the data also suggests that the global rule of law recession is slowing, and progress is possible.
Top ten in Africa
1) Rwanda (40)
2) Namibia (43)
3) Mauritius (46)
4) Botswana (51)
5) South Africa (57)
6) Senegal (60)
7) Ghana (62)
8) Malawi (70)
9) Tunisia (76)
10) Algeria (84).
