The Role of Data Access in Driving Accountability and Good Governance in Nigeria

Nigeria’s Open Data Index declined to 45 in 2022, down from 50 in 2020, reflecting a setback in transparency efforts. This directly contributes to the significant gaps in the quality and transparency of public sector service delivery.

In Nigeria, weak data collection and poor management practices have hindered access to official data, eroding Nigeria’s ability to enforce accountability and ensure good governance. The lack of timely, reliable data directly undermines transparency, particularly in public service delivery, where it fuels inefficiencies and conceals the misuse of public funds.

Without accessible data on government expenditures, performance metrics, and service outcomes, it becomes nearly impossible to monitor progress or hold public officials accountable. This opacity increases the likelihood of resource mismanagement, depriving citizens of critical social and economic services.