Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been listed as one of the most corrupt and influential figures in organized crime by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) in its 2024 rankings. The designation places Tinubu in controversial global company, highlighting longstanding concerns over his political and financial dealings.
The OCCRP, a coalition of investigative journalists and activists, allows global citizens to nominate individuals whose actions have significantly advanced corruption and criminal activities.
According to the organization, Tinubu ranked third after an international public vote. Kenyan President William Ruto received the most votes, while former Indonesian President Joko Widodo came second. Despite the rankings, the official “Person of the Year” award went to Bashar al-Assad, the ousted Syrian leader, for his decades-long exploitation of his country’s resources.
The OCCRP cited several factors behind Tinubu’s placement on the list. As Lagos State Governor from 1999 to 2007, Tinubu reportedly amassed significant wealth, with critics accusing him of leveraging his position for personal financial gain. His tenure as Nigeria’s president, which began in May 2023, has been equally contentious.
One of the most notable controversies during his presidency is the awarding of Nigeria’s largest infrastructure project, the Lagos-Calabar road project, to a company linked to his son. Critics have labeled the multitrillion-naira deal as a glaring conflict of interest and a continuation of the corruption concerns that have shadowed Tinubu throughout his career.
Additionally, Tinubu’s alleged history as a cocaine trafficker in Chicago and recent accusations of forging academic certificates have only added to the criticism. While the president has consistently denied all allegations, the controversies have fueled public and international skepticism about his leadership.
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The OCCRP emphasized the importance of public outrage and accountability in its annual report. “This ranking underscores the necessity of addressing corruption at its highest levels,” the organization stated.
Public reactions in Nigeria and beyond have been mixed. While critics of Tinubu view the ranking as validation of their concerns, his supporters dismiss the listing as biased and politically motivated.
A spokesperson for the Nigerian presidency did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the OCCRP report.
Tinubu’s inclusion in the OCCRP rankings highlights the global challenges posed by entrenched corruption. The organization’s list is not only a condemnation but also a call for action against those who exploit their positions of power for personal gain.
As debates around the report continue, the spotlight remains firmly on Tinubu’s administration and its capacity—or willingness—to address the allegations of corruption that now bear global attention.