Article Details

This research examines democracy, Digital Governance, and the Challenges of Combating Corruption in Nigeria from 1999 to 2024. The topic is timely, cutting-edge, and relevant for investigation at this time, as Nigeria's return to democracy after years of military rule in 1999 has seen various democratic regimes instrumental in Nigeria's fight against corruption. However, despite some progress, challenges persist. Nevertheless some key steps initiated by different democratic regimes over time to fight corruption in Nigeria included: the establishment of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) 2003, the launch of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), 2004; the introduction of the Freedom of Information Act, 2016; the launch of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) in the country in 2016; and the establishment of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), 2019 etc. Also, some digital governance initiatives enunciated by different democratic regimes to curb corruption in the country since 1999 are: the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS); Bank Verification Number (BVN); the Treasury Single Account (TSA); the Open Treasury Portal; the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC); the E-Procurement Platforms, and others. With all the above developments, the government has faced key challenges in the fight against corruption, including weak institutions, the digital divide, resistance to change, cybersecurity threats, and sustaining progress. This study is grounded in a multidimensional approach to historical reconstruction. The method of data collection is a secondary data-gathering method that will enrich the study's content. Findings and recommendations from the study will assist policymakers in the country in formulating better policies that enhance accountability in the Nigerian nation-state, thereby effectively minimising corruption.

Democracy, Digital Governance, Corruption, Accountability, Transparency,