Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has said the country is not as corrupt or unsafe as it is often portrayed internationally.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Omokri argued that global corruption rankings do not fully account for Nigeria’s cultural practices and realities.
He said practices such as showing appreciation to public officials who perform their duties well could be interpreted as corruption by international organisations, despite being rooted in Nigerian culture.
Omokri also said Nigeria should take greater control of its international image instead of allowing foreign organisations to define the country.
He cited Lagos’ economic growth and the popularity of its annual Detty December festivities as evidence that the country is more attractive and secure than often portrayed.
A tourism-sector report estimated that Lagos received about 1.2 million visitors during the December 2024 festive period, with 60 per cent being domestic tourists.
Omokri said the figure showed that Nigeria remained capable of attracting large numbers of visitors despite concerns over insecurity.
He also credited the Tinubu administration with improving Nigeria’s corruption perception rating, though he maintained that international assessments should better reflect local realities.
