The European Union and the Fight Against Corruption in Nigeria: Assessment of EIDHR-Funded Civil Society Projects

This study assesses the impact of European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR)-funded civil society projects on anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria, with case studies drawn from programmes implemented in Lagos, Abuja, and Kaduna between 2019 and 2024. Corruption remains one of Nigeria's most entrenched governance challenges, and the EU has consistently prioritised civil society support as a vehicle for promoting transparency and accountability in Nigerian public institutions. This descriptive research combines documentary analysis of EIDHR programme reports and civil society grant documentation with semi-structured interviews with representatives of beneficiary organisations including civic advocacy NGOs, public financial management monitors, and open government data projects. The study examines the design logic of selected EU anti-corruption programmes, their outreach and visibility, and whether they have contributed to measurable improvements in accountability norms or institutional behaviour in Nigerian government agencies. The research also considers the challenges of working within a fluid regulatory environment for civil society in Nigeria, including restrictive provisions in proposed NGO legislation. Findings highlight the critical enabling role of local partner organisations and the limitations of externally funded civil society programmes in driving systemic anti-corruption reform. Keywords: EIDHR, anti-corruption, civil society, Nigeria, EU governance support.