Lagos — The Federal Government has given the Economic and Financial Crime Commissions, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission(ICPC) 2013 deadline to improve the corruption rating of the country.

Minister of Finance, Dr.Segun Aganga,who disclosed this recently in Lagos at a road show organised by the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) said the development became imperative in order to salvage the dwindling image of the country.

According to the minister, the poor rating of Nigeria on global corruption index is now a major cause of concern for the federal government.

Specifically, he said the government was worried over the country's rating as the 121st out of 180 countries listed on the corruption table.

The Global Corruption Perception Index (CPI) has rated Nigeria the 121st out of 180 corrupt nations and Aganga blamed the rating on "previous attempts of combating corruption which have not been efficacious," declaring that corruption, if not addressed urgently, would render the government's Vision 20: 2020 unachievable.

The minister, however, maintained that activities of anti-corruption agencies had now helped to stem the tide of corruption in Nigeria.

He said," Corruption is all pervasive, both in the public and private sectors. Previous attempts of combating corruption have not been efficacious. A positive perception will enhance the flow of foreign investment which is one of the key elements of economic development," he said.

He said an effective anti- corruption strategy must incorporate real efforts to significantly reduce the root causes of corruption, namely: lack of socila security, dearth of employment opportunities, widespread poverty and a poor value system which encourages wealth accumulation through antisocial means.