The Transparency International has denied claim by President Goodluck Jonathan that its report placed the country as second most improved nation in the fight against corruption.

Speaking in a nationwide broadcast to mark this year's independence anniversary yesterday, Jonathan said his administration made gains in the anti-graft war saying, "in its latest report Transparency International (TI) noted that Nigeria is the second most improved country in the effort to curb corruption."

But the Premium Times said it contacted the TI which denied claim by Jonathan that its report placed the country as second most improved nation in the fight against corruption.

It said when contacted by the Premium Times, "The group replied promptly disowning Mr. Jonathan and saying it had no such report.

"Transparency International does not have a recent rating or report that places Nigeria as the second most improved country in the fight against corruption," the group said in an email to Premium Times.

Jonathan said in his speech that "the fight against the scourge of corruption is a top priority of our Administration. We are fighting corruption in all facets of our economy, and we are succeeding. We have put an end to several decades of endemic corruption associated with fertilizer and tractor procurement and distribution. We have exposed decades of scam in the management of pensions and fuel subsidy, and ensured that the culprits are being brought to book."

On the state of insecurity across the country, the president said "Our security agencies are constantly being strengthened and repositioned for greater efficiency.

"While expressing our condolences to the affected families let me reiterate the commitment of this Administration to ensure the safety of lives and property of all Nigerians."

Jonathan said the federal government will assist states and local governments in dealing with the issue of devastating floods that affected several communities across the country.