ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT AGAINST CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA

This study examined the role of social media in fostering citizen engagement against corruption in Nigeria through case study analysis of eleven movements spanning 2012-2024, including #EndSARS, #BringBackOurGirls, #OccupyNigeria and #EndBadGovernance. Employing qualitative content analysis of digital campaigns, the research investigated how platforms such as Twitter (now X), Facebook and WhatsApp enabled real-time interaction, anonymous whistleblowing and advocacy coordination. Grounded in Participatory Communication and Network Society theories, findings indicated that social media effectively facilitated rapid mobilisation through hashtags, supported whistleblowing and enabled transnational solidarity. However, critical limitations emerged including misinformation proliferation, government surveillance and persistent digital divides excluding marginalised populations. The study concluded that whilst social media is not a panacea for eradicating corruption, it serves as a vital supplement to traditional anti-corruption mechanisms by amplifying civic voices and fostering transparent governance. The study recommends developing digital literacy programmes, integrating online-offline activism, strengthening privacy protections and implementing strategic communication frameworks to optimise social media's effectiveness in sustainable anti-corruption efforts.