Nigerian TikTokers Are Calling Out Corruption And We Can’t Look Away!
CorrupTok is the best side of the internet right now
- written by Joy Onu
- 4 min read
- 24 Mar, 2025
Cottonbro StudioCorrupTok is a new trend that blends activism and creativity in a seamless and satirical way. The movement sees Nigerian TikTok creators leveraging the platform's reach to spotlight and satirize the pervasive corruption affecting the nation. All we can say is that we love this corner of the internet, whether you find yourself to be apolitical or a partisan in the game that is politics, I think we can all agree that corruption in Nigeria is as vile as it is present, and corruptok is yet another way in which Nigerians are coming together to speak out.
To take it all back to the start, about a week ago, a Lagos-based NYSC member, Ushie Uguamaye, had taken to TikTok to criticize the government over the hardship in the country. Ushie Uguamaye spoke on the tolls of living as a young person in Nigeria, and all her points were valid, and based on certain ugly truths most people in Nigeria could relate to. She criticized Tinubu’s government and the hardship Nigerians face based on the administration’s economic reforms. Her video went viral and got a bag of mixed reactions, from supportive Nigerians who could relate to her plight, to unsupportive Nigerians. The big kicker, however, was the attention of NYSC officials whom she later accused of threatening her to delete the video.
This spur-of-the-moment Tiktok video has started a whole movement of its own, creating corruptok, which has gone international, and not just Nigerians are making use of this trend, there are other people from other countries joining in to speak out against corruption in their homestead. The influence of CorruptTok extends beyond individual creators. It has cultivated a community where users share experiences, voice frustrations, and propose solutions. This digital activism fosters a sense of solidarity among Nigerians, reinforcing the notion that collective awareness is a catalyst for change.
Several TikTok creators are jumping on this train, and as we said before, it is satire backed up by real issues people face in the country. CorrupTok is the best side of TikTok, not just because it is comical, but also because it points out the real-life suffering people face daily as a result of the corrupt state of Nigeria, and its Government. A notable example is the TikTok user Inspectorlunge who posted, “Me and my politician bros celebrating after receiving a loan from the UN (Funds for our Dubai trip.” The quote is attached to a video of Tinubu and the rest of his cahoots rejoicing at his win as president of Nigeria. This quote might seem lighthearted and fun, you might even laugh, but you will surely cry. TikTok videos like these point out the harsh realities of Nigeria right now, where politicians would rather steal than lead. Where the government gets away with treating people like pieces of their chess board instead of serving as true leaders should.
While 'CorruptTok' has been instrumental in raising awareness, the ultimate goal is to translate this digital momentum into tangible change. CorruptTok exemplifies the innovative spirit of Nigerian youth, transforming a social media platform into a stage for civic engagement, which is brilliance at its finest. As these creators continue to entertain and educate, they play a pivotal role in the fight against corruption, inspiring a whole generation to envision and work towards a more equitable Nigeria. You can say we are dreamers, but at least we’re not the only ones!