A new survey report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals that Nigerians paid a staggering N721 billion in cash bribes to public officials in 2023. The report, titled “Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends,” indicates that over 95% of these bribes were monetary.
The report states, “Overall, it is estimated that a total of roughly N721 billion ($1.26 billion) was paid in cash bribes to public officials in Nigeria in 2023, corresponding to 0.35 per cent of the entire Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria.”
It highlights that a significant portion of these bribes, about 35%, were paid in public officials’ offices, while 36% occurred on the street. Additionally, 11% of bribes were paid in the respondents’ homes, and 7% in public places such as restaurants, malls, or stations.
Health care professionals and public utility officers were the most frequently contacted for bribes, with contact rates of 30% and 24%, respectively. Police officers were also notable, with a contact rate of 20%.
Related Stories
- Nigeria’s Inflation Rate Drops for the First Time in 19 Months, Now at 33.40%
- Nigerian States Face 123% Surge in External Debt Servicing Costs
The report also points out a decline in Nigerians’ confidence in the government’s efforts to combat corruption.
“Nigerians’ confidence in the government’s anti-corruption effort has been declining over time and across regions. While in 2019, more than half of all citizens thought that the government was effective in fighting corruption, in 2023, the share declined to less than a third of all citizens.”
Moreover, the report highlights an increase in bribery within the private sector. The percentage of citizens who had at least one contact with a private sector actor involving bribery rose from 6% in 2019 to 14% in 2023.