34 Percent Of Nigerian Citizens Involve In Bribery Incidents, NBS Survey Reveals

By CLEMENT NWOJI, Abuja

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed that as many as significant number of Nigerians, about 34 percent or more are involved in bribery incidents.

The statistics contradicts the much trumpeted fight against corruption by the federal government over the years.

The Statistician General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Prince Adeyemi Adeniran made this disclosure Thursday at the official launch of the 3rd Corruption Survey Report in Nigeria. The first and second surveys were conducted in 2016 and 2019, respectively.

According to Prince Adeniran, “The relevance of this Corruption Survey is underscored by several insights provided in the report such as the prevalence and patterns of bribery in the country which remains significant, with 34% of citizens either paying or being asked to pay a bribe and refused, when they encountered public officials.”

The launch of the Corruption Survey Report on Nigeria, which is also known as the National Survey on Quality and Integrity of Public Services in Nigeria coincided with the celebration of the African Union Anti-Corruption Day 2024, under the theme “Effective Whistleblowers Protection Mechanism: A Critical Tool in the Fight against Corruption.”

The Statistician General of the Federation, noted however, that notwithstanding the prevalence of corruption in the country as presented in the report, there also improvements.

He said: “Despite the challenge, however, there is a notable increase in the rate of bribery reporting, rising from 3.6% in 2019 to 8.6% in 2023, reflecting the growing awareness and willingness among Nigerians to confront corruption, and the positive impact of the efforts of anti-corruption agencies in raising awareness and getting Nigerians to report any incidence.

“Of the total number of bribery cases reported, 65% of the cases were reported to the Police, while 28% were reported to Anti-corruption agencies. The results also revealed a significant increase in the level of actions taken as a consequence of reporting. Out of the total cases reported by citizens, in 45% of the cases, a formal procedure was initiated against the officer, this is an increase from 16% in 2019, showing a huge commitment to dealing with cases of infraction.”

He explained that the purpose of this survey or any other statistical exercise undertaken by the Bureau, is never to castigate or point fingers at any individual or institution, but rather to present statistical evidence that can aid in taking the necessary steps to improve the quality of public service available to Nigerians while enhancing the trust in the relationship between the citizens and public offices.

Further, he said: “This survey is unique in the sense that it focused on understanding the experience of corruption by Nigerians, rather than just perceived corruption, whenever they encounter any public officials. Also, two new and vital modules – Gender and Disability, were introduced to the instruments deployed, to give us a deeper understanding of the experience and impact of corruption on marginalized or typically excluded groups such as women, youths, and persons with disabilities.

“Through these surveys, Nigeria continues to lead in establishing international best practices in the periodic and scientific assessment of anti-corruption efforts. The survey provides a critical tool for evidence-based policymaking, enabling a comprehensive analysis of corruption trends and the effectiveness of anti-corruption strategies.”