A recent report revealed that Nigerians are increasingly refusing to pay bribes, their confidence in the government’s anti-corruption efforts however remains low.
The report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), conducted in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and funded by the MacArthur Foundation and Denmark, titled “Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends” paints a mixed picture of the country’s fight against corruption.
Bribery Refusal on the Rise
In 2023, a remarkable 70% of Nigerians who encountered bribery requests said no at least once. This figure is particularly encouraging considering the historically high prevalence of bribery in the country. The North-West region led the way with a refusal rate of 76%, while all other geopolitical zones reported rates exceeding 60%.
The report also highlights a positive shift in public perception regarding bribery. The share of citizens who believe bribery requests are acceptable for speeding up administrative procedures has decreased from 29% in 2019 to 23% in 2023. This suggests a growing societal rejection of bribery as a normal practice.
Reduced Fear of Repercussions
Furthermore, the report indicates that Nigerians are feeling increasingly empowered to refuse bribes without fear of retaliation. The percentage of bribe refusers experiencing negative consequences dropped significantly from 49% in 2019 to 38% in 2023. This trend implies a potential decline in the implicit power dynamics that have historically sustained bribery practices.
Motivations for Refusal
The report delves into the reasons behind the increase in bribery refusal. Interestingly, 21% of those who refused bribes cited having alternative avenues for obtaining their desired outcome. This suggests that improved access to services and streamlined administrative procedures could further reduce bribery. Additionally, 42% of refusers reported being motivated by ethical principles, highlighting a growing emphasis on anti-corruption values within Nigerian society. Finally, 23% of refusers indicated that they simply could not afford to pay the bribe, showcasing the interplay between economic hardship and corruption.
Prevalence of Bribery Remains a Challenge
Despite the positive trends, the report acknowledges the ongoing challenge of bribery in Nigeria. 27% of citizens who interacted with public officials in 2023 admitted to paying a bribe. Furthermore, when accounting for both instances of bribes paid and those refused, bribery was involved in over one-third (34%) of interactions between citizens and public officials.
Police Top Bribery Rankings
The report also identifies the Nigeria Police Force as the agency with the highest prevalence of bribery. Nine percent of citizens who interacted with police officials reported either paying a bribe or being solicited for one.
Low Public Trust in Anti-Corruption Efforts
The report also reveals a concerning lack of public trust in the government’s anti-corruption efforts. While Nigerians are taking a stronger stance against bribery, they have little faith in the government’s ability to effectively combat the issue. The percentage of citizens who believe the government is doing a good job fighting corruption has significantly declined across all regions since 2019. This lack of trust could potentially hinder progress in the fight against corruption.
Nigeria’s Global Corruption Ranking Shows Slight Improvement
On the international anti-corruption stage, Nigeria’s position has marginally improved. According to Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perception Index, Nigeria ranked 145th out of 180 countries, a slight improvement from 150th in 2022. The country’s score also edged up from 24 to 25 points out of a possible 100. While this improvement is noteworthy, Nigeria remains significantly behind in the global fight against corruption.
If You Ask Me
The NBS report offers a cautiously optimistic outlook on Nigeria’s fight against corruption. The increase in bribery refusal rates and the shift in public perception are positive developments. However, the low public trust in government anti-corruption efforts and the continued prevalence of bribery remain significant challenges. Moving forward, addressing these challenges will be crucial for Nigeria to make substantial progress in eradicating corruption and building a more transparent and accountable society.
