A recent survey by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) highlights the pervasive issue of bribery among Nigerian officials, revealing that citizens paid an estimated ₦721 billion (approximately $1.26 billion) in bribes in 2023.
Entrepreneurng learnt that this amount accounted for about 0.35% of the country’s GDP.
Rural vs. Urban Bribery
The survey indicates that residents in rural areas experience higher levels of bribery compared to their urban counterparts. On average, individuals in urban regions reported paying around 4.5 bribes, while those in rural areas faced about 5.8 bribes. This disparity points to a troubling trend where vulnerable populations are more susceptible to corrupt practices when seeking public services.
Decline in Bribe Frequency
Interestingly, the total number of bribes exchanged decreased from 117 million in 2019 to an estimated 87 million in 2023. This decline is attributed to reduced interactions with public officials, which fell from 63% to 53% of the population.
Corruption Among Officials
The report identifies prosecutors, land registry officers, and customs and immigration officials as the most common recipients of bribes. However, judges and magistrates reportedly received the largest sums.
Despite government pledges to combat corruption, public officials continue to exploit their positions for personal gain, reflecting a broader systemic issue within the Nigerian government. Nigeria ranks 145 out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index.
Public Response to Corruption
Amid a cost-of-living crisis exacerbated by currency reforms and the partial removal of fuel subsidies, 23% of Nigerians reported refusing to pay bribes when solicited.
Economic challenges, which have led to food shortages and unrest, have overshadowed concerns about corruption, placing it fourth on a list of public priorities behind issues like insecurity and unemployment.
Private Sector Corruption on the Rise
While public-sector corruption remains prevalent, the survey noted that bribery in the private sector more than doubled in 2023, indicating a troubling trend that spans both sectors.
The data was collected between October and November 2023, revealing a significant decline in public confidence in government efforts to address corruption.
Less than a third of respondents believe the government is effectively tackling this issue, a sharp drop from over half in 2019 during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who was initially elected with anti-corruption promises.
As Nigeria continues to confront these challenges, the need for robust reforms and accountability measures remains urgent.
