Nigerians Pay N721 Billion in Cash Bribes to Government Officials – NBS Survey

A recent survey conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed that Nigerians paid a staggering N721 billion in cash bribes to public officials in 2023. The survey report, titled “Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends,” was released yesterday and highlights significant concerns regarding corruption in the country.

The report indicates that over 95% of all bribes paid in 2023 were in monetary form. It also reveals a decline in Nigerians’ confidence in the government’s efforts to combat corruption during this period.

The NBS 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% of the entire Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria.”

Bribes paid in public officials’ offices and on the street accounted for approximately 35% and 36% of all bribes, respectively. Additionally, 11% of bribes were paid in respondents’ homes, while 7% were paid in public buildings such as restaurants, malls, or stations.

In 2023, the highest rates of bribery contact were with healthcare professionals and public utility officers, at 30% and 24%, respectively. Police officers followed, with a contact rate of 20%.

Regarding public perception, the NBS noted a decline in confidence in the government’s anti-corruption efforts: “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.”

The report also highlighted an increase in private sector bribery, which rose from 6% of citizens having contact with a private sector actor in 2019 to 14% in 2023.