ABUJA, NIGERIA – A new report by the National Bureau of Statistics and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has highlighted the pervasive nature of corruption in Nigeria, underscoring the significant challenge facing the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Entitled “Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends,” the report revealed that approximately N721 billion was received as bribes by public officials in 2023, amounting to about 0.35 percent of the country’s GDP.
The report, based on a comprehensive survey, showed that the average cash bribe in 2023 was N8,284, up from N5,754 in 2019. Corruption was ranked as the fourth most pressing issue affecting Nigeria, following the cost of living, insecurity, and unemployment.
Key findings of the report include:
- In 2023, 56 percent of Nigerians interacted with a public official, down from 63 percent in 2019. Despite this reduction, bribery remains widespread, with an average of 5.1 bribes paid per bribe payer, totaling approximately 87 million bribes nationwide, a decrease from 117 million bribes in 2019.
- Bribery is more common in rural areas, with citizens paying an average of 5.8 bribes compared to 4.5 bribes in urban areas.
- Over 95 percent of bribes were paid in monetary form (cash or money transfer) in 2023. Public officials were more likely to demand bribes, though the report also noted instances involving private sector actors, including doctors in private hospitals.
Corruption is prevalent in every aspect of Nigerian life, notably in elections, the judiciary, government agencies, procurement/contracts, payroll, and extortion by security agents. The UNODC emphasized that corruption is a significant barrier to Nigeria achieving its full potential.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, stated that some religious organizations are “more corrupt” than public offices. The EFCC reported recovering $550 million by eliminating “ghost workers” from the public payroll. The previous Muhammadu Buhari administration’s efforts, including the implementation of the Treasury Single Account, resulted in the recovery of $370 million in unremitted tax. However, Buhari’s administration faced criticism for undermining the anti-corruption campaign by pardoning two ex-governors convicted of corruption.
Since taking office, the Tinubu administration has begun prosecuting public officials, including ministers from the Buhari administration, over alleged diversion of public funds. However, Nigeria’s average score in the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index from 2014-2023 remains a low 27 out of 100, ranking it as the 145th most corrupt country out of 180.
The United States-based Center for International Private Enterprise argued that Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts fail because they are “selective, ineffective, and lack credibility.” PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) warned that corruption could cost Nigeria up to 37 percent of its GDP by 2030 if not urgently addressed. The UNODC added that corruption exacerbates inequality, injustice, and instability, particularly in vulnerable regions.
Despite the urgency, President Tinubu has yet to articulate a definitive plan to combat corruption, though he has ordered a probe of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Several senior figures in his administration and top leadership of the All Progressives Congress have been accused of corruption, including a minister currently suspended over allegations.
To tackle corruption effectively, the Tinubu administration must develop and implement a pragmatic anti-corruption strategy.
About The Author
