A new report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed that Nigerian public officials received bribes amounting to N721 billion in 2023. The report, titled “Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends,” states that this sum is equivalent to about 0.35 percent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The findings are based on a survey conducted in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The survey revealed that the average cash bribe paid in 2023 was N8,284, an increase from N5,754 in 2019. However, when adjusted for inflation, the real value of the average bribe decreased by 29 percent compared to 2019.

"Overall, it is estimated that approximately N721 billion (US$1.26 billion) was paid in cash bribes to public officials in Nigeria in 2023, corresponding to 0.35 percent of the entire GDP of Nigeria," the report stated.

Corruption was identified as the fourth most pressing issue in Nigeria in 2023, following the cost of living, insecurity, and unemployment. Confidence in the government’s anti-corruption efforts has declined significantly, with only less than a third of citizens in 2023 believing in the effectiveness of these efforts, compared to over half in 2019.

The survey found that 56 percent of Nigerians interacted with a public official in 2023, 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. This is a decrease from the 117 million bribes estimated in 2019.

Bribery was more prevalent in rural areas, where residents paid an average of 5.8 bribes compared to 4.5 in urban areas. Over 95 percent of bribes in 2023 were paid in monetary form, either cash or money transfer. Public officials were more likely to demand bribes, though private sector actors such as doctors in private hospitals also saw an increase in bribery requests from 6 percent in 2019 to 14 percent in 2023.

The report also highlighted a growing trend of Nigerians refusing to pay bribes. In 2023, 70 percent of those asked to pay a bribe refused at least once, with the highest refusal rates in the North-West zone at 76 percent. All regions recorded refusal rates above 60 percent, indicating a rising resistance to corruption among Nigerians.

Additionally, fewer citizens in 2023 viewed bribery requests as acceptable to expedite administrative procedures, with the percentage dropping from 29 percent in 2019 to 23 percent. The report noted that fewer citizens suffered negative consequences after refusing bribe requests in 2023, suggesting increased empowerment to confront corrupt officials.

Between 2020 and 2023, nepotism and bribery were rampant in public sector recruitment, with over 60 percent of public sector workers hired through these means. Specifically, 27 percent of successful candidates admitted to using bribery, 13 percent to nepotism, and 19 percent to both. In contrast, 40 percent of candidates claimed to have secured their positions without resorting to such means.

The report emphasized that the selection process used to recruit public officials plays a crucial role in shaping the culture of integrity in the civil service. It highlighted that the use of bribery was notably lower when the recruitment process included formal assessments. Among candidates who underwent written tests or oral interviews, 41 percent used unethical means, compared to 53 percent among those who were not formally assessed.

In summary, the 2023 NBS report underscores the pervasive nature of bribery and corruption in Nigeria, the decline in public trust in anti-corruption efforts, and the need for more stringent measures to promote transparency and integrity in both public and private sectors.