Crime & SecurityNewsNigeriaNigeria’s Bribery Epidemic: 87 Million Cases Reported in 2023

This number, although concerning, shows a slight decrease in the frequency of bribery compared to 2019. In 2023, an estimated 27 per cent of Nigerians who interacted with a public official admitted to paying a bribe, down from a concerning 63 per cent in 2019. The estimated number of bribes that exchanged hands declined to 87 million in 2023 from 117 million in 2019, when the last survey was done.

The report, which highlights corruption patterns and trends in Nigeria, indicates that bribery remains a significant challenge in the country, despite efforts to combat it.

According to the report, the majority of bribes were paid to public officials, accounting for 73 per cent of the total, while private officials received 27 per cent.

“Overall, it is estimated that a total of roughly NGN 721 billion (US$1.26 billion) was paid in cash bribes to public officials in Nigeria in 2023, corresponding to 0.35 per cent of the entire Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria,” the report stated.

The good news is a slight decrease in the average number of bribes paid per person. In 2023, Nigerians who admitted to bribery paid an average of 5.1 bribes, compared to 5.4 in 2019. However, it’s important to note this change is not statistically significant, meaning the problem persists.

Over 70 per cent of Nigerians who were asked to pay a bribe in 2023 refused to do so on at least one occasion, according to the report. The NBS said this was a result of the prevalent cost-of-living crisis, spawned by currency reforms and partial removal of a gasoline subsidy.

The report also found a concerning geographical disparity. People in rural areas paid an average of 5.8 bribes, while those in urban areas faced slightly less with an average of 4.5 bribes. The survey also revealed that the vast majority of bribes over 95 per cent were paid in cash or through money transfers.

The NBS and UNODC report is based on a survey of over 15,000 respondents and provides valuable insights into the scope and nature of corruption in Nigeria.

Bribery was most rife among prosecutors, land registry officers, and customs and immigration officers, though Nigeria’s judges and magistrates received the largest kickbacks, the report said.