Nigerian public institutions are in a climbing race on a mountain of corruption. Each year in the race, the competitors fight hard to get ahead, consequently earning themselves distrust from the general public.
The last winner, which has been the notorious title holder over the years, has been usurped by a contender, who since 1999 has enveloped herself in corrupt practices.
A new study released by the Africa Polling Institute (API), a non-profit research institute, has revealed that the National Assembly is the least trusted public institution in Nigeria, NAN reports.
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The federal parliament took the infamous honor from Nigeria Police Force which was least trusted in the 2021 edition of the survey. The survey, carried out by API, with support from Ford Foundation, was conducted between the months of May and June.
Nonetheless, the study revealed that there is an increase in the proportion of citizens who believe that Nigeria would be better in the future. On the upside, the survey found that Nigeria’s Social Cohesion Index is at 39.6 percent.
The concept of social cohesion refers to the willingness of citizens of a country to cooperate and work together towards ensuring the survival and prosperity of the country.
Building upon the 2019 and 2021 editions of the survey, the current edition captured the attitudes and perceptions of citizens using 13 key indicators to measure social cohesion in Nigeria.
The indicators include; identity, trust, social justice, participation and patriotism, natural resources, governance, gender equity, impunity, corruption, polarization, peace building, coping strategies, self-worth and future expectation.
On gender equity, the study revealed that 80 percent of Nigerians agree that boys and girls should have equal access to education, while 71 per cent agree that both males and females should be judged based on their qualifications, competence and track records.
API, however, recommended among others that the federal government strengthen existing policies, legislation and institutions that help to create a sense of belonging, promote trust, foster good governance and provide a conducive atmosphere for citizens to thrive and fulfill their life aspirations.
It also recommended that citizens should also discourage statements and actions that can impede the peace and unity of the country and avert conflicts, chaos and civil unrest, especially as the country gears up for the next general elections.
The report further added that there was a need for a national dialogue to help renegotiate the fault lines that currently threaten our shared existence as a nation.
However, the API’s ranking has triggered a fresh concern that experts said it may exacerbate Nigeria’s dented image and dwindling economy. They said lawmakers earning the title of least trusted public institution in a country of more than 200 million people, sends a message that has the potential to spook investors.