A newly released report by the National Bureau of Statistics, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, has revealed staggering figures of corruption within the country.

The report indicates that an estimated N721 billion, equivalent to $1.26 billion, was paid in bribes to public officials in 2023.

The comprehensive study, titled “Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends,” provides a detailed breakdown of the prevalence and scope of bribery, noting that the average cash bribe increased to N8,284, up from N5,754 in 2019.

Judges topped the list, receiving an average bribe of N31,000, followed by customs and immigration services at N17,800, and members of the armed forces at N16,600. The police, notorious for their involvement in corrupt practices, were found to demand bribes from 9% of individuals who had contact with them.

“The largest share of Nigerian citizens had contact with health care professionals and public utilities officers, at 30 percent and 24 percent respectively. Police officers came third, with a contact rate of 20 percent,” the report said.

This revelation has far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s economy. High levels of corruption undermine investor confidence, who see the business environment as unpredictable and risky. Anti-graft campaigners note that potential investors, particularly those from foreign countries, will likely be deterred by the pervasive culture of bribery and the lack of transparency in government dealings.

The report also highlights that 46% of public officials offered bribes to secure employment, a figure which has increased by 1.5 times since 2019. Moreover, six out of ten successful candidates in the public sector admitted to using nepotism, bribery, or both to secure their positions.

“In 2023, around 56 percent of Nigerians had at least one contact with a public official in the 12 months prior to the survey,” the report said. “This represents a reduction in the contact rate since 2019 (63 per cent), which was observed across most types of public officials and across zones.”

This nepotistic culture, analysts note, worsens the problem as it leads to the appointment of unqualified individuals, reducing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of public institutions.

The findings also note the disparity in corruption levels between urban and rural areas, with urban residents having higher contact rates with public officials (61%) compared to their rural counterparts (52%). The most frequent interactions were with healthcare professionals and public utility officers, further highlighting the widespread nature of corruption across different sectors.

According to the findings, 4% of those who interacted with nurses and doctors were asked for bribes, 3% of individuals dealing with teachers or lecturers, and 6% of those in contact with public utility officials faced similar demands.

Additionally, 4% of those interacting with Federal Road Safety Corps officials and 2% of those dealing with vehicle inspection officials reported being asked for bribes. The report also noted that highly educated individuals are more likely to pay bribes compared to those with no formal education.

This report comes at a critical time when Nigeria seeks to position itself as a favorable destination for FDI. However, concerned citizens have lamented that the high levels of corruption pose a significant barrier, as investors prioritize stable and transparent environments for their investments. It is believed that the country’s international reputation for corruption leads to increased scrutiny and hesitation from foreign investors, ultimately impacting economic growth and development.

To counter these negative effects, the Nigerian government has been advised to intensify its anti-corruption efforts. Strengthening institutional frameworks, ensuring the enforcement of anti-corruption laws, and promoting transparency and accountability in public service are crucial steps in rebuilding investor confidence.

Without such measures, economic experts have warned, the financial prospects of attracting substantial FDI will remain bleak, further stalling Nigeria’s path to sustainable development.

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