Corruption Costs: Nigerians Bribe Officials N721 Billion
A recent survey by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that Nigerians paid N721 billion in cash bribes to public officials in 2023. The report, titled “Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends,” highlighted that over 95% of these bribes were monetary. The study also noted a decline in Nigerians’ confidence in the government’s anti-corruption efforts.
The report detailed that bribes were commonly paid in public offices and on the streets, accounting for 35% and 36% respectively. Around 30% of those who interacted with healthcare professionals and 24% with public utility officers reported paying bribes, while police officers had a contact rate of 20%.
The NBS also reported a significant increase in private sector bribery, rising from 6% in 2019 to 14% in 2023. Furthermore, confidence in the government’s anti-corruption measures dropped from over 50% in 2019 to less than a third in 2023.
Additional Details:
- Impact on GDP: The N721 billion paid in bribes equals 0.35% of Nigeria’s GDP.
- Locations of Bribes: Besides offices and streets, 11% of bribes were paid in respondents’ homes, and 7% in public places like restaurants and malls.
- Regional Decline: The drop in confidence in anti-corruption efforts was consistent across various regions of Nigeria.
- Healthcare and Utilities: The healthcare sector and public utility services were the most affected, with the highest bribery rates reported.
