Nigerians Paid 87 Million Bribes in 2023 As Refusal Rate Increases – NBS

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigerians paid a total of 87 million bribes in 2023, a decrease from the 117 million bribes paid in 2019.

The NBS, in its Nigeria Corruption Survey report released on Thursday, noted that 70 percent of Nigerians who were asked to pay a bribe refused to do so at least once.

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The report, conducted in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), stated, “About 87 million bribes were paid in 2023, compared with 117 million bribes in 2019 – the equivalent of an average of 0.8 bribes each per adult.”

Despite the decrease in the number of bribes paid, the report highlighted that most adult Nigerians refused to pay bribes without fear of repercussions. “70% of Nigerians who were asked to pay a bribe refused to do so on at least one occasion, and at least 42% of respondents refused to pay a bribe because it was the right thing to do,” the report said.

Additionally, the report noted that 34 percent of citizens refused to pay bribes, and bribery is more prevalent in rural areas than urban areas.

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“The frequency of bribery is, on average, higher in rural areas than in urban areas. In 2023, bribe-payers living in urban areas paid on average 4.5 bribes, while those living in rural areas paid on average 5.8 bribes.”

The report also highlighted that while public sector corruption remains high, private sector corruption is increasing.

“Private sector bribery is increasing, but continues to be less prevalent than in the public sector,” the report added.