A nationwide survey conducted by Africa Polling Institute has revealed that 83 per cent of Nigerians express little to no trust in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, while 82 per cent hold the same sentiment toward the National Assembly.
The report, presented during a national dialogue held in Abuja on Thursday, also pegged the Nigeria Social Cohesion Index at 46.8 per cent—below the average 50 per cent mark—indicating a weak level of social cohesion across the country.
According to a statement issued by API’s Executive Director, Professor Bell Ihua, and made available to Tribune, “the survey findings report growing citizens’ distrust and low public confidence in the government and public institutions.
“Specifically, 83% of Nigerians expressed little to no trust in the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; and 82% expressed the same sentiments towards the National Assembly under the leadership of Senate President, Dr Godswill Akpabio, and House of Representatives Speaker, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abass.
“Also, 79% said they have little to no trust in the judiciary, under the leadership of the erstwhile CJN, Justice Kayode Ariwoola, and the current one, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. In comparison with previous editions (2019, 2021, and 2022), the data reveals that citizens’ trust and public confidence are currently at their lowest ebb.
“In addition, the survey found that Nigerians now seem to be united in shared struggle, especially as it pertains to their everyday lives and the negative impact of the current economic realities. It is not uncommon to hear citizens constantly alluding to the economic hardship, high costs of transport, and goods and services, as well as the lack of economic prosperity under the ‘Tinubu economy.’”
API, with support from the Ford Foundation, carried out the Citizens Perception Survey (CPS) between January and February 2025. A total of 5,465 interviews were conducted using face-to-face household visits and a stratified random sampling technique. The participants were aged 15 and above, and interviews were conducted in English, Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. The methodology ensured geographic representation across all states and senatorial districts.
The survey examined social cohesion in Nigeria using 14 indicators: Identity; Trust; Social Justice and Equity; Civic Participation; Tolerance; Gender Equity; Disability and Inclusion; Impunity; Corruption; Natural Resource Governance; Polarisation; Security and Peacebuilding; Coping Strategies; Migration; and Self-worth and Future Expectations.
On Identity: The findings showed that 53 per cent of Nigerians feel disappointed in the country, while 33 per cent feel proud, and 12 per cent are indifferent. Also, 48 per cent of respondents say they are equally proud to be Nigerian and from their ethnic group, while 27 per cent identify more with their ethnicity than nationality, and only 11 per cent feel more Nigerian than ethnic.
On Trust: The report found that 83 per cent of Nigerians distrust Tinubu’s administration, with 53 per cent stating they have no trust at all and 30 per cent expressing little trust. Similarly, 82 per cent expressed little to no trust in the National Assembly, while 79 per cent expressed distrust in the judiciary.
Civic Participation and Patriotism: The survey shows that 68 per cent are willing to sacrifice something of interest for the collective national good; 79 per cent are ready to cooperate with Nigerians from other ethnic groups to unite the country; and 76 per cent are willing to participate in political processes to improve governance.
“Also, 91% expressed their willingness to support inter-ethnic marriages versus 64% who expressed support for inter-religious marriages.
On Corruption: About 61 per cent of respondents believe corruption has worsened over the past year, while 64 per cent rate the government’s anti-corruption efforts as “Poor.”
On Gender Equity: 71 per cent of Nigerians believe women should lead in politics, business, and religion; 73 per cent support women having equal rights to family inheritance and fair treatment in their husbands’ states. However, 39 per cent rated the government’s gender equity efforts as “Poor,” while 33 per cent said “Fair,” and 28 per cent rated it positively. The survey also found that 63 per cent would vote for a female President, 69 per cent for a female Governor, and 76 per cent for a female Local Government Chairperson.
On Self-Worth and Future Expectations: The report noted that 59 per cent of citizens are dissatisfied with life in Nigeria, and 53 per cent would relocate abroad with their families if given the opportunity. Despite this, 56 per cent believe the future will be better, while 26 per cent fear it may be worse.
The API report concluded with recommendations, including the establishment of a National Cohesion Commission to guide government policies and programmes that foster unity, inclusive governance, and upward mobility for all citizens.
It called on the Federal Government to craft a new social contract that outlines citizens’ benefits and state responsibilities, unlike Section 2 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which is non-justiciable.
The Institute also urged public institutions such as the Ministry of Information and Culture, National Orientation Agency (NOA), and the Federal Character Commission to promote narratives that support national unity and inclusion.
API further emphasised the vital role of civil society organisations (CSOs) in advancing social cohesion, citing their capacity to bridge trust between the public and government institutions.
Finally, citizens were encouraged to participate in community dialogues and civic activities to express their visions for a united and prosperous Nigeria.
