The latest report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that about 87 million bribes were paid in 2023, compared with 117 million bribes in 2019- the equivalent of an average of 0.8 bribes per each adult.
The NBS report said, in 2023, around 56 per cent of Nigerians had at least one contact with a public official in the 12 months prior to the survey- a reduction in the contact rate since 2019 (63 per cent), which was observed across most types of public officials and across zones.
The Report said, contact with public officials remains higher in urban areas (61 per cent) compared with rural areas (52 per cent).
It said, in 2023, the largest share of Nigerian citizens had contact with health care professionals and public utilities officers, at 30 per cent and 24 per cent respectively, while Police officers came third, with a contact rate of 20 per cent.
Speaking during the official launch of the Third Corruption Survey on Thursday in Abuja, the Statistician-General of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran said, 34% of Nigerians refused to pay bribe when they encountered public officials.
He, however, disclosed that there was a notable increase in the rate of bribery reporting, rising from 3.6% in 2019 to 8.6% in 2023, reflecting the growing awareness and willingness among Nigerians to confront corruption, and the positive impact of the efforts of anti-corruption agencies in raising awareness and getting Nigerians to report any incidence.
Adeniran noted that of the total number of bribery cases reported, 65% of the cases were reported to the Police, while 28% were reported to Anti-corruption agencies.
He said, the results also revealed a significant increase in the level of actions taken as a consequence of reporting.
The NBS boss said, out of the total cases reported by citizens, in 45% of the cases, a formal procedure was initiated against the officer-an increase from 16% in 2019, showing a huge commitment to dealing with cases of infraction.
He stated that the purpose of the survey was never to castigate or point fingers at any individual or institution, but rather to present statistical evidence that could aid in taking the necessary steps to improve the quality of public service available to Nigerians while enhancing the trust in the relationship between the citizens and public offices.
He thanked the UNODC and the MacArthur Foundation for the technical and financial support provided for the conduct of the survey in Nigeria.
“Your unwavering support has been vital in making this survey a success and we look forward to further collaboration and partnership in other areas of data production”, he said.
