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Survey: Over 70 Percent Nigerians Refused to Give Bribe in 2023
Survey: Over 70 Percent Nigerians Refused to Give Bribe in 2023
By: Michael Mike
Over 70 per cent of Nigerians who were asked to pay a bribe in 2023 refused to do so on at least one occasion, according to a new report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime(UNODC).
According to a statement, “Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends”, jointly produced with Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) with the support of the MacArthur Foundation and the Government of Denmark, is the third survey of perceptions of corruption among the Nigerian population and provides an analysis of corruption trends and the effectiveness of anti-corruption strategies in the country.
“This survey is unique in the sense that it is focused on understanding the experience of corruption by Nigerians, rather than just perceived corruption, whenever they encounter any public officials,” said the Statistician-General of NBS, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran.
He added that: “Two new and vital modules – on Gender and Disability – were introduced to the instruments deployed, to give us a deeper understanding of the experience and impact of corruption on marginalized or typically excluded groups such as women, youths, and persons with disabilities.”
Launched by the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice of Nigeria, the survey finds that fewer citizens reported suffering negative consequences after refusing a bribe request in 2023 compared with 2019 (38 per cent versus 49 per cent), suggesting that Nigerians are becoming increasingly comfortable with confronting corrupt officials without fear of repercussions.
Out of all citizens who paid a bribe, 8.6 per cent reported their experience to an official institution in 2023, a marked rise from 3.6 per cent in 2019. The increase may be a result of enhanced access to complaints channels and an increased readiness of institutions to take such complaints seriously and initiate a formal procedure.
The share of bribery reports that led to the initiation of a formal procedure against a public official increased nearly three-fold between 2019 and 2023, from 16 per cent to 45 per cent, while the share of those who experienced no follow-up after reporting fell from 34 per cent to 17 per cent.
But despite these notable advances, corruption continues to rank among the most important problems affecting Nigerians, after cost of living, insecurity, and unemployment, and there remain challenges to effectively countering corruption in the country.
Roughly US$1.26 billion – or .35 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product – was paid in cash bribes to public officials in 2023. The prevalence of bribe payments in the private sector increased significantly, meanwhile, from 6 per cent in 2019 to 14 per cent in 2023.
A special gender equity and social inclusion component of the survey report highlights that women continue to be less likely to engage in bribery irrespective of where they live, their age, educational background, and employment status. When in contact with public officials, women (28 per cent) are less likely to experience bribery than men (39 per cent). The survey further shows that only 19 per cent of women public officials solicit or take a bribe when interacting with the public,compared to 35 per cent of male public officials.
In addition, the 2023 report found that people with disabilities are as likely as everyone else to be approached for the payment of bribes. Yet having to pay bribes when accessing public services is likely to place a far greater burden on people with disabilities.
The survey concluded with several policy recommendations. The positive attitude and behavioral changes towards corruption could be further encouraged through rewarding honest citizens and public officials, while holding those who do solicit or accept bribes, including those in the criminal justice system and Parliament
accountable.
Complaint mechanisms could be strengthened and made more accessible. Increasing the use of e-government – and thereby reducing the amount of contact citizens have with public officials – could further reduce the number of bribes paid.
“Through this 3rd National Survey, Nigeria leads in establishing international best practice in the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption through the conduct of periodic and scientific assessment of corruption and anti-corruption efforts, reinforcing the importance of evidence-based strategies in the journey towards a corruption-free society,” said Dr. Oliver Stolpe, Country Representative, UNODC Nigeria.
Survey: Over 70 Percent Nigerians Refused to Give Bribe in 2023
Fadile Pays Tribute to Late CJN Mohammed Uwais, Describes Him as “My Father in the Judiciary.”
By: Michael Mike
The first military-trained lawyer with a PhD in International Law in Nigeria, Col. Bello Fadile (rtd), has mourned the passing of a stalwart, Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais GCON, former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), who passed on at the age of 89.
Fadile, a prominent figure and author, paid a heartfelt tribute yesterday to the late jurist, describing him as “My Father in the Judiciary.”
Fadile recounted the remarkable story of how Justice Uwais, then CJN, intervened on his behalf during his detention in 1995, braving the military regime to ensure his release.
The Nigerian Army’s first lawyer tribute highlighted Justice Uwais’s unwavering commitment to justice, humility, and integrity. He quoted Uwais’s powerful statement: “A corrupt judge is more harmful to society than a man who runs amok with a dagger in a crowded street.”
Part of the statement read: “At the ripe age of 89, he left us in this sinful world as Allah SWT willed. We accept the vadict as appeal lies nowhere. To we the immediate families, we pray to Allah SWT to give us the fortitude to carry on relying on the principles he lived on and left for us which are:- humility, impartiality, humane, love, detribalised, uprightness and fear of Almighty Allah SWT.
“And to the Nigerian judiciary which he dedicated his life to, i urge you all to follow his footsteps, which he captured brilliantly;
‘ A corrupt judge is more harmful to the society than a man who runs amok with a dagger in a crowded street. The latter can be restrained physically. But a corrupt judge deliberately destroys the moral foundation of society and causes incalculable distress to individuals through abusing his office while still being referred to as Honorable “
“ As captured in my book, Lives: The Bello Fadile Memoirs, I shall forever be grateful to MyLord, the Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais GCON for the risk he took when I was arrested for the alleged fathom coup in 1995.”
Fadile who is the founder and chair of the Council for African Security Affairs, recounted how he was “detained near his house and I sent at note to him as the then CJN, without hesitation or fear of the military, his life or his job, he acted on my request and reached out Late Honorable Justice Karibi-Whyte and together they raised my detention with the Head of Military Government. And of course, they became my link to the Head of State, going and coming back with messages. What man with a lion heart.”
“On my release in March 1999. MyLord traveled from Abuja to Kaduna to see me. He came with clothes, bundles of sheda, and thousands of cash. That was my Father in the Judiciary for you. I was able to see him after 10 years in November 2024, and now he is no more.,” he added.
Fadile noted that late Justice Uwais’s legacy serves as a shining example for the Nigerian judiciary.
According to him, Justice Uwais’s remarkable life and contributions to Nigeria’s judiciary will be remembered for generations to come, adding that “his courage, integrity, and dedication to justice have left an indelible mark on the nation’s legal landscape”.
Fadile Pays Tribute to Late CJN Mohammed Uwais, Describes Him as “My Father in the Judiciary.”
Alau Dam: Zulum, Shehu of Borno Plead with FG to Expedite Rehabilitation Work.
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has called on the Federal Government to accelerate the rehabilitation and expansion of the Alau Dam to avert a repeat of last year’s devastating flood disaster.
Maiduguri and surrounding local government areas experienced their worst flooding in decades following the collapse of the Alau Dam in 2024. In response, the Federal Government approved N80 billion for the dam’s reconstruction and expansion, with a groundbreaking ceremony held in March 2025 to mark the commencement of the project.
Governor Zulum while responding to a request by the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, on the need to fast tract the project, during the traditional Sallah homage at the Government House in Maiduguri. The Governor expressed concern over the slow pace of work, warning that the rainy season has already begun.
“After the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction and expansion of the dam, which we all attended, the truth is that the work is not progressing as expected,” Governor Zulum stated.
“The last time I visited the President, I informed him about the true state of the project, and I assure you that I will not relent. I will continue to follow up, and I have also notified the Vice President as well. In the meantime, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) has constituted a committee to provide immediate intervention at the dam.”.
The governor pledged to connect all local government headquarters to the national grid before the end of his tenure. He also promised massive road rehabilitation once the Pulka quarry plant is completed.
“These are two critical issues dear to me, he said. I assure Your Royal Highness that all local government headquarters will be connected to electricity before my tenure expires, Insha Allah. Regarding road infrastructure, insecurity has been a major challenge, but we remain committed. We have procured 40 brand-new Howo tipper trucks, and once the Pulka quarry plant is completed, we will embark on extensive road rehabilitation across the state.”
Governor Zulum thanked the people of Borno for their continued support and cooperation to his administration.
Earlier, the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi said the sallah homage has been part of the tradition during every festive season, acknowledging the unprecedented transformation the Zulum’s administration is executing across the state.
He emphasised the importance of expediting the Alau Dam project, noting that the first phase should have been completed by now. He referenced the recent flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, as a warning of what could recur in Borno if swift action is not taken.
“We witnessed the catastrophic flooding in Maiduguri on 10th September 2024, and we do not want a repeat, the Shehu said. The Federal Government must act immediately.”.
The royal father also urged the Governor to follow up with the Federal Government on oil exploration in Tuba, road rehabilitation, and electricity connectivity for local government areas.
During the event, Governor Zulum also received delegations from the University of Maiduguri, Kashim Ibrahim University, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, and Federal Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare, who paid similar homage.
Alau Dam: Zulum, Shehu of Borno Plead with FG to Expedite Rehabilitation Work.
Flooding: Zulum, Shehu of Borno Plead with FG to Expedite Rehabilitation Work on Alau Dam
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum has called on the Federal Government to accelerate the rehabilitation and expansion of the Alau Dam to avert a repeat of last year’s devastating flood which nearly submerged Maiduguri and environs.
Maiduguri and surrounding local government areas experienced their worst flooding in decades following the collapse of the Alau Dam in 2024. In response, the Federal Government approved N80 billion for the dam’s reconstruction and expansion, with a groundbreaking ceremony held in March 2025 to mark the commencement of the project.
Zulum, while responding to a request by the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, on the need to fast tract the project, during the traditional Sallah homage at the Government House in Maiduguri, the governor expressed concern over the slow pace of work, warning that the rainy season has already begun.
He said: “After the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction and expansion of the dam, which we all attended, the truth is that the work is not progressing as expected.
“The last time I visited the President, I informed him about the true state of the project, and I assure you that I will not relent. I will continue to follow up, and I have also notified the Vice President as well. In the meantime, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) has constituted a committee to provide immediate intervention at the dam.”.
Meanwhile, the governor has pledged to connect all local government headquarters in the state to the national grid before the end of his tenure. He also promised massive road rehabilitation once the Pulka quarry plant is completed.
He said: “These are two critical issues dear to me, I assure Your Royal Highness that all local government headquarters will be connected to electricity before my tenure expires, Insha Allah. Regarding road infrastructure, insecurity has been a major challenge, but we remain committed. We have procured 40 brand-new Howo tipper trucks, and once the Pulka quarry plant is completed, we will embark on extensive road rehabilitation across the state.”
Zulum thanked the people of Borno for their continued support and cooperation to his administration.
Earlier, the Shehu of Borno said the sallah homage has been part of the tradition during every festive season, acknowledging the unprecedented transformation the Zulum’s administration has extended to all parts of the state.
He reiterated the importance of expediting the Alau Dam project, noting that the first phase should have been completed by now.
He referenced the recent flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, as a warning of what could recur in Borno if swift action is not taken.
The paramount ruler said: “We witnessed the catastrophic flooding in Maiduguri on 10th September 2024, and we do not want a repeat.. The Federal Government must act immediately.”.
The royal father also urged the Governor to follow up with the Federal Government on oil exploration in Tuba, road rehabilitation, and electricity connectivity for local government areas.
During the event, Governor Zulum also received delegations from the University of Maiduguri, Kashim Ibrahim University, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, and Federal Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare, who paid similar homage.
Flooding: Zulum, Shehu of Borno Plead with FG to Expedite Rehabilitation Work on Alau Dam
Zulum donates N100m to wounded soldiers; families of fallen heroes
Fadile Pays Tribute to Late CJN Mohammed Uwais, Describes Him as “My Father in the Judiciary.”
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