Approval rating drops to 49% after July peak
Public approval for the performance of the government dropped to 49% in August, down five percentage points from a year-high peak of 54% recorded in July.
The 5-point contraction in August underscores the volatile trajectory of civic satisfaction as the administration navigates economic realities and structural reform pressures ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
Despite the pullback, August’s 49% mark remains well above the overall tracking baseline of 34% maintained since the administration assumed office in June 2023.
Trend of approval, disapproval and neutral rating for the administration going back to June 2023
However, public satisfaction entered a steady four-month slide through the first half of the year, bottoming out at 36% across May and June 2026.
While a temporary boost in agricultural outlooks pushed ratings to a 2026 high of 54% in July, the surge proved short-lived as August pulled back to 49%.
Economic Factors, Public Discontent and Approval Ratings
The August decline aligns closely with economic pressure points facing Nigerian households.
Rising Fuel and Transport Costs: Although relative stability in the Naira exchange rate supported a gradual moderation in headline inflation earlier in the summer, recent hikes in pump prices for petrol and diesel added significant pressure to distribution, logistics, and daily transport fares.
Food Price Pressures: While early harvest arrivals for tubers and vegetables provided minor seasonal relief, high transport costs muted the benefit for urban consumers, keeping household expenses elevated throughout August.
Youth Disillusionment and Regional Polarization: Demographic breakdowns from recent snap polls highlight persistent fault lines. Younger demographics (aged 18–35) consistently express higher disapproval rates regarding job opportunities and living standards, whereas older demographics show higher approval levels.
