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Female Health Worker Educating People about Malaria Prevention When malaria is being discussed, common associations may include the characteristic buzzing of mosquitoes, the habitual clapping to swat them away, the onset of fever, the bitter taste in the mouth, or the similar bitter-tasting medication. Malaria remains a major public health concern and is endemic in several countries, including Nigeria. According to the World Malaria Report of 2023 by the World Health Organization, Nigeria accounts for approximately 27% of the global malaria cases and 31% of global malaria deaths, bearing a disproportionate share of the global burden. Nigeria continues to record one of the highest malaria-related mortality rates worldwide, particularly among children under five years of age. In response to this ongoing health crisis, the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) launched the High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) approach in collaboration with global health partners. Furthermore, Nigeria developed a National Malaria Strategic Plan (NMSP) 2021–2025 , which aims to achieve a malaria-free Nigeria by significantly reducing malaria morbidity and mortality through coordinated interventions. In alignment with national objectives, state governments have also implemented tailored subnational malaria programs that address context-specific needs at local government and community levels. Cross-section of NOIPolls and SCIDaR staff during the Malaria SNT Community Poll training in January 2025 To assess public awareness and perceptions regarding malaria, a telephone-based survey was conducted by NOIPolls in partnership with Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR) in February/March 2025. A total of 4,000 respondents across Kano and Kaduna were queried on their knowledge of malaria causation, treatment-seeking behaviour, and prevention practices. Misconceptions About the Cause of Malaria Despite widespread efforts involving community outreach and education campaigns, many respondents demonstrated a limited or incorrect understanding of malaria transmission. While malaria is scientifically known to be caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles  mosquitoes, several alternative beliefs were recorded during the survey (see image below). These beliefs suggest a profound gap between biomedical understanding and community perceptions, which can hinder effective prevention and treatment behaviours. Misconceptions about the Cause of Malaria Misinterpretation of Malaria Symptoms The symptoms of malaria which are typically fever, chills, headache, and malaise are well documented. However, respondents' interpretations of symptoms were often inaccurate and could lead to misuse of medications. For instance, some respondents remarked that; ●    “A fever that starts at 5 PM is a sign of malaria.” ●   “Malaria wipes the memory; it formats the brain.” ●   “If a headache persists after three days of using Paracetamol, then it's definitely malaria.” These misconceptions may contribute to delayed or inappropriate treatment, risking progression to severe malaria, including cerebral malaria, which is associated with seizures, impaired consciousness, and death, if untreated. Treatment Practices and Harmful Beliefs The World Health Organization recommends Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT)  as the first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria. Despite this, traditional and non-evidence-based treatments remain prevalent (see image below for random opinions). These practices not only lack scientific validity but may also lead to treatment failure, increased drug resistance, and adverse health outcomes. Misconceptions about Malaria Treatment Practices Malaria Prevention: Misaligned Practices Vector control which is primarily through the use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs)  and indoor residual spraying (IRS)  is a cornerstone of malaria prevention. However, survey responses indicated a reliance on ineffective or unverified practices including: ●   “Burning special leaves or dried orange peels repels mosquitoes.” ●   “Wearing white clothing to bed deters mosquito bites.” ●   “Burning rags soaked in red palm oil drives away malaria.” ●   “The only way to prevent malaria is to leave the country.” These beliefs highlight a critical disconnect between public knowledge and scientifically endorsed prevention strategies, thereby reducing the overall effectiveness of malaria control efforts. Strategic Recommendations The persistent prevalence of malaria in Nigeria, despite robust national and subnational programs, underscores the influence of misinformation and cultural beliefs on health behavior. To address this, the following actions are recommended: Strengthen Health Education Campaigns: Expand culturally sensitive and evidence-based public education campaigns that demystify malaria transmission, treatment, and prevention. Engage Community Leaders and Influencers:  Partner with religious, traditional, and community leaders to counteract harmful myths and promote uptake of proven interventions. Leverage Strategic Integration of Relevant Institutions and Partners.  For example, Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs) and chemists can be integrated into national malaria elimination strategies through targeted education, training, and inclusive frameworks. Improve Access to Diagnostics and ACTs:  Ensure universal access to malaria testing and effective treatment at all levels of the healthcare system. Monitor and Regulate Informal Drug Markets:  Implement regulatory frameworks to limit the spread of substandard medications and unsafe practices. Support Operational Research: Conduct localized research to understand barriers to effective malaria control and to refine intervention strategies. Conclusion Malaria control in Nigeria requires more than distribution of insecticide-treated nets and antimalarial drugs. To achieve a malaria-free Nigeria, it is imperative to address the deep-rooted cultural misconceptions and harmful practices that hinder progress. By combining medical interventions with behavioral change strategies, it is possible to significantly reduce the malaria burden and move closer to elimination.

Despite Nigeria being certified free of the wild poliovirus in 2020 by the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria still experiences staggering outbreaks of cVDPV (circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus). This is largely due to gaps in immunization coverage (RI and Polio), suboptimal campaign quality and high maternal mortality in the selected states. The April and June 2025 polio campaigns were co-implemented by NOIPolls alongside other partners as Outbreak Response (OBR) to address these gaps in the nine priority states. In three states - - Borno, Kaduna and Yobe -- NOIPolls contributed to the campaign through the provision of technical guidance, building the capacity of relevant personnel and providing supervision oversight. In Yobe, NOIPolls staff reviews materials and tally sheet with a field vaccinator This initiative spearheaded by the NPHCDA, National and State EOCS and supported by WHO, SCIDAR contributed to the strategic shift in the polio vaccine campaign by facilitating a thorough implementation of the process, and real-time monitoring of the vaccination process across implementation states. Our key interventions involve: The training and deployment of over 500 Independent Observers (IOs) to validate team selection across all three states The supervision of 4,000+ Independent Cluster Supervisors (ICSs) to ensure quality delivery of vaccination across all three states Supporting community-led nomination processes involving District heads and traditional leaders across all selected states Real-time data collection and feedback using ODK tools. This innovative shift in the campaign strategy for Polio eradication in Nigeria ensured transparency and accountability in the campaign planning and initiation process. NOIPolls’ commitment to quality data and accountability helped in restoring trust in the immunization process especially in communities where skepticism and fatigue had taken root. The inclusion of traditional leaders in the nomination of the vaccination team created a sense of local ownership amongst members of the community. These leaders became local champions of the campaigns ensuring that the right people were selected for the IEV processes, people who understand the terrain, the language and the concerns of the people they are meant to serve. Training was also another transformative process in the success of the IEV initiative as NOIPolls ensured that training sessions were not just box-ticking exercises but an immersive and practical experience. These trainings were held across all three states at ward and LGA levels in NOIPolls designated training locations. Post-training evaluations were rigorous, where only top performers made it to the final deployment list. Trained Independent Observers were also engaged to monitor these sessions, ensuring that the process remained honest and that no corners were cut. A Vaccination team meets to brief and review task at a primary health care center before the start of the day's work NOIPolls also ensured that field supervision was accurately conducted. Each ICS was assigned to a manageable number of vaccination teams ensuring a thorough monitoring process. Daily morning briefings were conducted to set the tone for the field activities and evening review meetings provided a platform to troubleshoot issues and share learnings. In areas where the terrains and security were a challenge, supervisors relied on GPS tracking and community intermediaries to maintain oversight. The impact of these efforts were visible almost immediately. Teams were more confident, better prepared, and more accountable. Communities were more receptive, seeing familiar faces and respected figures at the helm of the campaign. Data flowed in real-time, allowing for swift adjustments and targeted interventions. Most importantly, Children were vaccinated and noncompliant cases were reported and resolved where possible. While high success rates were recorded, there were also challenges such as logistics in remote and hard-to-reach LGAs. Travel distances and poor road networks delayed team movements and disrupted planned schedules. Some ICSs were also unable to reach their assigned wards due to security concerns, leaving gaps in supervision and accountability. However, these setbacks became learning curves, feeding into a cycle of continuous improvement and laid the groundwork for a more resilient, community-centered approach to public health.

Movement Across West African News release Most Nigerians support free trade and open borders for work and trade within West Africa, but in reality, crossing borders remains difficult, Afrobarometer’s latest survey shows. Eight in 10 Nigerians would prefer the government to make it easier to trade with other countries, including more than two-thirds who would prefer open trade with all countries worldwide. And seven in 10 say people in West Africa should be able to move freely across international borders to trade or work in other countries. Yet nearly two-thirds of Nigerians say crossing international borders is “difficult” or “very difficult.” Key findings   Most Nigerians support free trade with the rest of the world: Four-fifths (80%) say it is better for the country’s economy if the government makes it easier to trade with other countries, although 18% would prefer to limit international trade to protect Nigerian businesses (Figure 1). If the government wanted to make it easier to trade with other countries, a majority (68%) of citizens would favour open trade with all countries worldwide, rather than limiting it to certain countries. About one-fourth (23%) would privilege African countries for trade, while 5% would prefer that the focus be on countries in West Africa (Figure 2). Seven in 10 citizens (69%) say West Africans should be able to move freely across borders in order to trade or work, while three in 10 (29%) think the government should restrict the cross-border movement of people and goods (Figure 3). Nearly two-thirds (64%) of respondents say that, in practice, crossing international borders is “difficult” or “very difficult” (Figure 4). Afrobarometer Surveys Afrobarometer is a pan-African, non-partisan survey research network that provides reliable data on African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance, and quality of life. Nine survey rounds in up to 42 countries have been completed since 1999. Round 10 surveys are expected to be completed in mid-2025. Afrobarometer’s national partners conduct face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent’s choice. The Afrobarometer team in Nigeria, led by NOIPolls, interviewed a nationally representative, random, stratified probability sample of 1,600 adult Nigerians between 19 June and 17 July 2024. A sample of this size yields country-level results with a margin of error of +/-2.5 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. Previous standard surveys were conducted in Nigeria in 2000, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2020, and 2022.   Charts Figure 1: Open trade or limit trade? | by demographic group | Nigeria | 2024 Demographic Representation Respondents were asked: Which of the following statements is closest to your view? Statement 1: It is better for our economy if the government makes it easier for Nigeria to trade with other countries to create economic opportunities. Statement 2: Our country should limit trade with other countries in order to protect Nigerian producers.   Figure 2: Which countries should leaders make it easier to trade with? | Nigeria  | 2024 Countries Trade should be Made Easy Respondents were asked:  If Nigeria’s leaders are going to make it easier to trade with other countries to create economic opportunities, which countries should they make it easier to trade with? Figure 3: Free movement of West Africans | Nigeria | 2024 Movement across West African Countries Respondents were asked:  Which of the following statements is closest to your view?  Statement 1: People living in West Africa should be able to move freely across international borders in order to trade or work in other countries.   Statement 2: In order to protect their own citizens, the Nigerian government should limit the cross-border movement of people and goods.    Figure 4: Difficulty in cross-border movement? | Nigeria | 2024 Difficulty in Cross Border Movement Respondents were asked: In your opinion, how easy or difficult is it for people in West Africa to cross international borders in order to work or trade in other countries, or haven’t you heard enough to say?    For more information, please contact: NOIPolls Raphael Mbaegbu Telephone: +234 63292096 Email: rmbaegbu@noi-polls.com Visit us online at: www.afrobarometer.org www.noi-polls.com   Follow our releases on #VoicesAfrica. Social Handles

Nigeria: Citizens Engagement Scorecard News release Government responsiveness and democratic performance, along with unmet socioeconomic needs, are important drivers of citizen engagement in Africa, a new Afrobarometer flagship report  reveals. Citizens are more likely to participate in political and civic activities if they are satisfied with the way their democracy works, believe that their elections are free and fair ,  and see their local elected officials as responsive to their needs. And contrary to theories and findings from the Global North, Africa’s least-wealthy citizens, and least-wealthy countries, report higher rates of engagement than their better-off counterparts. The report, the second in an annual series on high-priority topics, draws on data spanning the past decade, including the latest round of nationally representative surveys in 39 countries, representing the views of more than three-fourths of the continent’s population. The analysis focuses on key indicators of citizen engagement: voting, political party affiliation, political discussion, attending community meetings, joining with others to raise an issue, contacting leaders, and protesting. The findings, based on 53,444 face-to-face interviews, show that most Africans participate in multiple political and civic activities, with voting being the predominant form of engagement and protesting being the least common. But gaps exist, especially among youth and women. Poorer, less educated, and rural Africans tend to participate more in political and civic activities than their wealthier, more educated, and urban counterparts. The report also shows that across 30 countries surveyed consistently over the past decade, participation levels are declining for attending community meetings, raising issues, and identifying with a political party, but they are increasing for contacting leaders. The new flagship report is accompanied by country scorecards  on citizen engagement that provide an at-a-glance snapshot of the key indicators of citizen participation at the national level for each of the surveyed countries. Among the 39 countries surveyed, Nigeria  is one of the few countries that stand out as having consistently high levels of participation across many, if not all, indicators. Afrobarometer survey Afrobarometer is a pan-African, non-partisan survey research network that provides reliable data on African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance, and quality of life. Nine survey rounds in up to 42 countries have been completed since 1999. Round 9 surveys (2021/2023) cover 39 countries. Afrobarometer’s national partners conduct face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent’s choice. National samples of 1,200-2,400 yield country-level results with margins of error of +/-2 to +/-3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. Key findings The scope of political and civic participation Nearly three-quarters (72%) of Africans voted in their country’s last national election preceding the Afrobarometer Round 9 survey (Figure 1). o    Four in 10 (41%) “feel close to” a political party . o    More than six in 10 (62%) “occasionally” or “frequently” discuss politics  with family or friends. o    Almost half (47%) attended a community meeting  at least once during the previous year, ranging from 11% in Tunisia to 85% in Madagascar. o    More than four in 10 (42%)   joined with others to raise an issue  during the previous year. o    More than one-third (37%) contacted  a traditional   leader , 28% a local government councillor , 15% a member of Parliament  (MP), and 20% a political party official  during the previous year. o    About one in 10 respondents (9%) participated in a protest or demonstration during the previous year. Who participates?   The poorest citizens are more likely than the well-off to identify with a political party, attend a community meeting, join with others to raise an issue, and contact traditional leaders, local government councillors, and political party officials, and are about equally likely to vote, protest, discuss politics, and contact MPs (Figure 2). Women continue to engage at substantially lower rates than men across all indicators included in the survey.   Youth (aged 18-35) are less engaged than older generations on all types of political and civic participation except protest; the disparity is largest for voting, where an 18-percentage-point gap separates youth from elders. Compared to citizens with post-secondary education, those with no formal schooling are more likely to vote, to identify with a political party, to attend community meetings, and to contact traditional leaders, and are about equally likely to contact an MP, local government councillor, or political party official. Drivers of democratic attitudes Rates of participation, particularly in attending community meetings and joining with others to raise an issue, are higher in countries with lower levels of economic well-being (Figure 3). Countries where citizens perceive local government councillors as responsive to their needs generally have higher rates of contact with these officials. However, this pattern does not hold for national legislators, who are less accessible to ordinary citizens. Electoral participation is higher in countries where citizens are satisfied with the way democracy works; believe that elections are free, fair, and effective; and feel free to cast their ballots as they wish. In contrast, when these conditions are not present, protests are more common (Figure 4). Charts Figure 1: Ten ways Africans get involved | 39 countries* | 2021/2023 Africans involvement with Governance Respondents were asked: People are not always able to vote in elections. … How about you? In the last national election, held in [year], did you vote, or not, or were you too young to vote? Or can’t you remember whether you voted? (% who say “I voted in the election”; respondents who were too young to vote are excluded.) Do you feel close to any particular political party? (% who say “yes”) When you get together with your friends or family, how often would you say you discuss political matters? (% who say “occasionally” or “frequently”) Here is a list of actions that people sometimes take as citizens. For each of these, please tell me whether you, personally, have done any of these things during the past year: Attended a community meeting? Got together with others to raise an issue? Participated in a demonstration or protest march?  (% who say “once or twice,” “several times,” or “often”) During the past year, how often have you contacted any of the following persons about some important problem or to give them your views: A [local government councillor]? A member of [Parliament]? A political party official? A traditional leader? (% who say “only once,” “a few times,” or “often”) *35 countries for traditional leaders and local government councillors, 36 countries for MPs, 38 countries for party officials   Figure 2: Poverty and citizen engagement | 39 countries* | 2021/2023 Economic Conditions of Citizens involved in Governance Respondents were asked: People are not always able to vote in elections. ... How about you? In the last national election, held in [year], did you vote, or not, or were you too young to vote? Or can’t you remember whether you voted? (% who say “I voted in the election”; respondents who were too young to vote are excluded.) Do you feel close to any particular political party? (% who say “yes”) When you get together with your friends or family, how often would you say you discuss political matters? (% who say “occasionally” or “frequently”) Here is a list of actions that people sometimes take as citizens. For each of these, please tell me whether you, personally, have done any of these things during the past year: Attended a community meeting? Got together with others to raise an issue? Participated in a demonstration or protest march?  (% who say “once or twice,” “several times,” or “often”) During the past year, how often have you contacted any of the following persons about some important problem or to give them your views: A [local government councillor]? A member of [Parliament]? A political party official? A traditional leader? (% who say “only once,” “a few times,” or “often”) *35 countries for traditional leaders and local government councillors, 36 countries for MPs, 38 countries for party officials   Figure 3: Socioeconomic conditions and participation | 35-39 countries* | 2021/2023 Participation and Social Economic Conditions Figure shows Pearson’s correlation coefficients. * Results do not include countries where certain questions were not asked: “Contacted local government councillor” (Angola, Liberia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Seychelles) and “Contacted MP” (Burkina Faso, Guinea, Sudan). Figure 4: Democratic performance and participation | 35-39 countries* | 2021/2023 Democratic Performance and Participation Figure shows Pearson’s correlation coefficients. * Results do not include countries where question was not asked: “Contacted local government councillor” (Angola, Liberia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Seychelles), "Contacted MP" (Burkina Faso, Guinea, Sudan), and "Trust local government" (Angola, Seychelles).     For more information, please contact: NOIPolls Raphael Mbaegbu Telephone: +234 63292096 Email: rmbaegbu@noi-polls.com     Visit us online at www.afrobarometer.org . Follow our releases on #VoicesAfrica. www.noi-polls.com Social Media Handles

Approval rating for the government slips two points to 36% in June 2025, down from 38% in May.

On 30th June 2025, NOIPolls, the National Partner for Afrobarometer in Nigeria, paid a courtesy visit to Mrs. Amina Oyagbola, the newly elected Chair of the Afrobarometer Board, at her chamber in Lagos. NOIPolls CEO, Dr Chike Nwangwu, with the newly elected chair of Afrobarometer, Mrs Amina Oyagbola The delegation was led by Dr. Chike Nwangwu, Chief Executive Officer of NOIPolls. The meeting focused on deepening the impact of Afrobarometer and NOIPolls in Nigeria, highlighting the numerous opportunities for engagement with various sectors on Afrobarometer data, particularly within the private sector. NOIPolls social research lead, Raphael Mbaegbu, CEO, Dr Chike Nwangwu, Afrobarometer chair, Mrs Amina Oyagbola, head of corporate communications Nelly Ohuche, and director of research Peter Oshaji Discussing NOIPolls' experience as Afrobarometer’s national partner, Mrs. Oyagbola graciously offered her insights on leveraging connections across key sectors—including government, private organizations, media, and civil society — to increase visibility for Afrobarometer activities in Nigeria. She also emphasized the importance of not only disseminating data but also shaping narratives through strategic communication with media outlets and key stakeholders. NOIPolls team presenting findings of a survey on democracy at a courtesy visit on Afrobarometer new chair Amina Oyagbola The team presented selected findings on democracy and gender, which demonstrated the depth and utility of Afrobarometer data. It was agreed that greater efforts should be made to promote public access to this data through the Afrobarometer website, particularly for academic research and policy development. NOIPolls team presenting findings of a survey on democracy at a courtesy visit on Afrobarometer new chair Amina Oyagbola Overall, the meeting was highly engaging and productive.

Infographics An overwhelming majority of Nigerians say abduction and kidnapping are grave national problems, with many expressing deep concerns about their personal safety and the inability of security agencies to address the crisis, the latest Afrobarometer survey reveals. Citizens rank crime/insecurity as one of the most important problems they want the government to address. Many report feeling unsafe in their communities and personally knowing someone who has been kidnapped in recent years, and public confidence in the ability of security agencies to respond effectively to these incidents is low. Citizens identify improved economic opportunities, stronger security forces, and harsher penalties as the top solutions to the abduction/kidnapping crisis. Key findings Crime/insecurity ranks second among the most important problems that Nigerians want their government to address (Figure 1). The share of citizens who say they or a family member felt unsafe walking in their neighbourhood at least once during the previous year almost doubled between 2017 and 2022, from 33% to 61% (Figure 2). In response to a similar question in the 2024 survey, 63% of respondents say they or a family member felt unsafe at home or in their neighborhood at least once during the past year. Eight out of 10 Nigerians (79%) say abduction/kidnapping is a serious problem in the country, including nearly half (48%) who say the problem is “very serious” (Figure 3). One-third (33%) of respondents say they personally know someone who has been abducted or kidnapped in the past five years (Figure 4). About two-thirds (68%) of citizens say security agencies are handling the abduction/kidnapping of Nigerians “fairly badly” or “very badly” (Figure 5). Asked what they think is the most important solution to the problem of abductions and kidnappings, respondents most frequently cite increasing economic opportunities for all citizens (31%), enhancing the capacity of the country’s security agencies (26%), and imposing stiffer punishments, ranging up to the death penalty, for perpetrators (22%) (Figure 6). Afrobarometer surveys Afrobarometer is a pan-African, non-partisan survey research network that provides reliable data on African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance, and quality of life. Nine survey rounds in up to 42 countries have been completed since 1999. Round 10 surveys were launched in January 2024. Afrobarometer’s national partners conduct face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent’s choice. The Afrobarometer team in Nigeria, led by NOIPolls, interviewed a nationally representative, random, stratified probability sample of 1,600 adult Nigerians between 19 June and 17 July 2024. A sample of this size yields country-level results with a margin of error of +/-2.5 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. Previous standard surveys were conducted in Nigeria in 2000, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2020, and 2022. Charts Figure 1: Most important problems | Nigeria | 2024 Important Problems facing Nigeria Respondents were asked: In your opinion, what are the most important problems facing this country that government should address? (Up to three responses per person; figure shows % of respondents who cite each problem as one of their top three priorities.) Figure 2: Felt unsafe walking in the neighborhood | Nigeria | 2015-2022 Perception on neighborhood safety Respondents were asked:  Over the past year, how often, if ever, have you or anyone in your family felt unsafe walking in your neighborhood? (% who say “just once or twice,” “several times,” “many times,” or “always”) Figure 3: How serious a problem are abductions and kidnappings? | Nigeria | 2024 Severity of Kidnapping and Abductions Respondents were asked:   In your opinion, how serious a problem are the abductions or kidnapping of citizens in our country today? Figure 4: Personal knowledge of abduction/kidnapping victim | Nigeria | 2024 Knowledge of Kidnapping/Abduction Victims Respondents were asked: Do you personally know anyone who has been abducted or kidnapped in the past five years? Figure 5: Assessment of security agencies' handling of kidnappings | Nigeria | 2024  Assessment of Security Agencies Respondents were asked:   How well or badly would you say the security agencies are handling the kidnapping or abductions of Nigerian citizens? Figure 6: Most important solution to the problem of kidnapping | Nigeria | 2024 Addressing Insecurity Respondents were asked:  Which of the following would you say is the most important way to solve the problem of kidnapping and abductions in Nigeria today?   For more information, please contact: NOIPolls Raphael Mbaegbu Telephone: +234 63292096 Email: rmbaegbu@noi-polls.com   Visit us online at: www.afrobarometer.org www.noi-polls.com   Follow our releases on #VoicesAfrica. Social Handles

May 6, 2025 - by Sunny Idachaba Nigerians’ perception about corruption still high A corruption perception index poll released by Afrobarometer to journalists, Tuesday in Abuja, as part of its Round 10 of such surveys shows that many Nigerians still see corruption as one of the major menaces inhibiting development in the country. This was during an interactive session with journalists and some civil society groups in attendance at the corporate head office of Afrobarometer Nigeria. Speaking during the session, NOI Poll’s director of research, Peter Oshai noted that the result was the outcome of polls conducted late last year in which majority of Nigerians say they have lost trust in many public institutions. According to its details, eight in every 10 Nigerians (80%) say that the level of corruption in the country somewhat doubled over the past year with the police on top of the most corrupt followed by the parliament. But religious, traditional institutions and civil society groups, according to the poll, are the least on the corruption perception index. The poll noted that 67 percent of Nigerians paid bribe to receive police assistance in 2024. Within the same year, 56 percent paid bribe for identity document, 53 percent paid bribe to avoid problem with the police while 26 percent paid bribe for medical care. Speaking on this, Oshai said the extent of perception that Nigerians have developed about corruption in public institutions these days is alarmingly too high and therefore wants the government to do something about it. As published in Blueprint

May 6, 2025 | Nigerianpilot1 | By Ere-ebi Agedah Imisi Nigerians Muted In Fear As Corruption Hits New High A new Afrobarometer survey has revealed a troubling rise in public concern about corruption in Nigeria, with a growing number of citizens saying that fear of retaliation is silencing them. The findings were disclosed to journalists on Tuesday in Abuja during a press briefing organised by NOIPolls, Afrobarometer’s national partner in Nigeria. Presenting the survey, Director of Research at NOIPolls, Peter Oshaji, explained that 80% of Nigerians believe corruption has increased significantly over the past 12 months, nearly double the 43% who held the same view in 2017. The report paints a bleak picture of accountability in public institutions, with key agencies and government offices widely perceived as corrupt. The Nigeria Police Force was ranked as the most corrupt institution, with 70% of respondents saying that “most” or “all” police officials are involved in corruption. Other institutions that received similarly negative assessments include the National Assembly 65%, the Presidency 62%, local government councils 55%, tax offices 55%, and the judiciary 54%. The survey also found that many Nigerians continue to face demands for bribes when accessing public services. 67% of respondents who sought police assistance reported paying a bribe, while 56% said the same when applying for a government document. More than half, 53% admitted to offering bribes to avoid trouble with the police, and 26% reported paying bribes at public medical facilities. Most concerning, however, is that only one in 10 Nigerians believe they can report corruption without facing retaliation, highlighting a growing climate of fear and mistrust in the system. Also Read Entertainment coy signs 2 artistes to promote music industry The report further shows that 90% of citizens rate the government’s performance in tackling corruption as “fairly badly” or “very badly”. The findings are part of Afrobarometer’s Round 10 survey, conducted between 19 June and 17 July 2024, using face-to-face interviews with a nationally representative sample of 1,600 adult Nigerians. Afrobarometer has been conducting surveys across Africa since 1999, offering critical insights into governance, democracy, and public service delivery. As published by Nigerian Pilot

Infographics A growing majority of Nigerians say corruption worsened over the past year, and only a few believe that people can report it to the authorities without fear of retaliation, Afrobarometer’s latest survey reveals. Key public institutions are widely seen as corrupt, including the police, the Presidency, Parliament, tax and local government offices, and judges and magistrates. Findings also show that many citizens are forced to pay bribes to access basic public services. Most say the government is performing poorly in its fight against corruption. Key findings Eight in 10 Nigerians (80%) say the level of corruption in the country increased “somewhat” or “a lot” over the past year, nearly double the proportion who thought corruption increased in 2017 (43%) (Figure 1). Among key public institutions, the police are most widely perceived as corrupt: 70% of respondents say “most” or “all” police officials are involved in corruption. Majorities say the same about Parliament (65%), the Presidency (62%), local government councillors (55%), tax officials (55%), and judges and magistrates (54%) (Figure 2). Among citizens who sought selected public services during the previous year, substantial proportions say they had to pay a bribe to obtain police assistance (67%), to get a government document (56%), to avoid problem with the police (53%), or to receive services at a public medical facility (26%) (Figure 3). Only one in 10 Nigerians (10%) believe that people can report corruption to the authorities without fear of retaliation (Figure 4). An overwhelming majority (90%) of Nigerians say the government is doing “fairly badly” or “very badly” at fighting corruption in government (Figure 5). Afrobarometer surveys Afrobarometer is a pan-African, non-partisan survey research network that provides reliable data on African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance, and quality of life. Nine survey rounds in up to 42 countries have been completed since 1999. Round 10 surveys were launched in January 2024. Afrobarometer’s national partners conduct face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent’s choice. The Afrobarometer team in Nigeria, led by NOIPolls, interviewed a nationally representative, random, stratified probability sample of 1,600 adult Nigerians between 19 June and 17 July 2024. A sample of this size yields country-level results with a margin of error of +/-2.5 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. Previous standard surveys were conducted in Nigeria in 2000, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2020, and 2022. Charts Figure 1 : Level of corruption | Nigeria | 2015-2024 Corruption Level in Nigeria (Trend Analysis) Respondents were asked: In your opinion, over the past year, has the level of corruption in this country increased, decreased, or stayed the same? Figure 2: Perceptions of corruption in key institutions | Nigeria | 2024 Perception of Corruption in Nigerian Institutions Respondents were asked:   How many of the following people do you think are involved in corruption, or haven’t you heard enough about them to say? (% who say most/all of them) Figure 3: Payment of bribes to access public services | Nigeria | 2024 Accessing Public Services in Nigeria Respondents were asked:  In the past 12 months: Have you had contact with a public clinic or hospital? Have you tried to get an identity document like a birth certificate, driver’s license, passport or voter’s card, or permit from government? Have you requested assistance from the police? How often have you encountered the police in other situations, like at checkpoints, during identity checks or traffic stops, or during an investigation? Respondents who had contact with these public services were asked:  And how often, if ever, did you have to pay a bribe, give a gift, or do a favour [for a public official to obtain the needed service or avoid problems]? (% who say “once or twice,” “a few times,” or “often”) (Respondents who did not have contact with these public services are excluded.) Figure 4: Risk of retaliation for reporting corruption | Nigeria | 2017-2024 Perception on Corruption Reporting Respondents were asked: In this country, can ordinary people report incidents of corruption without fear, or do they risk retaliation or other negative consequences if they speak out? Figure 5: Evaluation of government performance in fighting corruption  | Nigeria | 2024 Government Performance to Fighting Corruption Respondents were asked: How well or badly would you say the current government is handling the following matters, or haven’t you heard enough to say: Fighting corruption in government?     For more information, please contact: NOIPolls Raphael Mbaegbu Telephone: +234 63292096 Email: rmbaegbu@noi-polls.com   Visit us online at: www.afrobarometer.org www.noi-polls.com   Follow our releases on #VoicesAfrica.