A recent survey conducted by the Africa Polling Institute (API) has revealed a significant decline in Nigerians’ trust and confidence in key public institutions, including the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, and the judiciary—raising fresh concerns about national unity and social cohesion.
Released during a national dialogue held in Abuja over the weekend, the 2025 Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey paints a sobering picture:
- 83% of Nigerians say they have little to no trust in the Tinubu-led federal government.
- 82% expressed similar distrust toward the National Assembly, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.
- 79% say they do not trust the judiciary, now headed by Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to be independent or fair.
Social Cohesion Index Falls Below National Benchmark
According to the survey, Nigeria’s Social Cohesion Index (NSCI) currently stands at 46.8%, falling below the 50% threshold for a cohesive society. This, according to Prof. Bell Ihua, Executive Director of API, signifies a fragile state of national unity and shared identity.
“This year’s data shows that trust and confidence in public institutions are at their lowest levels since we began tracking in 2019,” said Ihua.
Economic Hardship a Unifying Concern
While ethnic and political divisions remain, the report found that economic hardship has become a common thread for many Nigerians. Rising food prices, transportation costs, and the high cost of living—labelled by many respondents as symptoms of the “Tinubu economy”—were listed as major sources of dissatisfaction.
- 53% of respondents said they feel “disappointed in Nigeria,” compared to just 33% who said they are proud of the country.
- Only 11% feel more Nigerian than ethnic, while 27% identify more strongly with their ethnic group.
Despite Challenges, Many Nigerians Still Hopeful
Despite the gloomy indicators, the survey also highlights pockets of optimism and willingness to engage in nation-building:
- 76% are willing to participate in political processes to improve the country.
- 79% support cooperation across ethnic lines.
- 91% support inter-ethnic marriages; 64% back inter-religious unions.
- 71% believe women should be allowed to lead across all sectors, and 63% would vote for a female president.
- However, only 39% approve of the government’s efforts on gender equity.
Corruption and Quality of Life Remain Pressing Issues
- 60% of respondents believe corruption has worsened over the past year.
- 64% rate the government’s anti-corruption drive as poor.
- 59% say they are dissatisfied with their current quality of life.
- Alarmingly, 53% say they would relocate abroad with their families if given the opportunity.
API’s Recommendations
To address the deepening trust deficit and fragile national cohesion, API recommends:
- Establishing a National Cohesion Commission to guide inclusive governance policies and promote unity.
- A new social contract that clearly defines the government’s responsibilities beyond what is stated in the non-justiciable Section 2 of the 1999 Constitution.
- Revamping public communication through agencies like the National Orientation Agency, Federal Ministry of Information, and Nigeria Television Authority to create national narratives that promote belonging and inclusion.
- Encouraging civil society organisations to actively engage in trust-building, civic education, and grassroots peacebuilding.
Prof. Ihua stressed the importance of citizen participation in reshaping the country’s trajectory. “Civil society must play a central role in restoring public confidence and fostering peaceful co-existence,” he said.
The 2025 survey is the fourth in API’s social cohesion series, following earlier editions in 2019, 2021, and 2022.
