Nigerians Paid N721bn In Bribes In 2023, Judges Top List of Takers, Police Lead In Requests —UN, NBS

According to Sahara Reporters, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has published a report on its website, indicating that a total of N721 billion ($1.26 billion) was paid in cash bribes to public officials in 2023.

The report was based on findings by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes survey in partnership with the National Bureau of Statistics.

Titled “Corruption in Nigeria; Patterns and Trends,” the report noted that an average of N8,284 in cash was paid as bribe. That, the report said represents an increase from the 2019 figure which was N5754.

In terms of the amount received on the average, the report said, judges got the highest average amount per bribe in the year under consideration, with a figure of N31,000; Customs and Immigration service received N17,800; members of the armed forces received N16,600; land registry officials received N11,700; while police officials got N10,400.

The findings also showed that 46% of public officials in government employment offered one form of bribe or the other to facilitate their recruitment.

Again, the report indicated that 6 out of 10 successful candidates in the public sector admitted to using nepotism, bribery, or both to improve their chances of recruitment.

In terms of prevalence of bribery, the police took pole position.

According to the report, 9% of persons who had contact with police officials were asked for some form of bribe or the other.

4% of those who came in contact with nurses and doctors were asked for bribes. For teachers/lecturers it was 3% and 6% for those who came in contact with public utility officials.

4% of those who came in contact with Federal Road Safety Corps officials were asked for bribes, while that for vehicle inspection officials was 20%.

Further details showed that highly educated persons were more likely to give bribes than people with no formal education……See_More