A new nationwide survey by Chatham House, conducted in partnership with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), has revealed a steep decline in public trust in key Nigerian institutions.
According to the report, the Nigeria Police Force, the Presidency, and the federal government rank among the least trusted bodies in the country.
The findings, published under the Social Norms and Accountable Governance Project, show that nearly 46% of Nigerians said they “greatly distrust” the police, while only 7% expressed strong trust in the institution.
The Presidency fared only slightly better, with 36% of respondents expressing deep distrust, and 35% saying the same of the federal government.
Other public bodies, including the judiciary, local government councils, and state-level politicians, also scored low in public confidence, highlighting a broad and systemic trust crisis across Nigeria’s governance structure.
Chatham House linked the widespread distrust to years of ineffective reform efforts. Despite more than two decades of anti-corruption campaigns, many Nigerians believe these measures have failed to produce meaningful accountability.
The report pointed to entrenched political patronage, impunity, and selective justice as key factors eroding trust in public institutions.
“Corruption has not only weakened Nigeria’s economy but corroded public trust in governance, fuelling repeated crises of legitimacy,” the report said.
The survey also revealed a contradiction in public values.
While 59% of respondents agreed that in their communities, “power matters more than honesty,” a larger percentage—73%—said they feel disturbed when people are exploited.
Researchers interpret this paradox as a reflection of harsh economic and social conditions that force individuals to prioritize survival, even while maintaining a desire for justice and fairness.
Despite the pessimism, the report highlighted some positive signs.
Nearly half of the respondents believe their local communities are willing to monitor public spending on development projects. According to Chatham House, this shows a strong civic potential that can be harnessed to drive citizen-led accountability.
To rebuild trust, the report recommends that political leaders provide visible evidence of how tax revenues are used to deliver public services.
It also warns that the government’s efforts to expand its tax base may fail unless citizens believe their contributions are being put to good use.
“Nigeria is faced with a fundamental question: how to reduce the cost of being honest in a system where corruption is entrenched and formal institutions are widely distrusted,” the report concluded.
