The latest report issued by the Federal Bureau of statistics shows a high level of compromise amongst members of the judiciary arm of government as well as the Nigerian Police which held a significant figure in bribe requests.
A report published on the National Bureau of Statistics website has shown that a total of N721 billion ($1.26 billion) was paid in cash bribes to public officials in 2023.
United Nations office on Drugs and Crimes survey which partnered with the National Bureau of Statistics made available the report after a thorough finding.
The report which is titled “Corruption in Nigeria; Patterns and Trends” showed that an average cash bribe paid was at N8,284, An increase from the 2019 nominal figure that stood out at N5754.
In total, an estimated sum of $1.26 billion was paid in bribes to public officials in 2023 in the country.
In terms of amount, judges received the highest average amount per bribe in the year 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, police officials N10,400.
Findings of the report also noted that 46% of public officials under government employment offered one form of bribe or the other to get employed and facilitate their recruitment.
This development was said to be 1.5 times the share found in a survey held in 2019.
The report further stated that six out of 10 successful candidates in the public sector admitted to using nepotism, bribery or both to improve their chances of recruitment.
While bribery was said to be widespread in the country, the police were accused of more prevalence in terms of bribery.
The report noted that 9% of persons who had contact with police officials were asked for some form of bribe.
Four percent of those who came in contact with nurses and doctors were asked for bribes, 3% of teachers/lecturers, 6% of persons who came in contact with public utility officials were also said to have been asked for some form of bribe or the other.
