By Mercy Gadia
The Africa Polling Institute said on Thursday that Nigeria’s Social Cohesion Index rose to 48.8 per cent, with increasing public trust in religious and traditional leaders despite weak confidence in government institutions.
The figure, unveiled at a National Social Cohesion Dialogue in Abuja, represents a two-percentage-point increase from the previous year and the highest recorded since the survey began.
The institute, however, noted that the index remains slightly below the 50 per cent benchmark.
The Executive Director of the institute, Prof. Bell Ihua, said the development reflects Nigerians’ resilience amid prevailing challenges.
He said, “The index shows that Nigerians continue to demonstrate commitment to coexistence even in difficult circumstances.”
According to the report, 51 per cent of Nigerians expressed significant trust in religious leaders, while 45 per cent said the same about traditional rulers.
In contrast, only 28 per cent of respondents said they trust the government of President Bola Tinubu, while 23 per cent expressed confidence in the National Assembly.
The survey noted that the National Assembly emerged as the least trusted institution, while the police recorded a slight improvement with 24 per cent trust.
On broader trust indicators, 72 per cent of respondents expressed little or no confidence in the Federal Government.
Similarly, 77 per cent said they have little or no trust in the National Assembly, while 73 per cent expressed the same sentiment about the judiciary.
Providing details of the methodology, the institute said the survey was conducted between January and February 2025 with support from the Ford Foundation.
Futher said, a total of 5,315 respondents aged 15 and above were interviewed through face-to-face household visits using a stratified random sampling technique.
The interviews were conducted in English, Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba across all states and senatorial districts.
On national identity, the report revealed that 46 per cent of Nigerians feel proud of the country, compared to 41 per cent who expressed disappointment.
It added that 44 per cent identify equally as Nigerians and with their ethnic groups, while 29 per cent feel more attached to their ethnicity.
The findings also showed growing civic commitment among citizens.
About 71 per cent said they are willing to make personal sacrifices for national interest, while 77 per cent expressed readiness to cooperate across ethnic lines.
Similarly, 73 per cent said they are willing to participate in the political process to improve the country.
Support for social integration was also high, with 89 per cent backing inter-ethnic marriages.
However, only 62 per cent expressed support for inter-faith unions.
On gender equity, 69 per cent of respondents supported women’s leadership across political and corporate spaces.
Also, 60 per cent said they would vote for a female president, while higher percentages expressed support for female governors and local government chairpersons.
Despite these positive indicators, concerns over national unity persist.
The report showed that 48 per cent of Nigerians believe the country is more divided now than it was four years ago.
Political party affiliation was identified as the leading cause of division at 56 per cent, followed by ethnic and religious differences.
On personal wellbeing, 45 per cent of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with their current living conditions.
Also, 55 per cent indicated willingness to relocate abroad if given the opportunity.
However, 61 per cent expressed optimism that the country’s future would improve.
Ihua said the findings highlight the need for deliberate efforts to strengthen national unity.
He said, “The national identity breakthrough recorded in this survey is Nigeria’s most important social capital at the moment and must be protected.”
The institute recommended the establishment of a National Social Cohesion Commission to promote inclusive governance and unity.
It also called for the creation of social cohesion desks across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
The report added that aligning government reforms with citizens’ expectations would be critical to improving trust and strengthening social cohesion across the country.