By Mercy Gadia
The Africa Polling Institute (API) 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 institute disclosed this at the 2026 National Social Cohesion Dialogue held in Abuja, where stakeholders also stressed the critical role of faith and traditional institutions in fostering national unity and peacebuilding.
Held under the theme “Strengthening the Role of Religious and Traditional Institutions as Key Agents of Social Cohesion,” the dialogue also featured the presentation of findings from the 2026 Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey, a flagship study backed by the Ford Foundation.
The latest index represents a two-percentage-point increase from the previous year and the highest recorded since the survey began, although it remains below the 50 per cent benchmark.
Presenting the report, the Executive Director of API, Prof. Bell Ihua, said the improvement reflects Nigerians’ resilience despite prevailing economic and security challenges.
He said, “The index shows that Nigerians continue to demonstrate commitment to coexistence even in difficult circumstances.”
According to the survey, 51 per cent of respondents expressed significant trust in religious leaders, while 45 per cent said the same about traditional rulers.
In contrast, only 28 per cent said they trust the government, while 23 per cent expressed confidence in the National Assembly, ranking it as the least trusted institution.
Ihua noted that for the first time since the inception of the study, a majority of respondents identified primarily as Nigerians rather than along ethnic or religious lines.
“This shift represents an important milestone in the country’s nation-building journey and points to a strengthening sense of shared national identity,” he said.
The survey, supported by the Ford Foundation, was conducted between January and February 2025 with 5,315 respondents across the country using a stratified random sampling technique.
It measured 14 indicators, including identity, trust, civic participation, gender equity, corruption, security, migration and future expectations.
Speaking at the dialogue, stakeholders described religious and traditional institutions as indispensable to Nigeria’s quest for unity and social cohesion.
Speaking at the event, the regional director of ford foundation, Dr. Chichi Adiagwalu Okoye, said Nigeria’s diversity remains a major strength but requires deliberate efforts to prevent divisions.
Represented by Nell Taigbe, She said, “Beyond preserving heritage and spiritual values, they serve as authoritative voices that shape attitudes, influence behaviour and guide communal responses to evolving social realities.”
Dr Chichi added that rising insecurity, social polarisation and misinformation have increased the importance of trusted community leaders.
“The establishment of a peaceful Nigeria cannot be achieved solely through policies and institutions. It must be built on interpersonal relationships,” she said.
Also speaking, the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, said the findings should serve as a wake-up call to leaders.
Represented by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Unamba, he warned against prioritising ethnic and religious identities above national interest.
He said, “It is dangerous when people prioritise private identity above national identity. These should not supersede commitment to the Nigerian project.”
Kaigama noted that the sustained trust in traditional and religious institutions presents an opportunity to strengthen national cohesion.
He called for greater inclusion of such leaders in governance, noting their grassroots reach and role in conflict resolution.
The cleric, however, cautioned against partisan involvement by religious and traditional leaders.
“Once they become aligned with political interests, they risk losing the moral authority and public trust that make them effective agents of social cohesion,” he said.
In a goodwill message, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, said religious and traditional institutions remain critical platforms for dialogue and reconciliation.
Represented by the Falakin Kano, Mukhtar Ibrahim Bello, he urged leaders to promote tolerance, justice and peaceful coexistence.
He also called for stronger collaboration among government, civil society and community actors to address divisions.
Participants during the panel discussion emphasized that strengthening trusted community institutions would be key to rebuilding public confidence and bridging divisions across the country.
They added that with Nigeria’s Social Cohesion Index still below the 50 per cent benchmark, urgent and sustained efforts are required to deepen trust, inclusion and national unity.