The overall trust index on Nigerians has seen a slight uptick from 61 percent in 2024 to 65 percent in 2025. despite persistent grievances and mounting socioeconomic challenges.
According to the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer report, which surveyed over 1,000 Nigerians as part of a global study involving 33,000 respondents across 28 countries, the significant “crisis of grievance” was fueled by perceived institutional failures and economic hardships.
The Trust Index, which averages trust in four institutions: government, business, media, and NGOs, places Nigeria at 65, well above the global average of 56.
“Nigeria outperforms countries like South Africa (53 percent), the U.S. (47 percent), Germany (41 percent), and the UK (43 percent), but lags slightly behind African peer Kenya (63 percent) and economic giants India (75 percent) and China (77 percent), driven by perceptions of strong economic performance and governance.”
Read also: Nigeria’s trust index in key institutions rises – report
Speaking on the findings, Wandile Cindi, Senior Strategist and Reputation Advisor, Edelman Africa, during an interview with BusinessDay, said that Nigeria’s overall trust score has climbed by four points over the past year, rising from 61 percent to 65 percent. This means that 65 percent of surveyed Nigerians expressed trust in the four key institutions shaping the nation’s development and democracy.
“This improvement shows that, despite the crises Nigerians face as a country from economic uncertainty to political tension, Nigerians are choosing optimism,” Cindi said. “They still believe in the potential for transformation and progress.”
The survey pointed out that business remains Nigeria’s most trusted institution at 77 percent, up by 4 points from 2024. This aligns with a global trend of business being perceived as the most competent and ethical actor in society,
NGOs follow closely at 77 percent, a 3-point increase year-over-year, Media sees a modest rise to 63 percent, but trust in traditional news outlets still varies widely by demographic and Government, however, lags significantly at 44 percent, showing that institutional legitimacy remains fragile in a country where elections and reforms have yet to rebuild trust, it said.
“72 percent of Nigerians believe government leaders lie, even under the new regime inaugurated in 2023. Despite marginal improvement, this sentiment persists across income brackets. The wealthy are viewed with even deeper suspicion: two-thirds of Nigerians say the rich don’t pay their fair share of taxes, while nearly three-quarters blame their self-interest for many of the country’s problems,” the report said.
The report, which forms part of Edelman’s global Trust Barometer study, highlights automation and foreign competition as two of the major sources of grievance among Nigerians.
Read also: Nigeria’s customer satisfaction index rises 67% on improved service delivery
It said with the growing adoption of automation and artificial intelligence, concerns over job security have intensified. Additionally, the influx of foreign companies into local markets has sparked apprehension about economic displacement and unfair competition.
However, Nigerians are not without hope. Cindi noted that 50 percent of respondents remain optimistic about the future — a figure he believes is largely driven by meaningful progress in social initiatives, particularly within the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) framework.
“What’s unique is the focus on the social aspect of ESG,” he explained. “When you consider the strides being made in financial inclusion, women empowerment, and youth engagement, it becomes clear why people are holding on to hope.”
Cindi also emphasised the need for greater collaboration among institutions to address Nigeria’s pressing socioeconomic challenges.
