Key points

• 70 percent of Nigerians express grievances against the government and wealthy elites.

• Trust in government remains low, with poor competence and ethics ratings.

• Nigerians demand systemic reforms and collaboration for rebuilding trust.

A new report from the Edelman Trust Barometer has revealed that 70 percent of Nigerians hold grievances against the government and the country’s wealthiest citizens.

The report, launched in Lagos on Wednesday, highlights how public trust in government institutions has drastically declined, especially amidst ongoing economic hardship, insecurity, and governance challenges.

According to the report, Nigerians believe that the system is rigged to favor a privileged few at the expense of ordinary citizens.

The 2025 edition of the Edelman Trust Barometer, marking its 25th anniversary, examined the public’s perceptions of government, businesses, and the wealthy.

Senior Strategist Wandile Cindi explained that the survey results show widespread dissatisfaction, with 62 percent of respondents stating that the rich do not pay their fair share of taxes.

Furthermore, 74 percent of respondents blame the selfishness of the wealthy for many of Nigeria’s issues, which directly affect ordinary citizens.

Rising frustration and support for activism

Economic hardship has fueled growing frustration among Nigerians. The report indicates that 52 percent of Nigerians support hostile activism as a way to drive change in the country.

While trust in other institutions like businesses and NGOs has slightly improved, the government remains the least trusted, with a competence rating of -46 and ethics rating of -31.

Cindi warned that worsening economic anxiety is deepening discontent, with rising fears of job insecurity and the impact of automation and offshoring.

Despite these issues, 50 percent of Nigerians remain optimistic about the future, a higher rate than in many developed countries.

However, Cindi emphasized that trust can only be rebuilt if institutions act ethically and competently, noting that businesses and NGOs have a role to play in leading the way.

Call for collaboration and institutional reforms

To address the grievances, leaders from various sectors have called for greater collaboration and institutional reforms.

In a panel discussion, various experts, including Kwame Senou and Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, emphasized the need for Nigerians to work together, offering solutions rather than just complaining.

Aig-Imoukhuede highlighted the importance of modernizing Nigeria’s civil service, particularly through digitalization, to remove barriers citizens face in accessing government services.

The panelists also addressed the role of journalists and the media, acknowledging systemic challenges in the industry, such as media ownership by politicians and limited press freedom.

Despite these issues, the experts emphasized that trust and collaboration across sectors remain key to rebuilding public confidence in Nigeria’s leadership.