By Joel Ajayi

The Africa Polling Institute (API) has officially unveiled the 2025 edition of its flagship Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey, providing fresh insights into the state of unity, trust, and national identity across the country.

The report was launched during the National Social Cohesion Dialogue (#NSCD2025) held on Thursday in Abuja, with the theme: “Rebuilding Citizens’ Trust and Public Confidence in Government and Public Institutions.”

The event drew stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, international partners, and the media.

Now in its fifth edition since the inaugural survey in 2019, the Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey continues to serve as a vital policy tool, offering empirical data to inform national discourse and interventions on unity, inclusion, and public trust.

Presenting the findings, Executive Director of the Africa Polling Institute, Professor Bell Ihua, stressed the urgent need to mend the country’s social fabric, especially in the face of growing economic hardship, insecurity, and ethnic divisions.

 “Social cohesion is the glue that holds a nation together. This report offers an honest reflection of how Nigerians feel about their identity, sense of belonging, and trust in one another and in public institutions,” said Prof. Ihua.

Key Findings: Declining Trust, Rising Solidarity in Adversity: One of the report’s most striking revelations is the deep mistrust citizens feel towards key institutions. According to the data:
83% of Nigerians expressed little to no trust in the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
80% reported low confidence in the National Assembly. 79% indicated distrust in the judiciary.

Despite this, the report found a surprising silver lining: Nigerians are increasingly united by shared socio-economic challenges, creating a sense of solidarity across ethnic and regional lines.
The survey also identified critical issues requiring government attention, including national identity, social justice, civic participation, and the economic burden faced by millions.

Prof. Ihua called on the government to take concrete steps to rebuild public trust, urging leaders to fulfill their constitutional obligations and prioritize policies that reduce poverty, combat insecurity, and lower the cost of living.

He emphasized the need for visible, impactful governance that delivers real benefits to ordinary citizens.

“Citizens need to see tangible results—such as security, affordable housing, and meaningful poverty reduction. The government must work to restore trust through inclusive, transparent, and people-centered policies,” he added.

In his address, former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, called for greater citizen accountability in shaping Nigeria’s future.

Amaechi noted that while the elite understand the everyday struggles of ordinary Nigerians, real change must be driven by the people themselves.
“We must stop blaming the elite. Citizens must take responsibility for their own empowerment. Change comes from the bottom up,” he asserted.

He highlighted economic empowerment as a key strategy to combat crime and improve national wellbeing. Citing his experience as a former governor, he noted that timely payments to contractors and workers helped stimulate the economy and reduce crime in his state.

 “When governments pay their debts and stimulate economic activity, it creates a ripple effect that benefits many,” he explained.
Amaechi also referenced global examples like the Bangladesh revolution, stressing that meaningful change requires sacrifice and collective effort from citizens—not just reliance on government or political leaders.

He called for national consensus and the development of a blueprint for shared prosperity, urging a renewed culture of transparency, accountability, and trust-building between the government and the people.

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