70% of Nigerians Rejected Bribes in 2023 – ICPC

The ICPC reports a significant shift in ethical behavior, revealing that 70% of Nigerians refused to pay bribes in 2023, signaling progress in the fight against corruption.

According to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), 70 percent of Nigerians who were solicited for a bribe in 2023 declined the request.

During an ICPC roundtable held in Kano with state attorneys-general from the north-west region, Commission Chairman Musa Aliyu revealed this information in a statement on Monday.

reports that the event concentrated on strengthening the commission’s ability to prevent corruption.

Aliyu pointed out the widespread occurrence of bribery in both the north-west and throughout Nigeria, as revealed by findings from the 2023 Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends Report published by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) alongside the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Bribery frequently occurs in the sectors of public utilities, law enforcement, and administrative services.

READ ALSO: ICPC Arraigns College Provost and Lecturer Over Alleged Certificate Forgery

Nonetheless, despite these challenges, there is encouraging news: 70 percent of Nigerians who were solicited for a bribe in 2023 refused to comply at least once.

“In the north-west, 76% of those who faced bribery requests stood their ground—the highest rate of refusal among Nigeria’s geopolitical zones—highlighting an increasing resistance to bribery in this region,” he stated.

The head of the ICPC emphasized that both state and federal governments share responsibility in fighting corruption, highlighting the need for collaboration to establish accountable and transparent systems.

Aliyu encouraged citizens in the north-west to stand against demands for bribes, emphasizing the ICPC’s dedication to effectively using its power to fight corruption.

He further emphasized the importance of collaboration in combating corruption, referring to pillar five of Nigeria’s National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS II), which centers on building partnerships.