…as 73% expressed little trust in judiciary
By Gabriel Ewepu
ABUJA – AN independent report tagged ‘2026 Social Cohesion Report’ released at the weekend by the Africa Polling Institute, API, an independent, non-profit, and non-partisan opinion research think-tank, indicated that the National Assembly emerged the least trusted institution of government with 77% of Nigerians having no trust, as it overtakes the Nigerian Police Force.
According to the Executive Director, API, Prof Bell Ihua, who formally unveiled the report at a National Social Cohesion Dialogue in Abuja, computed Nigeria’s Social Cohesion Index (NSCI) at 48.8%. This index represents a 2-percentage-point increase from last year’s, and the highest index recorded since the study commenced. Although the index remains marginally below the average 50 per cent threshold. This upward trend suggests that Nigerians continue to demonstrate resilience and a commitment to coexistence despite prevailing hardships.
Prof Ihua also said the survey findings indicate persistent trust among citizens in religious and traditional leaders, and very little trust in the government and public institutions. Specifically, 51% and 45% of Nigerians expressed significant trust in religious and traditional leaders, respectively, compared with only 28% who trust the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and 23% who trust the National Assembly.
