Can Nigeria restore trust and unlock its untapped potential?

Trust, an essential yet often overlooked cornerstone of any flourishing society, is notably lacking in Nigeria today. It is the foundation of commerce, a critical element of social cohesion, and a prerequisite for stable governance. However, in our country, trust has become increasingly elusive, a deficit that jeopardises our collective progress and undermines our potential. According to a survey conducted by Afrobarometer in 2022, only 7 percent of Nigerians express confidence that “most people can be trusted.” This figure starkly contrasts with the trust levels recorded in countries such as the UK (67 percent) and Canada (71 percent) and is substantially below the African regional average of 14 percent. This pervasive mistrust infiltrates every aspect of Nigerian life, obstructing our ability to collaborate, innovate, and construct a promising future.

The implications of this widespread mistrust are extensive and damaging. It casts a significant shadow over daily interactions, hampers business transactions, and taints the political landscape. In a society where suspicion is the prevailing sentiment, even well-meaning attempts for reform and accountability are met with skepticism, significantly diminishing the likelihood of meaningful change. This scepticism fosters apathy and disengagement, preventing citizens from actively involving themselves in the democratic process and holding their leaders accountable. When individuals perceive the system is rigged against them, they are less inclined to invest their time, energy, and resources in enhancing it.

The erosion of trust in Nigeria stems from decades of unfulfilled promises, political betrayals, and institutional decay. Nigerians have grown sceptical of the competence of those in governance, often viewing it as a platform for self-enrichment. This has perpetuated a vicious cycle, where cynicism breeds further corruption and deepens existing mistrust, thereby emphasising the urgent need for improved governance and public service.

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Moreover, the trust deficit in Nigeria transcends the political elite, with business dealings frequently conducted with caution, necessitating safeguards and complex contracts. The informal economy, which operates on personal networks, inhibits economic growth by preventing individuals from trusting those outside of their established circles. This deficiency in trust stifles risk-taking, innovation, and job creation, resulting in an economic system functioning below its true potential due to the absence of mutual confidence.

While religion in Nigeria does offer solace and guidance, it has also been exploited by unscrupulous individuals who exploit believers’ vulnerabilities. Numerous religious leaders demand unwavering loyalty, dissuading critical thought and perpetuating distrust. Despite strong faith in divine intervention, many Nigerians harbour scepticism towards their fellow citizens, indicating a pressing need for greater trust in faith-based institutions.

Mistrust in Nigeria is a systemic issue, cultivated by factions benefiting from societal division. Ethnic and religious differences are manipulated to hinder unity, diverting attention from governance and accountability. Protest movements and reform calls are frequently met with counter-narratives that fuel suspicion and mistrust, maintaining the status quo while undermining the long-term welfare of the nation.

The absence of trust has consequently had a profound effect on governance, rendering it increasingly transactional rather than transformational. Leaders, acutely aware of their fragile credibility, often resort to patronage politics, dispersing state resources as a means to garner loyalty instead of promoting genuine progress. This practice not only exacerbates corruption but also weakens public institutions, further eroding the populace’s faith in the government’s commitment to serving their needs.

Restoring trust in Nigeria necessitates a collective and sustained effort across multiple dimensions. Fortifying institutions, ensuring accountability at various government levels, and nurturing a culture of transparency are fundamental first steps. The judiciary, law enforcement agencies, and public service must embody unwavering integrity to restore the people’s confidence. An end to impunity for corruption and abuse of power is crucial, and those who violate public trust must face accountability.

Education plays a pivotal role in this initiative. The younger generation must be educated on the importance of civic responsibility, ethical leadership, and the advantages of collaboration. If mistrust can be learnt, then trust can also be cultivated. By embedding values of integrity, empathy, and mutual respect in our youth, we can begin to forge a new generation of Nigerians dedicated to fostering a more trusting and cooperative society.

Ultimately, Nigeria cannot afford to be a nation where suspicion and distrust govern our interactions. Trust is not merely a moral imperative; it is an economic and social necessity. Without it, we will persist in facing inefficiency, division, and stagnation. A deliberate and ongoing shift towards transparency, accountability, and shared responsibility is essential to dismantle this cycle of mistrust and unlock Nigeria’s true potential. Only through the restoration of trust can we develop a nation where every individual has the opportunity to prosper.