Nigeria @60: Assessing the Nigerian social contract

As Nigeria approaches its diamond jubilee, marking 60 years of independence, a recent survey by the African Polling Institute sheds light on the sentiments of the Nigerian populace. The survey, which aimed to explore the concept of the social contract between the government and the citizens, revealed interesting findings about national pride and trust in the Nigerian state. According to Bell Ihua, CEO of the African Polling Institute, the survey was designed in two phases. The first phase focused on gauging whether Nigerians feel proud of their nationality and the level of trust they have in the government. The survey also aimed to assess whether Nigerians believe their voices are heard in government decision-making processes, and if they feel the government truly cares for its citizens. One key takeaway from the survey was that 91% of Nigerians expressed pride in being Nigerian. However, when it came to trust in the government, the results were more divided, with only 33% indicating that they had some level of trust or a lot of trust in the Nigerian state. This discrepancy highlights a potential gap in the social contract between the government and the citizens. The survey also delved into other aspects of governance, such as healthcare provision for the terminally ill and opportunities for people with disabilities. These findings underscore the need for a deeper examination of the relationship between the Nigerian government and its citizens, and the importance of strengthening trust and communication between the two parties. The survey methodology involved a stratified sampling technique, utilizing telephone interviews conducted in five major languages spoken across Nigeria. A total of 1,633 completed interviews were analyzed to ensure a representative sample of the Nigerian population. The survey results provide valuable insights into the perceptions of Nigerians regarding their national identity and the role of the government in addressing their needs and concerns. Moving forward, it will be crucial for policymakers and stakeholders to take into account these findings and work towards bridging the gap between citizens' expectations and the government's delivery of services. By fostering a closer relationship based on trust, transparency, and dialogue, Nigeria can strengthen its social contract and build a more inclusive and responsive governance system that truly serves the interests of all its citizens.