Nigeria’s trust index score in its key institutions increased to 65, up four points from the previous year, according to the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer Nigeria report.
According to the report, the growth is a testament to the resilience of the four institutions measured including business, government, media and NGOs.
The report titled, “The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer Nigeria Report: Trust and the Crisis of Grievance” paints a picture of a deep sense of grievance and economic anxiety among Nigerians.
While the report shows that 50 percent of Nigerians are more optimistic for a better future compared to global counterparts, 7 in 10 Nigerians also worry that government officials, business leaders, and journalists each intentionally mislead the public, threatening the foundation of both economic and social stability.
Also, Key findings in the report shows that concerns over job loss due to foreign competition have escalated among employees, rising by nine points from the previous year to reach 67 percent.
Fears of job insecurity due to automation have also surged by eight points, now standing at 70 percent among employees, signalling growing apprehension about job displacement and job security.
“These anxieties contribute to a pervasive sense of grievance, with 72 percent of Nigerians having a moderate or higher sense of grievance, believing that business, government, and the affluent primarily serve a select few, perpetuating systemic inequities. Such sentiments erode trust and hinder societal progress and must be addressed head-on,” Karena Crerar, CEO Edelman Africa said.
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The report shows that at least one third of Nigerians demand more action from business, not less, to address issues such as climate change, discrimination, affordability, misinformation, and retraining – and believe that business is not going far enough to address these issues as leaders can no longer afford to view social challenges as being outside of their remit.
“As such, CEOs are being called on to act, as Nigerians believe they are justified in addressing social issues. For those with a high sense of grievance, 89 percent believe CEOs are justified in addressing a societal issue if they could make a major impact on the challenge, while 80 percent said they are justified if doing so would improve business performance.
“CEOs are also justified in addressing societal issues if their business contributed to the problem, say 74 percent of those with a high sense of grievance, or if the issue harms their customers, employees or communities (79 percent on average across the three),” the report stated
To ensure a better future, Nigerians agree the business sector in Nigeria is further obligated to nurture workplace civility to facilitate discussions about contentious issues.
The report calls on business, government, media, and NGOs to work together to address the root causes of grievances and enable trust, growth, and prosperity.
“This means investing in local communities, providing accurate information, and equipping individuals with job skills that drive economic mobility. Delivering results that benefit all stakeholders fairly is crucial,” the report noted.
The report aptly noted that, “The institutional failures of the past 25 years have fuelled grievances worldwide, stifling growth and innovation. To navigate this crisis, leaders must understand the economic realities of their stakeholders, champion shared interests, and create opportunities for optimism.”
