The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, has revealed that no less than 60 per cent of public sector workers were hired due to nepotism, bribery or both between 2020 and 2023.
The Bureau disclosed this in the “Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends” report, which was based on a survey conducted with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC.
According to the report, 6 out of 10 successful candidates admitted to using either nepotism, bribery, or both to improve their chances of being recruited.
The report specifically stated that 27 per cent of these candidates admitted to using only bribery. 13 per cent to only nepotism, and 19 per cent to both bribery and nepotism.
However, 40 per cent of the candidates claimed to have secured their positions without resorting to any such means.
The data was based on data collected between November 2020 and October 2023.
The report read: “The selection process used to recruit public officials plays a crucial role in shaping the culture of integrity that should drive the civil service. As well as ensure that new recruits have the highest standards of professionalism and merit.
“However, the 2023 survey findings indicate that the public sector recruitment process requires closer monitoring. As almost half (46%) of people who secured a job in the public sector in the last three years prior to the survey admitted that they paid a bribe to facilitate their recruitment. This is about 1.5 times the share found in the 2019 survey (31%).
“The 2023 survey also found evidence that a considerable number of people recruited into the public sector secured their posts with the help of a friend or relative, many in addition to paying a bribe. Of all successful applicants in the last three years prior to the 2023 survey, 32% were helped by friends or relatives.
“Overall, in the three years prior to the 2023 survey, around 60% of public sector applicants in Nigeria were hired as a result of nepotism, bribery or both. This is about 1.2 times the share found in the 2019 survey.
The report also noted that the use of bribery is notably lower when the recruitment process includes formal assessments. It stated that specifically that 51 per cent of candidates were not formally assessed. And of these, a significant 53 percent admitted to using bribery or nepotism to secure their positions.
However, among the 49 per cent of candidates who underwent a written test or oral interview, the use of unethical means such as bribery or nepotism dropped to 41 per cent.
The report added “The 2023 survey data show that approximately half (49%) of those who secured a position in the public sector in the three years prior to the survey passed a written test and/or oral interview during the recruitment selection process.
“Importantly, the data suggest that the means of selection had a role in facilitating or preventing the use of illegal practices during recruitment. Among those who underwent an assessment procedure (written test/oral interview), 41 per cent made use of bribery. While the share was as much as 53 per cent among those who were not formally assessed.”
source: Nairametrics
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