Nigeria’s social cohesion improves to 48.8%, yet remains below national stability threshold – API

Nigeria’s social cohesion has recorded its highest level since measurements began, rising to 48.8 per cent in 2026, according to a new report released by the Africa Polling Institute (API).

However, the think-tank warned that the figure remains below the 50 per cent benchmark considered necessary for a cohesive and stable society.

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The finding was unveiled on Thursday during the presentation of the 2026 Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey report in Abuja.

The event, themed “Strengthening the Role of Religious and Traditional Institutions as Key Agents of Social Cohesion,” brought together religious leaders, traditional rulers, development partners, policymakers, and civil society actors to discuss pathways for strengthening national unity.

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API explained that the 2026 survey builds on four previous editions conducted in 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2025, and assesses the state of social cohesion across the country using 14 key indicators. These include identity, trust, social justice and equity, civic participation, tolerance, gender equity, disability and inclusion, impunity, corruption, polarization, natural resource governance, security and peacebuilding, coping strategies, migration, and self-worth and future expectations.

According to the report, the 2026 score of 48.8 per cent represents a two-percentage-point increase from the 46.8 per cent recorded in 2025. It also reflects an improvement from 44.2 per cent in 2021 and a low of 39.6 per cent in 2022, making it the highest level recorded across the five waves of measurement.

Delivering the keynote address, the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius Kaigama, stressed the critical role of religious and traditional leaders in fostering national cohesion and stability.

Represented by Very Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Unamba, the cleric, urged governments at all levels to involve traditional and religious institutions more directly in governance and policymaking.

“Religious and Traditional leaders are relevant stakeholders in the Nigerian project. Your opinion therefore should be taken into consideration in order to achieve better results.

“Govt should find a way of incorporating the traditional and religious institutions into governance, such as statutory representation in State and National Assemblies. They can also create a Ministry or Parastatals of Traditional and Religious Institutions, this will also be of assistance in enhancing the making of policies.”

Also speaking, His Royal Highness, Muktar Bello, who represented the Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi, emphasized the need for government to rebuild public trust and encourage peaceful coexistence among citizens irrespective of ethnic, religious, or political differences.

The Ford Foundation’s representative, Onyinye Onyemobi, echoed similar sentiments, describing religious and traditional leaders as influential actors whose voices continue to shape societal values and communal responses to emerging social issues.

She noted that these leaders serve as trusted authorities who guide communities through changing social realities and stressed the importance of stronger collaboration between traditional institutions, religious bodies, government, civil society organizations and citizens. According to her, such partnerships are essential for sustaining dialogue, promoting tolerance, and strengthening peace across the country.

Earlier, API Executive Director, Bell Ihua, identified insecurity, poverty, declining living standards, the rising cost of living and other socio-economic challenges as common struggles that unite Nigerians regardless of ethnicity, religion or region.

He argued that building a stronger and more peaceful Nigeria would require leveraging shared aspirations and fostering a sense of belonging that transcends ethnic, religious and regional divides.

“The concept of social cohesion refers to the strength of relationships and bonds among people. It involves citizens’ willingness to cooperate for the survival and prosperity of the country in spite of tribal, religious, social and political differences. These two elements are important, survival and prosperity. They should be mutually inclusive.

“This marks our fifth round of conducting this survey and it has been expanded in scope to cover fourteen key indicators, namely; Identity, Trust, Social Justice and Equity, Civic Participation, Tolerance, Gender Equity, Disability and Inclusion, Impunity, Corruption, Polarization, Natural Resource Governance, Security and Peace building, Coping Strategies, Migration and Self-Worth and Future Expectations,” he stressed.

Stakeholders at the event agreed that while the latest survey results indicate gradual progress in strengthening national cohesion, significant efforts are still required to bridge divisions, build trust in public institutions and create a more inclusive society capable of sustaining peace and development.

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