Building Trust Between Citizens and Government

The Erosion of Trust: A Familiar Story in Nigeria

Imagine this: You're queuing up at a bank in Lagos, sweating under the midday sun, only to hear that the government's latest policy has frozen your account access due to some unclear 'security measures.' Frustration boils over into anger, and you wonder, 'Why should I trust these people?' This isn't just a hypothetical—it's a slice of life for many Nigerians. Trust between citizens and government is the bedrock of any functioning democracy, yet in our country, it's often cracked by years of broken promises, corruption, and disconnect. But here's the good news: rebuilding it isn't impossible. It's about small, consistent actions from both sides that can turn skepticism into partnership.

In Nigeria, where diverse ethnic groups, economic hustles, and political dramas shape daily life, trust isn't abstract. It's about whether your vote in the last election led to better roads in your community or if that anti-corruption agency actually held the big fish accountable. Let's dive into why this matters and how we can start mending those bridges.

Why Trust is Crucial for Nigeria's Progress

Trust isn't just a feel-good concept; it's the glue that holds society together. When citizens trust their government, they're more likely to pay taxes willingly, report crimes, and participate in civic duties. On the flip side, distrust breeds apathy—think of the low voter turnout in some states during elections or the youth who turn to protests like #EndSARS because they feel unheard.

Take the 2015 elections, for instance. There was a rare wave of optimism when power transitioned peacefully from one party to another. People believed change was coming. But fast-forward to today, with recurring fuel subsidy debates and naira fluctuations, that hope has dimmed for many. A 2023 survey by the Afrobarometer showed that only about 30% of Nigerians trust their national government. This gap hampers development; without trust, policies like the National ID system or health insurance schemes flop because people suspect ulterior motives.

For everyday Nigerians—from the trader in Onitsha Market to the civil servant in Abuja—trust means security. It means knowing that the government isn't just another layer of bureaucracy but a partner in solving problems like insecurity in the North or flooding in the South-South. When trust erodes, so does national unity, fueling divisions that politicians exploit for gain.

The Roots of Distrust: Unpacking Nigeria's Challenges

So, what's fueling this distrust? It's not one thing, but a cocktail of historical and current issues. Colonial legacies left us with a government seen as distant and extractive, and post-independence military rule didn't help. Fast-forward to democracy: Corruption scandals, like the billions allegedly siphoned in the arms procurement deal during the Jonathan era, paint a picture of leaders feathering their nests while citizens struggle.

Elections are another sore point. In 2019, allegations of vote-buying and rigging in places like Kano and Rivers State left many feeling their voices don't count. Then there's the bureaucracy—endless paperwork for simple services, like getting a driver's license, where 'settlement' often trumps merit. During the COVID-19 pandemic, initial aid distributions were marred by favoritism, with palliatives reaching party loyalists rather than the needy in IDP camps or urban slums.

These aren't just headlines; they're personal. Remember the 2020 #EndSARS protests? Young Nigerians marched because they lost faith in the police as protectors, seeing them instead as extortionists. The government's response—initial denial followed by promises of reform—further eroded trust when implementation lagged. It's a cycle: Distrust leads to disengagement, which weakens accountability, perpetuating the problem.

How Corruption and Inequality Deepen the Divide

Inequality amplifies this. While elites jet off to London for medical check-ups, rural folks in Benue wait months for basic clinics. The Niger Delta oil spills continue, yet compensation feels like a drop in the bucket. When the powerful seem untouchable—as in the case of unchecked politicians' asset declarations—citizens feel like second-class players in their own country.

Pathways to Rebuilding: Actions from Both Sides

Rebuilding trust starts with acknowledgment. Government can't dictate faith; it must earn it through transparency and results. Citizens, too, have a role—beyond complaining on social media, active engagement is key. Let's break this down with practical steps tailored to our Nigerian reality.

For governments at all levels—federal, state, local—transparency is non-negotiable. Start with open budgets. Imagine if Lagos State's annual budget was not just published online but explained in town halls across Ikeja, Badagry, and Ikorodu. Tools like the Open Treasury Portal could be expanded nationwide, allowing real-time tracking of fund allocations. During my time volunteering with a civil society group in Abuja, I saw how simple dashboards reduced suspicions around road project delays in the FCT.

Accountability mechanisms need teeth. Independent bodies like the EFCC should prosecute high-profile cases swiftly, without selective justice. And communication matters—regular updates via SMS or community radio, especially in areas with low internet access like rural Kwara, can bridge the info gap.

Engaging Citizens: From Passive to Active Participation

Now, for us citizens: Trust is a two-way street. One actionable step is joining or forming community oversight groups. In Enugu, resident associations have successfully monitored local projects, like water boreholes, ensuring funds aren't diverted. Start small—attend your ward's town hall meetings or use apps like BudgIT to track your state's spending.

Voting wisely is crucial. Beyond casting ballots every four years, educate yourself on candidates' track records. Platforms like VoteWise offer verifiable info on politicians' promises versus delivery. In the 2023 elections, informed voters in Anambra pushed for candidates with clean slates, influencing outcomes.

Advocacy works too. Petitions on Change.org or engaging with reps via social media have pressured reforms, like the push for electoral act amendments. But pair online noise with offline action—organize neighborhood forums to discuss issues like youth unemployment, then present collective demands to your local government chairman.

Leveraging Technology and Education for Lasting Change

Technology can accelerate trust-building. Digital platforms for service delivery, like the BVN-linked remittances during economic hardships, reduce human interference and corruption opportunities. Expanding e-governance to include feedback loops—where citizens rate services on a national app—could make officials responsive. In pilot programs in Kaduna, citizen apps have already flagged ghost workers, saving millions.

Education plays a role too. Civic classes in schools and adult literacy programs should emphasize rights and responsibilities, fostering a culture of mutual respect. Community leaders, from imams in the North to traditional rulers in the East, can amplify this by preaching unity over division.

Real-World Examples: Success Stories from Within

Nigeria isn't all doom—there are glimmers of hope. In Ekiti State, Governor Kayode Fayemi's administration introduced citizen report cards for public services, leading to quicker fixes for potholes and school repairs. Residents felt heard, and trust ticked up in local polls.

Another is the Lagos State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Agency (PCAC), which handles grievances efficiently. A trader I know in Oshodi filed a complaint about harassment by touts; it was resolved in weeks, restoring her faith in state mechanisms.

On the citizen side, the Tax Justice Network's campaigns have educated informal sector workers on fair taxation, turning skeptics into contributors who now demand value for their dues.

These examples show that when both sides commit, change happens. It's not overnight, but incremental wins build momentum.

Practical Takeaways: Your Role in the Trust Equation

To wrap this up, building trust between citizens and government in Nigeria requires deliberate effort. Here's how you can contribute today:

1. Stay Informed and Involved: Follow credible news sources like Premium Times and join local civic groups. Attend one public meeting this month.

2. Demand Transparency: Use freedom of information requests under the FOI Act to query projects in your area. Share findings with neighbors.

3. Vote with Eyes Open: Research candidates thoroughly before elections. Support integrity over ethnicity or money.

4. Build Community Bridges: Organize dialogues between locals and officials—start with issues like market infrastructure or security.

5. Hold Leaders Accountable: Report corruption via hotlines like EFCC's and follow up. Your voice amplifies when persistent.

6. Practice Personal Integrity: As citizens, model the trust we seek—pay your taxes, avoid shortcuts, and support ethical businesses.

Trust isn't rebuilt in a day, but with these steps, we can shift from suspicion to collaboration. In a country as vibrant as Nigeria, united citizens and responsive leaders can achieve wonders. Let's start the conversation in our communities—what's one action you'll take?