Nigeria’s social cohesion has recorded its strongest performance since 2019, with more citizens now identifying primarily as Nigerians rather than along ethnic, religious or regional lines, according to the 2026 National Social Cohesion Survey released by the Africa Polling Institute (API).
Presenting the findings at the National Social Cohesion Dialogue 2026 and unveiling of the 2026 Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey Report in Abuja on Thursday, API Executive Director, Prof. Bell Ihua, disclosed that the National Social Cohesion Index rose to 48.8 per cent in 2026 from 46.8 per cent in 2025.
The improvement, he said, reflects a gradual strengthening of social cohesion despite persistent economic hardship, insecurity and other social challenges confronting the country.

A major highlight of the report is that, for the first time since the survey commenced in 2019, a majority of Nigerians now identify first as Nigerians rather than by ethnic, religious or regional affiliations.
Prof. Ihua described the development as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s nation-building journey, noting that it points to an emerging sense of shared national identity among citizens.
“The findings suggest that Nigerians are increasingly embracing a common national identity and demonstrating a willingness to coexist despite differences rooted in ethnicity, religion and politics,” he said.

Despite the positive trend, the survey revealed a deep trust deficit between citizens and public institutions. Confidence in government and state institutions remains extremely low and continues to be a major obstacle to stronger social cohesion.
In contrast, religious and traditional leaders retain high levels of public trust, positioning them as critical actors in promoting peace, unity and national integration.
The survey assessed citizens’ perceptions across 14 indicators, including identity, trust, social justice and equity, civic participation, tolerance, gender equity, disability inclusion, corruption, impunity, natural resource governance, polarization, security and peacebuilding, migration, coping strategies, self-worth and future expectations.

While welcoming the improvement in the index, Ihua cautioned that the score remains below the 50 per cent benchmark, indicating that significant work is still required to strengthen social bonds and rebuild public confidence in institutions.
He explained that the findings informed the theme of the 2026 National Social Cohesion Dialogue: “Strengthening the Role of Religious and Traditional Institutions as Key Agents of Social Cohesion.”
The survey, conducted under the Nigerian Social Cohesion Project with support from the Ford Foundation, is the fifth edition of the nationwide study, following previous surveys in 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2025.

Speaking at the event, the Emir of Kano, His Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, called for deliberate efforts to rebuild public trust and deepen social cohesion, stressing that Nigeria’s diversity should be a source of strength rather than division.
Sanusi noted that successive social cohesion surveys have provided valuable insights into the country’s challenges and highlighted the urgent need to restore confidence in institutions.
According to him, the trust Nigerians place in traditional and religious leaders places a responsibility on them to foster understanding among diverse groups, mediate conflicts and promote national unity.

“Traditional and religious institutions possess a unique capacity to bridge divides, strengthen mutual respect and inspire collective action towards national development,” he said.
The monarch urged leaders to promote tolerance, inclusiveness, compassion, justice and respect for human dignity while discouraging extremism, hate speech, discrimination and all forms of division.
Similarly, the Royal Father of the Day, the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti and Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu Alagbado, lamented what he described as the gradual erosion of traditional institutions’ influence despite the continued trust communities place in them.

He argued that traditional rulers remain the first point of contact during insecurity and communal crises and called for constitutional roles for traditional rulers as well as stronger local government autonomy backed by accountability mechanisms.
In a keynote address delivered on behalf of the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ifeanyichukwu Unamba stressed that social cohesion is central to human existence and essential for national development.
He warned that prioritising ethnic, religious and sectional identities above national identity has contributed to division and underdevelopment and urged citizens to become active agents of unity and peaceful coexistence.

Representatives of the Ford Foundation also emphasized that Nigeria’s diversity remains one of its greatest strengths and highlighted the growing importance of traditional and religious leaders as bridge-builders and peace advocates amid rising insecurity.
Participants at the dialogue agreed that strengthening traditional and religious institutions, alongside government reforms and active citizen engagement, would be crucial to improving social cohesion, enhancing security and fostering sustainable national development.