Nigeria has been recognised as the seventh friendliest country to strangers globally, according to the 2025 edition of the World Happiness Report.
The ranking, which was published by Oxford University’s Wellbeing Research Centre in partnership with Gallup and the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, evaluated 147 countries based on self-reported levels of well-being, acts of kindness, volunteering, and charitable giving.
Despite its high friendliness rating, Nigeria placed 105th overall in the global happiness index.
Analysts say this contrast reflects a broader issue: Nigerians tend to show more confidence in their fellow citizens than in the systems meant to serve them.
“One of the more striking findings was that Nigerians were significantly more trusting of strangers than of public institutions,” the report stated.
“In places where governance and institutional trust are low, individuals often rely more on personal connections and direct support from others.”
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The report assessed reactions to scenarios involving lost wallets to measure institutional trust. If a wallet was found by, A stranger, Nigeria ranked 33rd, a neighbour, 71st, the police, 126th.
This reveals what experts call a “trust gap” — citizens are more likely to believe in the kindness of strangers than the reliability of formal systems.
Dr. Jamila Oyetola, a social development expert based in Abuja, commented on the findings:
“This shows the resilience and communal spirit of Nigerians, even in the face of systemic challenges. But it also underscores a serious issue of governance and public accountability.”
The report noted that Nigeria shares this pattern with countries like Jamaica, Liberia, Trinidad, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Venezuela, Ukraine, and Zambia — all places where community ties often compensate for fragile institutions.
In terms of charitable giving, Nigeria ranked 45th globally, reflecting a culture of generosity and informal support systems.
“This ranking is a testament to the warmth and humanity of everyday Nigerians,” said Ms. Peace Adeboye, a humanitarian worker in Lagos. “But we must also push for stronger institutions to match the strength of our people.”
The World Happiness Report continues to be a key annual benchmark for understanding how populations across the world experience and share well-being, particularly in times of global uncertainty.
