Ranked 33rd globally for wallets returned by strangers
By Ezinwanne Onwuka
(Abuja) At a time when kidnappings, terrorism, and economic hardship dominate headlines, Nigeria has earned a surprising global accolade: ranked the 7th friendliest country to strangers in the world, according to the 2025 World Happiness Report.
While the country grapples with insecurity on multiple fronts, this recognition shines a light on an often overlooked but enduring trait of Nigerians: resilience through warmth.
A Nation in Crisis, A People of Compassion
The report, published by Oxford University’s Wellbeing Research Centre, in partnership with Gallup and the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, assessed 147 countries based on generosity, volunteering, and the willingness to help strangers.
Despite ranking a much lower 105th in overall happiness, Nigeria stood out for its strong prosocial behavior. And for many Nigerians, the news brings a sense of pride.
“In the midst of the chaos, humanity is what holds us together,” said Lara Joseph, a UK-based Nigerian travel blogger. “That spirit is what truly makes us great.”
What makes this even more remarkable is the contradiction: a country often associated internationally with terrorism in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest, separatist unrest in the Southeast, and widespread poverty, still ranks among the most welcoming places on earth.
“The vast majority of Nigerians I have dealt with are genuine salt of the earth people. That’s what keeps me coming back,” said Judd Saul, founder of Iowa-based missionary group Equipping the Persecuted Initiative (equippingthepersecuted.org), which offers emergency relief and ongoing support to persecuted Christians and displaced persons in Nigeria.
Strangers Beat Police in Public Confidence
One of the most telling findings from the report was that Nigerians were more likely to trust a stranger to return a lost wallet than a police officer or even a neighbor.
Nigeria ranked 33rd globally for wallets returned by strangers, but dropped to 71st for neighbors, and 126th for police officers.
“This tells us something very important,” Joseph Ayodele, a public affairs analyst, told TruthNigeria. “It’s not just about being nice. It’s about the failure of institutions. Nigerians help strangers not only because we are kind-hearted but also because we have learned not to rely on systems that are supposed to protect us.”
Saul echoes this sentiment. “The vast majority of the Nigerians that I run into are incredibly nice and hospitable,” he said. “However, there is a cultural element of corruption at every turn. In certain establishments the generosity is a front for an expected bribe, especially in government services.”
Giving When There’s Little to Give
The report also placed Nigeria 45th globally for charitable giving, a reflection of the nation’s generosity despite deepening economic strain. Inflation, joblessness, and insecurity weigh heavily on daily life. Yet, Nigerians still find ways to support one another.
“Because we have nothing else but each other,” said Muhammad Abubakar, a college student. “The government may fail us, but we cannot fail ourselves. If I don’t help the next person, who will help me?”
Kindness, for many Nigerians, is second nature. Among the Igbos of Southeast Nigeria, there is a saying: “Nwanne di na mba” which translates to “a sibling can be found even in a foreign land.” In the North, the Hausa phrase “bakonmu na Allah” (our guest is from God) guides hospitality. And among the Yoruba of Southwestern Nigeria, offering hospitality is considered a mark of good upbringing.
A Friendly People, A Fragile State
Yet, public analysts warn that this kindness should not excuse the government from its responsibilities.
“Nigerians should not have to choose between kind strangers and a functioning police force,” Ayodele noted. “The fact that people fear their protectors more than they trust them should alarm any government. This report must be a catalyst for reform, especially in rebuilding institutional trust.”
The report has shown that Nigeria maintains some of the strongest community bonds in the world even as public institutions falter. It paints a picture of two Nigerias: one of warmth and hospitality; the other of corruption, violence, and institutional decay.
Ezinwanne Onwuka covers human interest and feature stories for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
