Nigeria has been named the 7th most friendly country to strangers in the 2025 World Happiness Report. The report was released by the United Nations in partnership with the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre, Gallup, and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
The global study looked at 147 countries. It measured self-reported happiness and prosocial actions like volunteering, donating, and helping others.
Nigeria scored high for its acts of kindness, especially when helping strangers. However, it ranked 105th overall in happiness. This low position reflects ongoing struggles with public services, life satisfaction, and trust in institutions.
The report highlighted a strong culture of generosity in many African nations. But it also showed a gap between personal kindness and trust in public systems.
In one example, Nigerians were asked what might happen if someone lost their wallet. Many believed a stranger would return it earning the country 33rd place in that category. But if a Neighbour found it, Nigeria ranked 71st. If found by police, confidence dropped to 126th. This pattern points to weak trust in law enforcement and public services.
The report noted: “Where institutions are weak, helping strangers becomes the most direct and reliable form of support.”
Other countries with similar results included Jamaica, Liberia, Trinidad, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Venezuela, Ukraine, and Zambia.
Nigeria also ranked 45th globally for charitable giving. However, most Nigerians prefer direct support over donating to formal charities. Person-to-person help remains the most trusted form of generosity.
While Nigeria faces challenges with happiness and governance, its people continue to show strong community values and a deep sense of compassion.
