Nigeria has been ranked the world's most generous country by the Charities Aid Foundation, a prominent international charity organisation. The foundation released its findings in the World Giving Report, a comprehensive study on global charitable patterns.
CAF surveyed over 60,000 people across 105 nations to understand giving behaviour. Researchers wanted to identify what motivates people to donate.
Globally, 61 per cent of respondents gave money in 2025. This marked a slight drop from 64 per cent the previous year.
Most people donated one per cent of their income on average. But this figure varied significantly by region.
Africa led the way with an average of 1.6 per cent donated per person. Europe trailed at 0.6 per cent.
Nigeria topped all countries with citizens donating 2.8 per cent of their income. The donations went to charities, religious organisations, or individuals in need.
Ten of the world's most generous nations are based in Africa and Asia. No wealthy Western countries made the top ten list.
Mark Greer, managing director of CAF, spoke about the report's significance. He emphasised that giving shapes society in meaningful ways.
"Giving is deeply personal based on different factors including values, circumstances and experiences," Greer noted. "By understanding these influences and how they appear around the world, we can learn what drives vibrant cultures of giving to support the resilience of civil society."
According to Greer, everyone has responsibility in this regard. "We all have a role to play in growing giving," he added.
Greer urged action from multiple sectors. Individuals, charities, businesses, and governments must work together to strengthen civil societies.
Nigeria's top ranking surprises many observers. The country faces severe economic pressures right now.
Citizens struggle with skyrocketing petrol costs daily. Transportation fares have climbed dramatically alongside general price increases.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu scrapped fuel subsidies in 2025. Since then, petrol prices have remained unstable and elevated.
Essential goods and services cost considerably more across Nigeria. Families stretch budgets to breaking point regularly.
In May 2026, Tinubu publicly acknowledged the nation's suffering. He spoke about the toll his economic reforms have taken.
The president addressed the issue while accepting his party's ticket. He sought the APC nomination for the 2027 presidential election.
Tinubu spoke at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja. He recognised the sacrifices Nigerians have endured.
"I know what it takes to reform this nation we met in tatters," the president said. "If you lost sleep, I've lost some too.
If you've lost weight, I've lost some too."
Still, Tinubu defended his administration's direction. He promised to see reforms through to completion.
"In 2022, I asked for this job. You all supported me and I got it.
So I must do it," he stated firmly.
Tinubu reassured Nigerians he remained committed to his mandate. He pledged to deliver on promises made to voters.
