Nigeria Ranked World’s Most Generous Country

A leading international charity organisation, the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), has ranked Nigeria as the world’s most generous country in its latest global study on charitable giving.

The foundation’s World Giving Report surveyed more than 60,000 people across 105 countries to assess global giving patterns and the factors influencing generosity.

According to the report, 61 per cent of respondents made donations in 2025, either directly to people in need, charities or for religious purposes, down slightly from 64 per cent in 2024.

The study found that, on average, people donated one per cent of their income, although the figures varied across regions. Africans gave an average of 1.6 per cent of their income, compared with 0.6 per cent in Europe.

Nigeria topped the global rankings, with people donating an average of 2.8 per cent of their income to charities, religious causes or individuals in need.

Prices Amid Crude Decline report also showed that the ten most generous countries are all located in Africa and Asia.

Managing Director of the Charities Aid Foundation, Mark Greer, said the actions of individuals, charities, businesses and governments could help build stronger societies.

“Giving is deeply personal based on different factors including values, circumstances and experiences. 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.

“We all have a role to play in growing giving. Encouraging conversations, and more importantly, action by individuals, charities, businesses, and governments can help build stronger and more thriving civil societies.”

Generosity amid economic hardship in Nigeria

The ranking comes amid persistent economic hardship in Nigeria, with many citizens struggling with rising petrol prices, higher transportation costs and the increasing cost of living.

Since the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2025, the price of petrol has continued to fluctuate, pushing the cost of essential goods and services across the country.

Reforms Require Sacrifice – Tinubu

In May 2026, President Tinubu publicly acknowledged the hardship caused by his administration’s economic reforms.

He, however, said he had also felt the impact of the reforms and shared in the sacrifices and personal strain they had brought.

The president made the remarks shortly after accepting the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket for the 2027 election following his victory in the party’s presidential primary.

Speaking at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, Tinubu acknowledged the difficulties Nigerians had endured since the introduction of key fiscal and economic reforms.

“I know what it takes to reform this nation we met in tatters. If you lost sleep, I’ve lost some too. If you’ve lost weight, I’ve lost some too,” Tinubu said.

He, however, assured Nigerians that he remained committed to delivering on the mandate entrusted to him.

“But I’ve always remembered one thing: in 2022, I asked for this job. You all supported me and I got it. So I must do it,” he stated.

However, a Daily Trust report published on May 11, 2026, revealed that although states across the federation now receive almost triple their previous monthly allocations from the Federation Account, the increase has not translated into relief from the economic hardship facing Nigerians.

The report showed that while the 36 states received a combined N3.35 trillion in 2022, the figure rose to N8.19 trillion in 2025.

63% of Nigerians are poor, says World Bank

In its Nigeria Development Update (NDU) released in April 2026, the World Bank said poverty in Nigeria rose to about 140 million people in 2025, representing about 63 per cent of the population.

The report, titled “Nigeria’s Tomorrow Must Start Today: The Case for Early Childhood Development”, showed that the poverty rate increased from 56 per cent in 2023 to 61 per cent in 2024.

Similarly, the 2022 Multidimensional Poverty Index survey released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) found that 133 million people in Nigeria were multidimensionally poor, lacking adequate access to healthcare, food, housing and other basic necessities.

Netizens react

Some social media users, including Nigerians, have reacted to the recent ranking, expressing different views on the development.

A Facebook user, Chekwube Nnajieze NacksKings, wrote: “Generosity is not measured by the amount of money, there’s always something to share. Nigerians are very lovely people and giving is part of our culture, our problems are politicians.”

Kafui Zakli: “In Nigeria if you don’t give you don’t get hailed.”

Mohammed Idris Tom: “Nigeria is a pluralistic society, they still maintain the spirit of brotherhood.”

Anselm Ogbonna: “It’s our culture to support people in need. Our relations, our religious organization, people in need, foreigners, etc. This is why we can’t imagine why some people are xenophobic.”

Ibrahim Umaru Sesay: “Nigeria is a country known for its generosity. During the past civil war in Sierra Leone, many Nigerian soldiers lost their lives to restore peace and democracy.”

Anengiyefa Algoa: “Nigerians a misunderstood, there’s a lot of misinformation out there spread mostly by those who have never been to Nigeria or know no Nigerians in person. Nigerians are among the most big hearted people in the world. Africans in general, are inherently good natured by tradition.”

Ibrahim Babangida: “It is part of our belief that we should help those that are in need.”

Elenya Isioma Henry: “How does this help our economy 🤣🤣”

On Instagram, Legalhustler88 wrote: “I see Nigerians as the most generous people in Africa. In fact, every African needs a Nigerian friend. They know their way out most often, and would never sit without trying to help another bro in foreign land… I went to school with a lot of Nigerians. They will always recognise you and give help whenever possible.”

eliaraglobalsolutions: “I joined this post to testify the generosity I’ve received from Nigerians everywhere I’ve been in my life and in a moment of need especially. In 2015 in UAE 🇦🇪 I was accommodated by Nigerians and not a day they made feel different or uncomfortable. In Korea 🇰🇷 some offered me food to eat, they invited to their church and a even in restaurant. Nigerians ranks first in my mind, followed by South Africans 😂 I am sorry but allow me to just be grateful 🙏🏾 no hate please. Love you all.”

offthewaltham: “The more I think about it, the more I believe it. Many years ago, while my wife and I were living in the Midwest, USA, we didn’t know many people. We had very few friends and no family nearby. When she became pregnant with our first child, a Nigerian couple we had only recently met at church volunteered to organize a baby shower for us. At the time, I simply thought they were exceptionally kind. Looking back now, I can’t help but wonder if that generosity reflects something deeply rooted in Nigerian culture — a tradition of hospitality, community, and looking after others. That Nigerian couple’s kindness left a lasting impression on me, and it’s something I’ll never forget. 🙏🇳🇬”

onegoesbyak: “I’m quite certain 95% is church tithes. That isn’t so much charitable giving as it’s a form of ‘debt’.”