Understanding the Multiple Social Norms Behind Informal Payments in the Health Sector of Nigeria

Multiple Social Norms Behind Informal Payments. Nigeria. V2.pdf

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How do gender and religious norms shape corruption in Nigeria’s healthcare sector?

In Nigeria, social expectations tied to gender and religion play a powerful and often overlooked role in shaping corrupt practices in health service delivery. From deference to religious leaders to gendered hierarchies within healthcare workplaces, gender and faith norms influence everyday behaviors like informal payments, absenteeism, and preferential treatment.

This report presents findings from over a year of collaborative research between Besa Global and the Policy Innovation Centre. Based on interviews, focus groups, and participatory workshops with healthcare workers and community members, it explores how overlapping gender and faith norms interact to shape behaviors and offers insights for programs seeking to navigate these intersections and improve service delivery in complex social environments.