Nigeria ranked first globally for charitable giving in 2024, according to the Nigeria chapter of the World Giving Report 2025, released by the African Philanthropy Forum in partnership with the Charities Aid Foundation.

The report, based on survey data from 101 countries, found that 89 percent of Nigerians donated money during the year, the highest proportion recorded worldwide.

Nigerians also gave the largest share of income, averaging 2.83 percent. That placed the country first on that measure.

Average volunteer time reached 13.5 hours per person, well above the global average of about nine hours.

Researchers said Nigeria’s results reflect broader patterns across Africa.

The continent exceeded global averages on all core indicators tracked by the study, including participation in giving, the share of income donated and volunteer time.

Nigeria accounted for a substantial part of that performance.

According to the report, charitable giving in Nigeria is closely tied to religious practice, community norms and family networks.

Donations are commonly channeled through churches, mosques, zakat, tithes and informal community support systems.

Giving is widely viewed as a shared obligation rooted in faith and social responsibility rather than a function of personal wealth.

The survey also identified a gap between behavior and perception. While Nigeria ranked first on measured generosity, respondents placed themselves 22nd globally when asked to assess how generous they believed they were.

The authors said the finding suggests that routine acts of giving are seen as ordinary parts of daily life rather than actions warranting special recognition.

The Nigeria chapter forms part of the broader World Giving Index 2025. The index tracks trends in philanthropy worldwide.

The findings are intended to guide nonprofit organizations, donors and policymakers working to strengthen community-based giving systems.