What are some reasons that you, personally, would not want to visit or
live in the Nigeria?
Nigeria seems to be one of the most misconstrued countries with so much
bad press. And many choose to see only what they have been programmed to see by
the media. Having lived and traveled to over 20 countries across the world, I
can confidently say most people will be pleasantly surprised about Nigeria if
they ever choose to visit.
Let me address those specific topics that would likely want to keep
people from living or visiting Nigeria:
Boko Haram: The media makes it sound like the BH guys have their flags
hoisted on every Street corner in the country. I have traveled pretty much to
most states in Nigeria, including the northern states and I have never once
been remotely close to any BH insurgency. Their activities ‘were’ limited to a
few local governments and have now been drastically reduced further.
Security: I have walked the streets of Sao Paolo, Bucharest,
Johannesburg, Delhi with as much trepidation as I would when walking in certain
places in Lagos. If that makes you think ‘but I can visit those places’ then
Nigeria should not be a concern. If you observe the basic security rules like
in any of those cities, then you will be fine. I visited with a former CEO
(Swiss) of a multinational in Nigeria who lived there for more than 20 years
(and even opted to get the Nigerian passport) and I was glad but not surprised
when he told be for the 20 years, he was never robbed and never fell sick.
Which brings me to the 3rd point
Diseases and sickness: If you still think we are walking about with scabs
on our skin and diseases floating around in the air, then you need to start
watching a different TV channel. I am in no way suggesting that Nigeria is rid
of key tropical diseases like malaria but take your shots before visiting the
country and you will be fine. I doubt Nigeria will be the 1st country you will
be visiting and taking some shots prior to the visit.
Corruption: Please spare me this! I have seen corruption in pretty much
all the countries I have visited. While I do not and will never condone
corruption in any form, I beg to disagree that this will stop you from visiting
the country. It's a menace in the country and I'm glad we finally have a leader
who is making some efforts to curtail it. I have seen lawlessness at varying
shades and sizes across the world and what makes countries like Singapore and
Switzerland different is that they have rules and policies that check this…
underneath, we are all the same! Global MNCs have found ways to work and uphold
their integrity in the country so if you gave in to corrupt practices and blame
the country for it, you are as much a part of it!
People only ever talk about the negatives but what of the fun loving,
energetic Nigerians you will meet? What of the highly contagious
entrepreneurial spirit you will find? What of the resilence the people have
built over time? What of the way we are navigating our young years as a nation
and building a future for ourselves? What of our burgeoning entertainment
industry taking the world by shock? What of the bright minds we have exported
all over the world? What of our amazing plate of Jollof rice?
Summarily, Nigeria is a beautiful country with different shades of
experience. Your conviction about Nigeria will change not when you arrive in
the country but when you board the flight and see the number of non-Nigerians
flying in. You then ask yourself what they all are visiting for if it's all
dooms day as popularly hinted!
Traders’ Mindset: Traders' Mindset
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