Nigeria is a nation full of complexities — a place where joy and despair often intertwine in unexpected ways. Recently, a friend in the U.S. sent me a video clip that captured the heartache of some Nigerians in the diaspora who invested in properties within an estate now slated for demolition to pave the way for the Coastal Road project. Watching their emotional recounting was heart-wrenching. They didn’t just lose money — they lost homes. And for anyone who understands the essence of having a home, it’s more than just bricks and mortar; it’s a connection, a magnet that keeps drawing you back.
The Other Side of the Story
As a journalist, I’m trained to dig beneath the surface of stories. Knowing a bit more about the coastal region, it’s evident that this isn’t just a clear-cut case of government negligence. Investors in that area over the past two decades were well aware of the proposed Coastal Road project. Perhaps these diaspora Nigerians were misled by land speculators. Alternatively, if the detour from the original road plan affected them unfairly, then they undoubtedly deserve compensation or alternative land.
Their response, however, was understandable: many vowed never to invest in Nigeria again. It’s an emotional outburst born out of disappointment. But is that a fair representation of the investment landscape in Nigeria? Not entirely. Many Nigerians in the diaspora have successful real estate investments, especially in Lagos. What struck me most was the video’s closing caption: “Nigeria happened to them.”
A Prayer Gone Cynical?
The phrase “May Nigeria not happen to you” is frequently heard these days, popularized by a well-known activist. It paints Nigeria as a harbinger of calamity and misfortune. If Nigeria “happens” to you, it implies doom, hardship, or a major setback. While it may resonate with a segment of disillusioned citizens, the statement perpetuates cynicism and a loss of hope in the country.
Rather than seeing challenges as inevitable aspects of life requiring adaptability, this mindset encourages brittleness and despair. I’ve lived my entire life in Nigeria and have experienced both its highs and lows. Looking back, I don’t believe I’m any worse off than my peers who left decades ago in search of “greener pastures” to escape Nigeria “happening” to them.
Stories of Resilience and Belonging
One of my favorite people to spend time with is a remarkable lady whose family was directly affected by the Biafran War. Though she was too young to grasp the full horrors, her father’s narrow escape from death remains a vivid family tale. The war disrupted their once affluent, peaceful home, and the memories linger. Yet, despite all this, her view of Nigeria is balanced, neither overly negative nor naively positive. Though now a British citizen, she never hesitates to say that Nigeria is still home.
Speaking of home, I recently reunited with a classmate who lives in the U.S. and had not returned to Nigeria in years. Technically, he didn’t come back for Christmas, as he left a day before. But in truth, he returned because “Nigeria happened” to his daughter.
The Influence of Nigerian Culture Abroad
It’s easy to underestimate the global impact of Nigerian music and culture. My classmate’s daughter is in artiste management and represents a prominent Nigerian musician. She likely wanted to experience firsthand the land that birthed such talent and perhaps be part of the much-hyped Detty December. Her father, busy with nostalgia-driven outings, took her to old haunts, including the serene Yaba neighborhood where he grew up.
The emotional low point came when she asked why they sold the family home. It never occurred to him that his child, raised in Europe and America, would want to connect with Nigeria in such a meaningful way. This poignant moment underscores how Nigeria, despite its complexities, remains a land of deep-rooted ties and unexplained allure.
A Growing Trend Among Diaspora Youths
A family friend, who had lived in the U.S. for years, decided to reconnect with Nigeria by buying a posh apartment in Lagos and building another in his hometown. While he enjoyed returning home, he worried that his children, who had become fully Americanized, might never share his sentiment. But Nigeria surprised him. One of his sons expressed a desire not only to visit but also to explore opportunities in the country.
This pull back to Nigeria is becoming more common among diaspora youths, largely fueled by the vibrant Detty December festivities and a desire to experience a side of Nigeria that isn’t just about hardships. Many first-timers are surprised to find that the country is not as grim as it had been portrayed. Many promise to return.
The Way Forward: Seizing Opportunities
This growing interest presents an incredible opportunity for Nigeria. The leadership must harness this renewed curiosity and nostalgia to develop a vibrant tourism industry. There’s a chance to present the nation as a dynamic, culturally rich destination rather than a place to flee from.
Leaders need to see Nigeria through the eyes of these young, curious diaspora returnees who have never known the country as home but are eager to rediscover it. Warts and all, Nigeria is still home to countless possibilities waiting to be tapped.
Nigeria may “happen” to people in unexpected ways, but it’s not always a tragedy. Sometimes, it’s an awakening, a pull, a journey back to something meaningful. And in that journey, perhaps lies hope for a better future.
