Life in Nigeria -By Ezinwanne Onwuka

It is a tough job to be a Nigerian. Life as a Nigerian in Nigeria is strongly shaped by many challenges. And at  the receiving end of all that happens or does not happen to Nigeria is the average Nigerian.

Life in Nigeria is all about survival of the fittest for the average Nigerian, who has to face the good, the bad and the ugly.

As a Nigerian, you have to get used to frequent power outages. Almost every Nigerian can relate to this; when you have electricity supply for a three-day stretch, for instance, you are left wondering, “What’s going on?” and you start hoping that “they don’t decide to take it and not bring it for a while” as punishment for the unusual stretch.

The alarming hike in prices of many consumer goods is also a pressing issue for the average Nigerian. In fact, the cost of living in Nigeria is at an all time high. Rent, food, and imported goods tend to be the most expensive items, while local beer, and cigarettes are some of the cheapest.

Given the cost of living in Nigeria, income inequality in the country is high. That is to say, the immense wealth of a minority comes at the expense of the masses. Ultimately, the income inequality affects the cost and quality of life in Nigeria.

The reality of education in Nigeria, too, is less rosy. Due to underfunding and less than motivated staff, the state of many schools and the general quality of education are rather poor. Consequently, many wealthy Nigerian parents tend to send their children to schools abroad, in a bid to make sure they get quality education.

The health care sector is equally nothing to write home about. The frail health care system in Nigeria makes it rather difficult for people to receive the best medical care and it is no secret that Nigerians prefer to travel abroad for treatment rather than fix the ailing system. Accessing the government hospitals implies facing long, winding queues and an up-front payment before receiving treatment. However, there are a number of private hospitals with fully equipped facilities but the cost is exorbitant for the average Nigerian.

As far as safety is concerned, Nigeria has some serious problems. In recent times, there has been a spate of insecurities ranging from Boko Haram insurgence to kidnappings. Recent activities by militant terrorist group Boko Haram and bandits have made the country unsafe for everyone.

Corruption is prevalent in Nigeria. Corruption has tragically devastated the Nigerian economy. From the office of the President to the smallest administrative unit – corruption is everywhere. 

Corruption is illegal and a crime, yet it is woven deep into the fabric of everyday life everywhere in the country. The wands of currency notes slipped under the counter to speed up a traveller’s way through the customs; the tip given to the Police at checkpoints; the brown envelope given to lecturer’s by students to get a pass mark; the president and ex-presidents, including all political leaders living well beyond their declared assets etc are all evidence of corruption. It seems to be the lingua franca in the country

Notwithstanding the myraid challenges bedeviling Nigerians, Nigerians are wonderful and resilient people. We are hopeful of a better tomorrow…

Ezinwanne Onwuka writes from Cross River State and may be reached on ezinwanne.dominion@gmail.com.