As a foreigner, what is that first thing that comes to mind when you hear Nigeria?
I bet it is the Nigerian Prince advance fee fraud. These are internet scams where the victims are promised large sums of money if they can send "facilitation fees" to help release the said phantom sum.
Nigeria is a country located in West Africa with a population of 190 million plus citizens ( based on the latest UN estimates).
It is the most populous black nation.
But Nigeria is home to more than internet fraudsters who are not even up to 0.01% of the population.
They are home to the most hardworking, happy, resourceful, and resilient people who thrives in the midst of the harsh economy and aloof government, to make an honest living like every where in the world.
The country gave us the author of Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe, whose work had sold millions and translated into more than 50 languages.
There are other noteworthy individuals, who excelled in their career niche, worth mentioning but it will make this a rather long read.
Nigeria is the land of opportunity. It is pretty much a virgin market with capacity for many business ideas. If you have a brilliant idea and the funding, you will make so much money in Nigeria. Why? There are over 190 million people and a large informal market of consumers.
If you identify the right market segment and establish a business, your profit margin will go through the roof. For instance, at the advent of mobile phones in the country, a South African company, MTN, came into the country as one of the first foreign investors. It is said that the company makes more profits from Nigeria are higher than its home country.
That being said, stereotyping a whole country because of activities of minute fraudsters doesn't sound like such a great idea.
Thoughts on Nigeria?
Feel free to drop me a comment