Bayode
By; Steve Bayode
In today’s digital landscape, blogging, vlogging, streaming, and content creation have emerged as lucrative professions. Many individuals are cashing in on these opportunities, particularly those who tap into Nigeria’s vibrant online space—arguably the largest in Africa and a significant player on the global stage.
Nigeria boasts a remarkable online presence, with millions of its citizens actively engaging on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram. This dominance is unmatched by any other African country. Non-Nigerians who post positively about Nigeria often find their content going viral almost instantly, showcasing the immense potential for engagement within this community.
Savvy bloggers from across Africa are increasingly recognising this phenomenon and are tailoring their content to appeal to Nigerian audiences. By doing so, they can attract a significant following and drive engagement through likes, comments, and shares.
Currently, Nigeria stands out as the only African nation with such vast online numbers, reaching into the millions. From university students showcasing their talents on TikTok to professionals sharing insights on pressing national and international issues, the diversity of content is vast. In the realms of fashion, entertainment, and politics, Nigerians are making their voices heard, whether discussing the upcoming 2027 presidential election on Facebook or promoting their businesses on Instagram.
Nigerians are a formidable force online, and any foreigner who dares to speak negatively about the country often faces swift backlash. Criticism can lead to a flood of responses, with many choosing to apologise or retreat from the platform altogether. This collective spirit of camaraderie among Nigerians is striking, as they unite to defend their nation at the slightest provocation.
However, it’s important to note that while Nigerians may engage in heated debates over political, ethnic, and religious issues among themselves, they are particularly sensitive to negative portrayals from outsiders. This jingoistic fervour often raises eyebrows internationally, with many viewing it as a manifestation of Nigeria’s desire to be recognised as Africa’s dominant force.
Despite these passionate displays of nationalism, Nigerians are also known for their warmth and hospitality, frequently welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds on social media. Foreign visitors who explore Nigeria often return with positive stories, challenging the negative narratives perpetuated by their country’s mainstream media. They share experiences of vibrant cities like Lagos, hailed as Africa’s biggest tech hub, and the beauty of Abuja, often referring to it as one of the most stunning cities in the world.
Besides football, which unites everyone in support, Nigeria’s online presence is one other unifying force that brings the nation together. Nigerians from all walks of life, from university students to corporate professionals, and from the fashion industry to the entertainment world, are all actively engaged online, showcasing their talents, products, and services.
To leverage Nigeria’s online influence for positive change, there is a pressing need for the country to harness its digital presence. By promoting a positive image of Nigeria, local and foreign content creators can help reshape the narrative surrounding the country’s image to the world.
Foreigners who benefit from Nigeria’s goodwill by creating content should be encouraged to act as ambassadors, sharing positive stories and experiences in exchange for continued support from the Nigerian online community. Nigerians can collectively decide to unfollow or disengage from platforms that propagate negativity about their country, sending a strong message about the importance of respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
As more foreign nationals seek to engage with Nigeria for tourism and content creation, it is essential to encourage them to contribute positively. While many foreign vloggers have refrained from negative commentary, they must recognise the impact of their words and the responsibility that comes with their platform.
The foreign mainstream media’s often unfavourable portrayal of Nigeria is being countered by individual bloggers and YouTubers from their countries who visit Nigeria and share their authentic experiences. This grassroots movement can significantly influence how Nigeria is viewed globally, and we must capitalise on this momentum.
Recommendations;
Nigeria’s online strength should be harnessed to cultivate a positive image that fosters economic growth and development. To achieve this, the Nigerian online community must unite to form an association dedicated to promoting constructive narratives about the country. This group can encourage positive commentary and hold individuals accountable for spreading negativity.
The association’s rules of engagement should clearly outline consequences for those—especially foreigners—who fail to adhere to guidelines that promote respect for Nigeria. A collective decision to unfollow or disengage from platforms that share negative portrayals will reinforce the importance of maintaining a positive image.
This new online community is not just about protecting Nigeria’s reputation; it is also about safeguarding the interests of individuals who travel and do business abroad. The stigma associated with Nigeria’s green passport can be mitigated through a concerted effort to present a unified, positive narrative.
Nigeria’s online presence offers a unique opportunity for the country to project a positive image to the world. By leveraging this digital dominance, Nigeria can rewrite its narrative and showcase its beauty, resilience, and hospitality to the world if well harnessed.
By collaborating to share our true story, It’s time to take control of our narrative and show the world the true beauty and potential of Nigerian as a welcoming, hardworking, and vibrant people, we can reshape perceptions and counteract the negative narratives that have historically plagued our nation. Together, we can rewrite the script and project a positive image of Nigeria to the world, asserting our rightful place as the giant of Africa.
