Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has long been a land of immense resources, opportunities, and untapped potential. Yet, a troubling trend persists: foreigners arrive, establish empires, and thrive, while many Nigerians struggle to get by, often leaving for foreign lands to do menial jobs.

The Paradox

Why is it that a struggling individual from a foreign country can come to Nigeria, start a business, and prosper, while Nigerians themselves face barriers to success on their own soil?

• Foreigners Build Empires: Many Asians, Europeans, and even struggling migrants come to Nigeria and leverage its resources, business-friendly loopholes, and often, connections to build significant wealth. Industries like mining, construction, retail, and even manufacturing are dominated by foreigners.

• Nigerians Abroad Doing Menial Jobs: Contrarily, Nigerians, whether educated or not, are forced to migrate abroad in search of greener pastures, often taking up low-paying jobs in harsh conditions.

This imbalance begs the question: what are we missing as a people? Is it a lack of self-worth, systemic issues, or something deeper?

Foreign Exploitation of Nigerian Resources

From oil to solid minerals, foreigners have consistently tapped into Nigeria’s natural wealth. For instance:

1. Mining and Natural Resources: Foreign mining companies, especially from China and India, dominate Nigeria’s extractive sector. Communities see their land stripped of resources while little or no benefit trickles down to locals.

2. Retail and Business Sectors: Many Asian-owned businesses monopolize industries such as textiles and electronics, with Nigerians working as employees rather than partners or stakeholders.

The recent partnership between Nigeria and Brazil, as announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has raised eyebrows. While the potential benefits of international collaboration are promising, the concern is always whether Nigeria negotiates such agreements from a position of strength. Without proper structures, foreign investors end up profiting disproportionately, leaving Nigerians marginalized.

What Are We Doing Wrong?

1. Lack of Policy Enforcement: Nigeria’s policies around foreign investments often lack strict implementation, allowing foreigners to dominate sectors meant for locals.

2. Education and Skills Gap: Many Nigerians lack the skills or access to resources needed to compete in industries dominated by foreigners.

3. Poor Self-Worth and National Pride: There’s an underlying issue of Nigerians not valuing their own potential. Foreigners often succeed because they recognize opportunities Nigerians overlook or dismiss.

4. Corruption and Weak Governance: The ease with which foreigners establish businesses is sometimes tied to corruption, where regulations are bypassed for profit.

A Way Forward

To address this, Nigerians must:

1. Develop Stronger Policies: Enforce policies that prioritize local businesses and regulate foreign dominance in critical sectors.

2. Encourage Entrepreneurship: Invest in local talent and provide Nigerians with the tools, training, and funding to start their own businesses.

3. Promote National Pride: Shift the mindset of Nigerians to value their country’s potential, resources, and opportunities.

4. Leverage Global Best Practices: Learn from countries like China and India, where foreign businesses operate but under strict regulations ensuring local benefits.

Final Thoughts

Nigeria is a land of treasures natural resources, a booming population, and strategic positioning in Africa. Foreigners see this potential and capitalize on it, often at the expense of Nigerians. The question is: will we continue to watch from the sidelines as others thrive on our soil, or will we reclaim our narrative and make Nigeria a land where its people prosper first?

The choice is ours