As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, here are 10 things that continue to make the country fascinating and attractive to people from around the world.
Nigeria is not always an easy country to explain to someone who has never been here.
It is loud, colourful, ambitious, sometimes chaotic and full of contradictions. Yet, for millions of people who visit, work, study, invest or build relationships here, there is something about Nigeria that keeps drawing them back.
From its culture and food to its people, business opportunities and creative energy, Nigeria has plenty to offer the world.
As the country celebrates 66 years of independence, here are 10 things that make Nigeria attractive to foreigners.
1. The warmth of its people
Ask many foreigners what they remember most about Nigeria and chances are the people will come up.
Nigerians are generally known for being warm, expressive and welcoming. There is often a willingness to help a visitor find their way, recommend a restaurant, explain local customs or simply strike up a conversation.
The famous Nigerian hospitality can turn a stranger into a friend rather quickly.
2. Its rich and diverse culture
Nigeria is home to more than 250 ethnic groups and hundreds of languages, each with its own traditions, food, music, fashion and stories.
From Yoruba festivals in the South West to Igbo cultural celebrations in the South East and Hausa traditions in the North, Nigeria offers an enormous cultural landscape for anyone interested in discovering something different.
For foreigners, experiencing this diversity can be one of the most memorable parts of being in Nigeria.
3. Nigerian food
Jollof rice alone has introduced many people around the world to Nigerian cuisine.
But there is much more to Nigerian food than jollof.
There is pounded yam and egusi soup, suya, moi moi, akara, pepper soup, ofada rice, nkwobi, yam porridge, efo riro and countless regional dishes.
Nigerian food is bold, spicy and deeply connected to culture. For many foreigners, discovering the food becomes part of discovering Nigeria itself.
4. Afrobeats and Nigerian music
Nigeria has become one of the biggest forces in global music.
Artists such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Tems and Tiwa Savage have taken Nigerian sounds to audiences far beyond Africa.
For foreigners, Nigerian music offers an entry point into the country’s culture, language and lifestyle. Lagos nightlife, music festivals and concerts have also become attractions in their own right.
Nigeria does not simply consume global pop culture. It creates culture that the world wants to consume.
5. Nollywood
Nigeria’s film industry has built a global audience and continues to tell African stories in its own distinctive way.
Nollywood films are watched across Africa and by Nigerians and Africans living in different parts of the world. Streaming platforms have also helped Nigerian filmmakers reach audiences who may never have visited the country.
For foreigners, Nollywood provides a window into Nigerian relationships, family life, humour, traditions and everyday experiences.
6. Business and entrepreneurial energy
Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest economies and has a huge consumer market.
Beyond the statistics, however, what often stands out is the entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians.
From technology startups and fashion businesses to food brands, financial services, logistics and creative enterprises, Nigerians are constantly finding ways to build businesses and solve problems.
That energy attracts foreigners looking for partnerships, investment opportunities, talent and access to one of Africa’s largest markets.
7. The creative industry
Nigeria’s creative economy stretches far beyond music and film.
Fashion, photography, literature, comedy, visual arts, beauty, content creation and digital media are all thriving parts of the country’s creative ecosystem.
Lagos in particular has become a major meeting point for creatives, brands and cultural organisations from across Africa and beyond.
For foreigners working in the creative industries, Nigeria can be an exciting place to collaborate, learn and discover new talent.
8. Its natural beauty
Nigeria’s cities may get much of the international attention, but the country has plenty of natural attractions.
There are beaches, waterfalls, hills, forests, national parks and diverse landscapes across the country.
Places such as Obudu, Erin Ijesha, Yankari, Idanre Hills and the beaches of Lagos offer very different experiences.
For visitors willing to explore beyond the major cities, Nigeria has many beautiful places waiting to be discovered.
9. The energy of Lagos
There is simply no mistaking Lagos.
It is fast paced, ambitious, creative and constantly moving. The city can be overwhelming, but it can also be incredibly exciting.
Lagos brings together entrepreneurs, artists, professionals, investors, students and visitors from different parts of Nigeria and the world.
From the beaches and restaurants to art galleries, concerts, fashion events and nightlife, there is always something happening.
For many foreigners, experiencing Lagos is experiencing a very particular side of Nigeria: energetic, unpredictable and full of possibilities.
10. The feeling of possibility
Perhaps one of Nigeria’s biggest attractions is something that is difficult to measure.
It is the sense that there is still so much to build.
Nigeria has a young population, a huge market, a growing technology and creative ecosystem and people who are constantly creating new ideas and businesses.
For foreigners, this can mean opportunities to work, invest, collaborate, study, travel or simply experience a country that is changing rapidly.
Nigeria at 66
Nigeria’s 66 years of independence have come with achievements, challenges, disappointments and plenty of lessons.
But beyond the headlines, Nigeria remains a country with enormous cultural richness, human talent and creative energy.
For the foreigner who comes with an open mind, Nigeria can offer new friendships, new experiences, new business relationships and a different way of seeing the world.
And perhaps that is one of the things that makes Nigeria special.
Happy 66th Independence Day, Nigeria.