My Google Alerts picked up this deeply racist but useful article written by a Nigerian about the plight of Nigerians living in Liberia. The article is from The Punch, which claims to be “Nigeria’s most widely read newspaper.” I have never heard of this paper and I lived in Nigeria for three months. So take this article for what it’s worth.
Here are some of the more provocative passages:
Unfortunately, Liberians, though nice people, do not have a working culture that can compare with that of Nigerians, and do not know how to translate their God-given lands into riches. They depend 100 per cent on the importation of all consumables, especially their staple food, rice. Above all, they love to eat rice, relax, and party. [I physically cringed as I read this.]
…[T]he president, Nigeria/Liberia Trade Development Forum, Mr. Samuel Famakinwa, told journalists that their businesses in Liberia were seriously suffering as Nigerian products were regarded as “no go area,” except such were given out free to Liberians. He said, “It has not been rosy here and we don‘t know why our government cannot do anything for us here. While most Liberians are still living in Nigeria, Liberians have sworn never to allow a Nigerian have land, build house or trade on their soil. Their government is aware of this. They just want us out.” [I don't think this is true. According to the constitution if you are of "Negroe descent" you are allowed to own property. A Nigerian should have no legal problem acquiring land. Also, the government does not want the Lebanese out of the country. The Nigerians are much less threatening, so I see no reason why there would be a systematic effort to get them to leave.]
Yusuf, while addressing the Nigerian community in Liberia three weeks ago said, “Liberians are nice and easy going people. But you have to realise that coming out of 14 years of civil war, the people still have a war mentality. They also have this mentality that most things have to be provided for them. But, unfortunately, most Nigerians get involved in drugs and other fraudulent things that are against the law of their land. If you want to live here peacefully, you must learn to do things honestly, even if you are selling pure water.”
Recounting his experience in Liberia, the Nigerian Contingent Commander, Brig.-Gen. Ezekiel Olofin said, ”Liberians have lived like this for centuries. America, in a way, spoilt them with the importation of everything to them. So, they believe that they do not have to work for anything. It was their way of life before the war and it is very difficult to tell them now to start fending for themselves.
To Adigun, it is more of harnessing the opportunities that abound in Liberia than the perceived hatred. He said, ”The other challenge here is that Nigerians cannot compete with other nationals like the Lebanese, in terms of commerce. What most Nigerians do is informal trading. “We have to talk to them because there are so many opportunities here. I believe that this is the best time to invest because other nationals are taking advantage of what we suffered for. If we don‘t do it now, it might be too late later.”
Shelby, I read this in disbelief. I understand the historical facts behind the Nigerian lead ECOMOG activities in the 1990s, their exploitation of resources here, and their continued nefarious activities…not just those that came here for business, but also those wearing the blue berets. Each country has its deadbeats, from America to Nigeria to Liberia…but the stereotypes in the article are ignorantly painted. I wonder what the public backlash will be in Liberia, IF the article is republished in the local press.
Shelby,
What a shame that someone would write such a lopsided article. You’re right. I know several Nigerian families who settled in Liberia over many years. They are legally allowed to own land and property but also have become prominent citizens of Liberia. Are we given such a chance in Nigeria? As the saying goes, he who lives in glass houses should not throw stones. Nigerians know what type of widely-held negative reputations they have around the world. Shouldn’t we all just get along?
You've never heard of "The Punch Newspapers" that is widely read by millions of Nigerians and across West Africa and you have the audacity to make not-so-subtle implications that Nigerians have a skewed mindset on your "well read" blog ? When we spent our blood and resources to save Liberia and Sierra Leone, where were the attention seeking Americans (who came at the last moment to claim their stake) while Nigerians absorbed the insults of the world to take Charles Taylor as an asylum seeker to prevent the blood of Monrovians in 2003 and left without imposing themselves like your country did in Iraq and plans do across Africa through AFRICOM? You did not LIVE in Nigeria for a month, you VISITED and made your assumptions from the beer parlors in Abuja with other expatriates and I guess such "EXPERIENCE" qualifies an American to undertake a PhD. program. There are many words to describe your outlook on Nigeria, all I can say is : SHAME ON YOU AND THE AMERICAN MENTAL PERSPECTIVE !