On Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day, Nine Nigerians Share Their Dreams for the Nation

In 2021, Sakiru Adebayo, an assistant professor at the University of British Columbia, published an Op-Ed that distilled the often vague and evasive question of what constitutes the Nigerian dream. Adebayo argued, with striking conviction, that the Nigerian dream can be surmised into the ability to freely and easily live outside of Nigeria. The Nigerian dream, for many, is not found in Nigeria itself, but in the ability to evade the country’s many institutional difficulties.

“On the one hand, people leave because of their disillusionment with the Nigerian state. The collapse of public service, the rise of ethnocentric politics, and corruption have all contributed to a disintegration of the national ethos,” Adebayo writes in Africa Is A Country. 

Between the time the op-ed was published and now, when the country is turning 65, Adebayo’s thesis on the Nigerian dream has taken on a stronger hold. According to the Nigeria Immigration Service, more than 3.6 million people emigrated to other countries between January 2022 and September 2023. The ascendance of a new administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also left many still residing in the country grappling with a volatile economy, an undefined national identity, and a collective Nigerian dream that reflects the sordid socio-economic state of the country. 

In the early days, post-independence, the concept of the Nigerian dream was drawn from and centered around patriotism and a working administrative class. Experts have also linked the rise of ethnic profiling and conflicts to the rupturing of a national identity, and by extension, the possibility of conceptualizing and articulating a unified and progressive Nigerian dream.

But as Nigeria turns 65 today, OkayAfrica spoke to a few Nigerians about how they define the Nigerian dream, and also how they intend to spend Independence Day. Consisting mostly of young people who make up 70% of the country’s population, these respondents agree that the Nigerian dream remains closely tied to grander national problems more than personal aspirations. Many define the Nigerian dream as a working nation, where infrastructure is better and basic amenities are prioritized. Others define it as the ability to leave, to make a home in other, better-developed societies. Both answers link back to similar, primal issues.

And at the heart of their responses is the unspoken resolution that, in many ways, the Nigerian dream is still inchoate.

Taiwo Hassan, 25

I would describe the Nigerian dream right now as the chance to live in a country where basic necessities don't feel like a luxury. It's almost like these things got worse as I aged, and it's really sad that this is a constant reality that my friends and I continue to face as adults. It's funny because Independence Day and celebration are two parts that have never been in the same place for me. Honestly, I don't plan to celebrate this Independence Day because I don't see a reason to. It's going to be a regular day for me. I'm relieved that my 9-to-5 friends and family get some much-needed rest.

Ifeoluwa Olutayo, 25

The Nigerian dream is to be able to live in a country where the administration deeply cares and considers the people that they are serving. Everything stems from there for me; the possibilities widen. The dream for me is to live without the crushing weight of kakistocracy and unnecessary bureaucracy. [This Independence Day] I plan to go see a friend I have not seen in 10 months, and watch a film about Nigerian music legends, Faaji Agba.

Tochukwu Obinna Igboko, 25 

Some say [the Nigerian dream is] to Japa (a Nigerian word used to describe Nigeria’s ongoing mass migration). The Nigerian dream is a pursuit of stability. It’s the hope that no matter where you start, you can build a better life, support your family, and make a name for yourself (home or abroad).

Uchenna Nnabugwu, 26

The Nigerian Dream would be to move freely and sleep peacefully without worrying about insecurity, and to live in a country where basic human rights are respected and systems are functioning. This Independence Day, I plan to celebrate by doing the things I love most, reading and watching series. I’m currently enjoying a collection of stories called How To Get Rid Of Ants by Jesutomisin Ipinmoye, a Nigerian author, and also watching The Girlfriend on Prime, while trying not to dwell too much on the state of the country.

Rabi Madaki, 23

The Nigerian dream means being special or privileged enough to evade the dank everyday reality of most people. It means having the choice of not choosing Nigeria and clinging to a delusion that Nigeria will certainly be different for you because you are special. [This Independence Day consists of] event hopping and raving with friends. Not celebrating Nigeria's independence but basking in the freebies that come with Independence Day as one of the few times I can enjoy adulthood without being saddled with the crazy cost of fun. Thank you, Nigeria.

Temitayo Ayorinde, 33 years old

[The Nigerian dream means] being able to survive day to day till you eventually become a billionaire. It’s a dream for a reason. 

Somto Ajuluchukwu, 34

The Nigerian Dream is turning struggle into strength and hustle into legacy, while building a future that carries our authentic stories forward, looking beyond the stereotypes. Freedom to dream without borders or boundaries. Early retirement. [This Independence Day, I plan on] shooting a Virtual Reality film with Made Kuti and my amazing crew.

Hannatu Asheolge, 26

The Nigerian dream is to not die. But seriously, it’s really to make enough money to insulate yourself and loved ones from all the problems Nigeria throws at you. To what extent you can, because you can’t 100% insulate yourself. [For Independence Day] ⁠I plan on staying home and resting. Thankfully, it’s a public holiday, which is probably the best thing Nigeria has given me. However, now I’m forced to be in a cafe for an unplanned brunch and to charge my phone because I haven’t had power since yesterday. All my devices were dead.