What Happened to Nigeria’s Smile?
Jerry Adeswo
Once upon a time, Nigeria was the happiest nation on Earth. Yes, you read that right. Despite the chaos, the corruption, the insecurity, and the constant power outages, Nigerians were somehow smiling their way through life, in what the legendary Afobeat Maestro, Fela Anikulapo described as ‘Suffering and Smiling”.
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Then come 2025, and Nigeria is conspicuously absent from the World Happuness Report, a list dominated by the usual suspects: Finland, Denmark, and other Scandinavian countries where people apparently live in perpetual bliss, surrounded by snow, free healthcare, and functional governments.
So, what happened? Where did Nigeria’s happiness go? Did it disappear with the Naira’s value, or was it stolen along with our electricity? Let’s dive into the possible reasons for Nigeria’s sudden disappearance from the happiness rankings.
1. The Great Naira Vanishing Act
Back in the days, we could boast about our currency’s strength. An economy ticket from Abuja to London would cost only N157,000. Today, the Naira is performing a disappearing act that would make Houdini proud. With inflation skyrocketing and the exchange rate making everyone’s wallets cry, it’s hard to be happy when your money can’t even buy you a decent meal.
Imagine waking up, check the exchange rate, and realise your life savings can’t even buy you a cup of tea. Suddenly, happiness will feel like a luxury only Scandinavians can afford.
2. The Power of Darkness
Nigeria’s electricity situation is a national tragedy wrapped in a comedy. We have become so used to power outages that we have started calling them “light off” parties. But let’s be real: it is hard to be happy when your generator is your best friend and your electricity bill is your worst enemy. Mine is outrageous, sitting in the range of N40,000 to N60,000 per month.
Meanwhile, in Scandinavia, people are enjoying 24/7 electricity, renewable energy, and the luxury of not knowing what an I-Pass-My-Naigbour generator sounds like. No wonder they are happy. They have never had to fan themselves to sleep during a heatwave.
3. The Traffic Apocalypse
Lagos and Nyanyan (Abuja) traffic is a special kind of hell. Spending hours in gridlock, inhaling exhaust fumes, and dodging danfo drivers who think they are in a Fast & Furious movie is enough to drain anyone’s happiness.
In Scandinavia, people ride bicycles through picturesque streets, breathing fresh air and waving at each other like they’re in a Disney movie. Meanwhile, Nigerians are stuck in traffic, praying for divine intervention and wondering why they didn’t just stay home.
4. The Unemployment Epidemic
Nigeria’s unemployment rate is so high it’s practically a mountain. Millions of young people are roaming the streets with degrees they can’t use, dreams they can’t achieve, and parents who keep asking, “When are you going to get a job?” I watched in the news recently, agitation by PENGASSAN, accusing an organisation of keeping 10,000 Indian workers at the detriment of local artisans. And you want those ones to be happy?
In Scandinavia, unemployment is so low it’s practically a myth. People there have jobs, benefits, and the luxury of not worrying about how to pay their bills. No wonder they are happy. They have never had to explain to their parents why they’re still “job hunting” after five years. In fact, they chose not to work if they don’t want to work.
5. The Insecurity Inferno
Ah, insecurity—the ultimate joy killer. In Nigeria, the safety of lives and properties is as mythical as a unicorn. From bandits in the North to kidnappers in the South, Nigerians are constantly looking over their shoulders, wondering if today will be the day they become a statistic.
In Scandinavia, people leave their doors unlocked and their bikes unattended. They don’t even know what a “one chance” bus is. Meanwhile, Nigerians are perfecting the art of looking poor to avoid being kidnapped. It’s hard to be happy when you’re constantly worried about your safety. And what about our roads? Death traps, that’s what they are. You are left to choose between flying to Lagos at a cost that once bought you a return ticket to London or plying the roads at the risk of your life.
6. The Corruption Conundrum
Let’s not forget the elephant in the room: corruption. In Nigeria, corruption is so rampant it’s practically a national sport. From politicians embezzling funds to police officers demanding bribes. What about the daylight robbery by the banks, telecoms and electricity distributors, it is hard to be happy when you’re constantly being robbed.
In Scandinavia, corruption is so rare it’s practically a unicorn. People there trust their governments, pay their taxes, and actually get something in return. Meanwhile, Nigerians are busy dodging potholes and wondering where all the road maintenance funds went.
7. The Social Media Effect
Let’s face it: social media has ruined happiness for everyone. Nigerians used to be blissfully unaware of how bad things were until Instagram and Twitter came along. Now, we are constantly bombarded with images of Scandinavians living their best lives—skiing, eating organic food, and enjoying free education.
Meanwhile, Nigerians are scrolling through their feeds, wondering why their lives don’t look like a Scandinavian postcard. It’s hard to be happy when your reality is a constant reminder of what you don’t have.
Can Nigeria Regain Its Smile?
So, what’s the solution? Should we all move to Scandinavia and start wearing woolly sweaters? Or should we stay in Nigeria and try to fix the mess we’re in?
The truth is, happiness is a state of mind. Nigerians have always been resilient, finding joy in the little things—like a plate of jollof rice, a good laugh with friends, or the rare moment when the power stays on for more than an hour.
Maybe we don’t need to be on some happiness list to know we’re happy. Maybe we just need to remember what makes us smile, even in the face of adversity.
As the saying goes, “Happiness is not a destination; it’s a journey.” And for Nigerians, that journey is filled with potholes, power outages, insecurity, and plenty of laughter. So, let’s keep smiling—even if the World Happiness Report doesn’t notice.