Nigeria Cannot Be Built in A Day!

Just because the Nigerian economy is growing at more than 7% does not automatically translate into a lavish lifestyle for all citizens. Just like any other country, the rich will always profit the most and the larger population will remain poor. Keeping citizens out of poverty is an issue all countries deal with.  Journalism of this caliber negates the challenges that all societies face in dealing with issues surrounding poverty. Profiling a subsistence farmer in Nigeria only works to dispel any kind of argument offered in this report. For the reality is that when you are a subsistence farmer, any changes in your income or wealth are affected more by weather patterns than the price of oil. Subsistence farmers typically only produce enough for their consumption and sell a minimal part of their produce. In this scenario, and realistically the only way for her to benefit from the oil in Nigeria is through western style government welfare but I have never known anyone to get rich from welfare. 


I do believe citizens can expect to benefit from the wealth in their country such as is happening in Botswana however let us keep expectations realistic. All Nigerians will not become rich tomorrow just like Americans still live in poverty even in the richest country. In China, the economy continues to grow in leaps and bounds but the gap between rich and poor continues to grow. I do not condone corruption which is a big factor in Nigeria but I caution biased reporting like the one displayed by CNN.