The Double Standard in Diaspora Thinking: A Call for Honest Reflection


 Nigeria, with a population exceeding 200 million, is a land of rich potential, vibrant culture, and untapped resources. Yet, the country continues to be plagued by political instability, corruption, and infrastructural decay. These challenges have pushed many Nigerians—particularly the educated and middle-class—to seek better opportunities abroad. It’s often said that the biggest sign of a nation's failure is in its brain drain. But we must not lose sight of a critical truth: the Nigerians who have left represent a small fraction of the population. The majority still remain, enduring the same systemic issues with no escape route.

In Canada, and other Western nations, members of the Nigerian diaspora often point to the exodus as proof that “Nigeria is not working.” They cite failing institutions, lack of security, and economic hardship as justification. Ironically, many of these same individuals, when faced with criticisms of their adopted countries, are quick to dismiss them as isolated complaints. When Canadians voice concerns about affordability, systemic racism, or growing income inequality, these issues are brushed aside as the grievances of a few.

This contradiction raises important questions: Why is a minority’s experience seen as proof of failure in Nigeria, but not in Canada? Why is the Nigerian system judged by its worst outcomes, while Western systems are given the benefit of the doubt?

This double standard reflects a deeper issue—a form of internalized inferiority. Many in the diaspora have come to equate Western systems with perfection and African systems with dysfunction. But reality is more nuanced. No nation is perfect. Canada has its fair share of problems: housing crises, healthcare backlogs, Indigenous rights violations, and more. Yet, these are seen as challenges to be solved, not proof of national failure.

Nigeria’s challenges are real. But so is its potential. Condemning the entire nation based on the actions of a minority—whether those fleeing or those corrupting the system—is not only simplistic, it’s harmful. It breeds hopelessness, discourages investment, and alienates those working tirelessly to build a better future back home.

Likewise, glorifying the West while ignoring its imperfections serves no one. True patriotism—whether to Nigeria or to Canada—requires honesty. It demands that we see both the strengths and the flaws of our countries, and work to make them better, rather than hiding behind selective outrage.

For the Nigerian in Canada, it’s time to embrace a more balanced narrative. Recognize the progress being made in Nigeria, even if slow. Support grassroots change. Uplift the voices of those still building, innovating, and believing. And when analyzing both Nigeria and Canada, let’s apply the same lens—one of fairness, not of bias, because only then can we claim to be truly informed citizens of both our homeland and our adopted nation.


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