Recently there has been an epic growth in the tech space in Nigeria. We have seen massive developments in tech hubs and developers springing up left, right and center. However, the country's poor infrastructure, economic hardship, the alleged harassment of youths by the authorities in the country has led to the young talents looking for ways out of the country.
I made a poll recently about this and the response was overwhelmingly in the favor of leaving the country. How will this affect the growth of tech in your opinion? Will it be a case of the ones who left coming back to make a better place or just how will it play out eventually?
P.S: You don't have to be Nigerian to comment
Top comments (6)
Well this is true, but at some point we will get tired of running, we all can't run some of us have to stay and build the tech ecosystem irrespective of the negative factors
I don't think that is correct to say you get tired of running, maybe you are tired of seeing those around you run, but consider that they are running to most likely a better future you should be happy for them. Now if you are constantly running then something is really wrong and maybe the drug tech industry (just as example) is not a good fit.
Negative factors affect people different and what one considers everyday life such as township murders others would find absolutely horrific and not hesitate to get out. Those that stay and still are able to maintain a good quality of life by contributing to their own and communities betterment they are in my opinion stronger people, but staying when you have no need to (including my disregard for things such as family and any emotional reasoning) I think is either them being scared of leaving or a case of stockholm syndrome.
Personally I think that if you are able to identify that your situation is negative and will remain so, especially when it comes to matters that actually affect your livelihood and life you should move on as fast as possible. There is no place for being "patriotic" or - frankly I can't find the word - have any allegiance to places, communities, people in general and even times those strangers you are forced to grow up with you call family.
In the case of nigeria's growth those who are at the top (big boys) are not so affected, those who are innovating (self-starters) have not gotten to the point they can leave yet and those who have left are better for having suffered to get where they are.
As with most countries including this piece of shit South Africa I think it is best if anyone that is capable to live in a better country rather contribute to that countries growth and leave the old ones masses and governments to just cannibalize themselves.
I think the boom of tech in Nigeria is inspiring. It's really infuriating to know that those trying to help the country grow and improve are being harassed and that I am sure is super discouraging. I hope they stay though. I hope they continue to keep growing that community over there. It's so important.
Everyone wants to leave, sadly including myself. This impedes the growth of tech simply because amidst the unfriendly environment, you know the drill: lack of power, cost of internet data etc, we still try to survive.
Place these people in a favorable environment where you get the value of what is paid for and have constant power supply, imagine the wonders and potentials these people will unlock.
Everyone leaving will affect the growth negatively, but the question remains that if we all leave, who will fix these issues?
Who will solve this power problem once and for all, provide top notch internet data at affordable prices, and make the environment safe and serene to allow us work and be better?
The chances of anyone leaving to come back and make substantial improvement is really slim. So we should not bank on that at all.
In my opinion, eventually the change-makers will be the ones who had had it with the system and are really passionate to make the environs better for all to grow.
Great point. Would love to see a piece that shows what's really going on there from someone who lives there and that inspires people to do something about it.
Really a good ?
& I agree with nedy.
Theres a point when you get tired or well you just can't run anymore.
P.S. The "Leaving" response, I have to say, doesn't surprise me. -_-