By
Nze David N. Ugwu
A Nation in Search of Itself
Across the world, nations are held together not only by borders, constitutions, or governments, but by an invisible glue—national pride—a feeling that citizens share a common identity, common destiny, and collective ownership of their nation’s achievements and failures. It is the emotional engine that drives patriotism, sacrifice, dignity, and national unity.
But in Nigeria today, one question begs for honest interrogation:
Has Nigeria lost its sense of national pride?
Ask an average Nigerian, and you are likely to get a sigh, a shrug, or a bitter laugh. Once upon a time, Nigerians carried the green passport with pride. Once upon a time, Nigerians believed passionately in the future of their country. Once upon a time, being Nigerian was a badge of honour, confidence, and possibility.
Today, the national mood feels different—almost inverted. From airports to embassies, from social media to daily conversations, from politics to even sports, Nigeria seems plagued by a deep collapse of national self-belief.
This article explores what national pride truly means, why it thrives in other nations, the forces that have eroded it in Nigeria, the dangers of losing it, and—critically—how Nigeria can rebuild this vital national asset.
What Is National Pride? Lessons from Countries That Guard It Fiercely
National pride is more than merely loving one’s country. It is a multi-layered psychological and cultural construct made up of:
- Emotional attachment to the homeland
- Trust in national institutions
- Confidence in national identity and achievements
- A sense of belonging, inclusion, and shared future
- A belief that citizens and leaders protect the image of the country
National pride is not about propaganda, forced loyalty, or blind patriotism. It is built when citizens genuinely feel that:
- Their nation treats them with dignity.
- Their leaders represent them with honour.
- Their institutions are fair, functional, and trustworthy.
- Their country projects strength, competence, and responsibility globally.
- They are safe and valued at home.
How Other Nations Built Strong National Pride
Japan
Japan’s national pride is rooted in discipline, cultural preservation, innovation, and collective responsibility. The Japanese bow to the flag during sports events and apologise publicly for national embarrassment.
United States
American pride is built through civic education, national symbolism, global leadership, and competitive institutions. Even in disagreement, the American identity is fiercely defended.
China
China’s pride is anchored in economic performance, national sovereignty, and cultural revival. Citizens celebrate national accomplishments as collective victories.
Ghana and Rwanda (African examples)
These smaller African states project strong national pride through political stability, cleanliness, tourism identity, and deliberate rebranding.
These nations, though imperfect, have something in common: they give their citizens reasons to believe.
The Erosion of National Pride in Nigeria: A Hard Look at the Causes
Nigeria’s diminishing national pride did not happen overnight. It is the cumulative effect of decades of social, political, economic, and psychological deterioration. The following factors stand out:
Governance Failures and Institutional Breakdown
Repeated leadership failures have eroded trust. When institutions—from police to power, education to elections—fail consistently, citizens detach emotionally from the state.
A nation cannot expect patriotism when its institutions are collapsing.
Economic Hardship and Loss of Hope
Unemployment, inflation, declining purchasing power, and poverty have created despair. People cannot take pride in a nation where survival is a daily battle.
Insecurity and the Normalization of Violence
Banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, farmer-herder conflicts, and urban crime have redefined the Nigerian landscape. National pride cannot flourish in a climate of fear.
Corruption and the Culture of Impunity
When corruption is normalized and public office becomes a profiteering venture, national pride evaporates. Citizens see governance as a pipeline for self-enrichment, not service.
Poor Global Image and the Passport Problem
Nigerians face suspicion at foreign airports, visa restrictions, and at times outright discrimination. For many, this humiliation translates into shame rather than national pride.
Ethnic and Religious Polarization
Deep divisions have fragmented national identity. Many Nigerians feel more loyalty to tribe, region, or religious affiliation than to the nation.
The Exodus of the Talented (Japa Syndrome)
The massive emigration of young professionals signals a loss of faith in the country’s future. When the best minds flee, national pride plummets.
Leadership Disconnect and Political Cynicism
Nigerians increasingly believe that political leaders are disconnected from their struggles. When leadership fails to inspire or reflect national values, citizens retreat emotionally.
Weak Cultural Preservation
Young Nigerians grow up learning about foreign heroes, foreign histories, and foreign systems, while their own national narratives are thin or contested.
The result?
A nation that is geographically united but psychologically fractured.
What Happens When a Country Loses National Pride?
A collapse of national pride has severe consequences for any country—and Nigeria is already experiencing many of them:
Citizens Stop Believing in the Nation
Without pride, people stop investing emotionally or economically in their country.
Patriotism Declines
Citizens lose the will to defend, protect, or contribute to national development.
The military suffers morale issues; civic responsibility collapses.
Brain Drain Intensifies
People are eager to leave because they see no future worth staying for.
Public Trust Deteriorates
Every institution becomes suspect. Conspiracy thrives. Cynicism dominates.
National Conversations Become Toxic
Public discourse is filled with bitterness, anger, and pessimism. Social media becomes a battlefield.
Reputational Damage
The nation becomes associated with insecurity, corruption, and disorder. Investors hesitate, tourists avoid, and partners tread carefully.
A Weak Sense of Citizenship
Citizens obey laws reluctantly, dodge responsibilities, evade taxes, and lose faith in public service.
Political Instability
Low national pride breeds alienation, protests, separatist agitations, and rising anti-state sentiments.
In short, a nation without pride becomes a nation without cohesion or direction.
Why National Pride Still Matters in the 21st Century
In the modern world, national pride is more important than ever. Nations compete on the strength of their identity as much as on their GDP. Pride shapes:
National Unity
A shared identity reduces conflict and makes collaboration easier.
National Resilience
Countries with strong pride bounce back faster from crises.
Economic Growth
Citizens proud of their country invest in it. Investors are attracted to stable, confident nations.
Political Stability
People are more likely to support democratic institutions when they trust their nation.
Global Influence
Nations with strong identity project greater soft power globally.
Social Harmony
People treat one another with dignity when they see themselves as members of a common national family.
Youth Motivation
A proud youth population becomes innovative, ambitious, and patriotic.
Even in a globalized world, national pride remains essential for internal cohesion and external strength.
How Nigeria Can Rebuild National Pride: A Strategic Roadmap
Rebuilding national pride is not a ceremonial task. It requires systemic reforms, deliberate policies, and symbolic actions that communicate change. Nigeria can rebuild national pride through the following pillars:
Competent and Responsible Leadership
National pride rises when leaders embody national values—integrity, competence, and service. Leadership must demonstrate accountability and ethical governance.
Rebuilding Institutions
A country cannot take pride in failing institutions. Police, courts, schools, hospitals, and transport systems must work with efficiency and dignity
.
National Re-orientation and Value Rebirth
Nigeria requires a new national ethos focused on honesty, discipline, meritocracy, and unity. A modern version of MAMSER or WAI—adapted for today—could help.
Education Reform and Civic Literacy
Schools must teach history, ethics, national symbols, and civic responsibilities. Students should learn what it means to be Nigerian beyond passports and flags.
Celebrating Excellence and National Achievements
Nigeria must highlight successes in sports, science, arts, innovation, and entrepreneurship. When citizens see national victories, they feel national pride.
Tackling Corruption Decisively
Corruption is the single greatest destroyer of trust. A sincere, transparent anti-corruption strategy will rebuild citizens’ faith.
Addressing Insecurity with Smart and Courageous Policies
A secure nation is a proud nation. Nigeria must modernize security forces, strengthen intelligence, and tackle root causes of violence.
Projecting a Positive Global Image
Through diplomacy, cultural exports, Nollywood, sports, and technology, Nigeria can reshape its global identity.
Inclusive Governance
All ethnic, religious, and regional groups must feel seen and valued. National pride cannot thrive where some feel excluded.
National Symbols Modernization
Currency design, passports, national holidays, and monuments should reflect a modern, energetic Nigeria.
Diaspora Engagement
The global Nigerian population is a valuable asset. If engaged productively, they can become ambassadors of national pride.
Economic Stabilization and Growth
A nation with a rising economy naturally commands pride. Job creation and economic dignity are essential.
Rebuilding national pride is possible—but it requires sincerity, courage, and partnership between leaders and citizens.
Nigeria Can Rise Again—But Only If Nigerians Believe Again
Every nation faces moments of crisis. What separates nations that rise from those that crumble is the strength of their collective belief in themselves.
Nigeria today is navigating a period of unprecedented doubt—a crisis of national confidence.
But nations are not defined by their darkest moments; they are defined by how they emerge from them.
Nigeria remains a country of extraordinary potential—rich culture, resilient people, strategic location, youthful population, global influence, and unmatched creativity. The problem is not lack of potential; it is lack of pride, lack of trust, and lack of shared identity.
The question “Has Nigeria lost its sense of national pride?” is not merely academic. It is a warning bell. A nation that loses pride loses unity; a nation that loses unity loses strength; and a nation that loses strength loses direction.
Rebuilding national pride is not optional; it is essential. It is time for leaders to give citizens reasons to believe again. It is time for institutions to earn the confidence of the people. It is time for Nigerians themselves to rediscover what makes them unique, valuable, and capable of greatness.
National pride is not a luxury.
It is the soul of a nation.
Nigeria must reclaim it.
Nze David N. Ugwu is the Managing Consultant of Knowledge Research Consult. He could be reached at [email protected] or +2348037269333
