How do you measure your “Nigerianess” If you haven’t had any “Nigerian moment”? What is the DNA of being a Nigerian? Well, you’re a Nigerian if you can relate to any of these phrases shared in the article.

It seems like being a Nigerian isn’t just by citizenship but with other lifestyle traits that define us as a people which interestingly is common to all.

In this article, we will share some of the most common things peculiar to being a Nigerian and how these traits define our culture. 

So let’s get right into our light bulb moment as a Nigerian.

Also Read: Signs You Grew Up In An African Home

You’re A Nigerian If you Can Relate

Let’s get into some of the funny traits of being a Nigerian apart from being Nigerian by birth. A few of you may not relate because of your upbringing and the neighborhood you were raised in. But you’re

You shout “Nepa” When There’s Light

How else are you a Nigerian if you don’t shout Nepa anytime there’s light? If you can’t relate we need to question your citizenship. Lol. Except you grew up in Dangote and Otedola’s neighborhood. Awww! Rich kid! Move away because you are not Nigerian enough.

You may be wondering why people exclaim “Nepa” with so much excitement. Well, if you live in a country where power supply is a thing of luxury. You too will be shouting the name of the agency responsible for powerful supply. So you can’t blame us.

You’ve Thought Of Starting A Business

Are you even a Nigerian if the thought of starting a business hasn’t crossed your mind? If you think CEO is only a title for executives in big corporations, you probably haven’t seen a Nigerian.

Out of ten Nigerians, eight are likely a self-employed CEO with business headquarters in their head. Yes! Her head because it might be the business is a pre-order business. We listen we don’t judge.

You Have Bought Okirika Before

You’re a Nigerian if you can relate to buying okirika clothes. Oh sorry! They now call it thrift clothes. You’re even more Nigerian if you think Okrika lasts longer than brand-new clothes.

Ask eight Nigerians out of ten Nigerians where they bought their clothes and the answer is likely going to be Okrika. But to make it sound polished and pleasing, Nigerians have resorted to calling it thrift clothes.

You may be wondering if changing the name makes it any better or less secondhand, well, it’s a rhetorical question.

You Say “God Abeg” As A Coping Mechanism

You’re a Nigerian if you can relate to muttering “God abeg” at every slightest inconvenience. One would think “God Abeg” is an immunization for life-threatening allergies. If “God abeg” were a person, it’d be Nigerians. 

Before now, it used to be “Odeshi” but one thing that is common with Nigerians is being creative with their coping mechanism. Speak of creativity!

You Look Outside To Confirm If Light Is Truly Interrupted

Scratch that! You’re a Nigerian if you look at your neighbors’ house to confirm if “Nepa” actually took light. Lol.

Why wouldn’t you look to confirm when the power supply in the country is as unstable as the economy? When there’s a light interruption, two thighs happen. One is that light has truly been interrupted. The other two is that your line doesn’t supply light anymore. So what happens in this situation is that you and the other people whose light has been affected find a way to restore light. Deep sigh!

You Follow At Least Two Gossip Blogs

Put a finger up if you are following one or two gossip blogs as a Nigerian. Everyone is guilty as charged. With all the hot gist on the street of Obasanjo internet, how would keep up with all of them if you’re not a follower of the gossip blogs?

You would say you’re not a fan of gossip, but at least you follow the long-standing ones like Instablog and Yabaleft. Yes! I caught you there! 

You Did Your Assignment On The Day of Submission

This one everyone is guilty as charged. You can’t even deny this one because you have been caught red-handed.

Even the most meticulous and serious student did some of their assignment on the day of submission. You’re as guilty as charged, whether it was just crossing your Ts or going through your work for the final edit.

You Turn Off Your Data To Reconnect Data

I don’t know why this works this way but as anyone ever wondered why do we need to turn off the data and turn it back so the one we just bought can start functioning? So the data cannot just start working on its own without the turn-on and off routine. God help us!

You Have More Than One Job

Do you know why Nigerians almost chopped off the head of the former President? That’s because it’s blatant disrespect to the hustle culture of Nigerians to call them lazy youth.

How would you survive in the country if you didn’t work two jobs? Whether you’re a 9-5er or a business owner, chances that as a Nigerian you’re involved in only one stream of income is almost non-existent.

You Double Check Your Double Lock Before Stepping Out

You’re a Nigerian if you can relate to double checking your door before stepping out. But wait a minute, is that Nigerians generally have trust issues that they don’t trust their lock? I guess we all need answers.

A true Nigerian will double-check her lock more than ten times before stepping out and guess what, she will still make a U-turn at the gate just to ensure the door is locked. Call it two-factor authentication.

Every Sickness Is Malaria

I can bet Nigerians don’t know about any other sickness apart from malaria. Lol If a Nigerian tells you she’s sick, ask what the sickness is and she tells you malaria. Further, ask how she knows it’s malaria and she tells you she just knows. Nigerians might be well versed with so many things but when it comes to diagnosing sickness? They are up!

You Reply “Please Send” To Funny WhatsApp Status

The easiest way to get fellow Nigerians upset is to ask them to send a WhatsApp status to you. But hold up, why are you asking someone to send a WhatsApp status when you can simply download it with a status downloader? Answer me in the comment.

You Don’t Rent An Apartment With A Live-In Landlord

You’re a Nigerian if you can relate to hating your landlord. Maybe you don’t hate him but why don’t you want your landlord to live with you? Would you be happy if your future tenants were also praying for you not to live in your house? 

But I get it. Some landlords can overdo with their rigid house rules so I support the motion of not living with them.

Wrapping Up

Nigeria is an interesting place to live in and what’s even more interesting is the people and popular culture. Which of these light bulb moments can you relate to as a Nigerian? Share with us in the comments.