New Report Reveals Nigeria Among the Saddest Nations on Earth

In the latest Global Happiness Report, Nigeria has landed in the bottom half of the world’s happiest countries, ranking 105th out of 147 nations. 

While this is a tough blow for the country, it’s even more concerning that Nigeria is only ranked 10th on the African continent, highlighting the struggle many Nigerians face in terms of their overall well-being.

The Global Happiness Report measures happiness based on factors such as income, social support, freedom, generosity, and corruption perceptions. Unfortunately for Nigeria, these areas have all been impacted by persistent challenges.

The struggles holding Nigeria back

One of the key reasons for Nigeria’s low ranking is its ongoing economic instability. Inflation continues to rise, making life increasingly difficult for many Nigerians. Basic goods and services have become more expensive, and many families are feeling the pinch. 

The situation has worsened by the insecurity that grips different regions of the country, where criminal groups have carried out violent acts such as kidnapping, banditry, and insurgency. This has made it difficult for people to feel safe and secure in their daily lives.

In addition, political corruption remains a significant concern. Nigerians continue to struggle with a lack of trust in government institutions, which impacts both governance and social development. 

As a result, the country has yet to achieve the kind of stability that could improve the lives of its citizens.

Youth unemployment and education challenges

Unemployment, especially among the youth, is another huge issue. With limited job opportunities and a lack of economic growth in key sectors, many young Nigerians are finding it increasingly difficult to make a living.

This has led to a sense of hopelessness and frustration, leaving young people with little optimism for their future.

Education is also a major roadblock. While many Nigerians dream of better opportunities through education, a lack of access to quality schooling and affordable healthcare continues to hold people back. For those who are fortunate enough to attend school, the quality of education often leaves much to be desired.

What needs to change?

Experts argue that to improve Nigeria’s ranking in future happiness reports, substantial changes need to be made. These changes include tackling economic instability by boosting job creation, addressing insecurity to create safer environments for people to live in, and reducing corruption so that public trust in government institutions can be restored.

Moreover, investment in healthcare and education is crucial to improving the overall well-being of Nigerians. When people have access to better resources, their quality of life improves, leading to a happier and more fulfilled society.

A long road ahead

While Nigeria faces a tough reality, there is hope. The strong sense of community and resilience within Nigerian society is one of its greatest assets. Nigerians are known for their unwavering spirit, even in the face of adversity. 

But for lasting change, structural reforms are needed to address the key challenges that continue to impact people’s happiness.

As Finland once again tops the list as the world’s happiest country, Nigerians may look to these nations for inspiration. However, it will take time and concerted effort to overcome the challenges that have held the country back for so long. Only by tackling these deep-rooted issues head-on can Nigeria hope to improve its position and enhance the lives of its citizens.