Wahab Okoya, son of Nigerian billionaire industrialist Razaq Okoya, has sparked widespread debate on social media after stating that Nigeria is better today than it was three years ago, arguing that the government is not receiving enough recognition for visible improvements.
Okoya made the remarks during a public conversation, where he suggested that progress in the country is more noticeable to Nigerians who studied abroad and later returned home. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
According to him, improvements in infrastructure, lifestyle, and the general environment show that the country is moving in a better direction compared to previous years.
“If you compare Nigeria today to Nigeria three years ago, we are getting better,” Okoya said.
“For those of us who went to school abroad and came back, the change is very visible. We are not giving the government enough credit.”
His comments immediately gained traction online, drawing both support and strong criticism from Nigerians who questioned whether such progress reflects the everyday realities of the average citizen.
While some agreed that progress can be gradual and uneven, many Nigerians pushed back against Okoya’s assessment, citing rising inflation, high cost of living, unemployment, and insecurity as dominant issues still affecting daily life.
Here are some reactions from social media:
-
@bod_republic: “I for talk o… but at what cost.”
-
@iamjlamar1: “If person talk now, na DSS una go take find person up and down.”
-
@umenta: “You don’t ask a rich kid about living conditions. Ask a market woman or a bricklayer who survives on daily income.”
-
@mr_chiboi: “Interesting perspective. Change can be slow and uneven, but giving credit shouldn’t blind us to issues like security and infrastructure.”
The comments have reignited discussions around privilege, lived experience, and economic inequality, with many arguing that perceptions of national progress often differ sharply depending on social class.
While Okoya’s statement highlights optimism about Nigeria’s direction, critics insist that any assessment of improvement must account for the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians struggling with basic necessities.