Nigeria's Resilience Acknowledged by King Charles III

When King Charles III of England referenced the well-known Nigerian phrase, "Naija No Dey Carry Last," he offered more than a toast; he provided a cultural recognition of a nation whose impact extends far beyond its geographical boundaries.

The remark was made during the state visit of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the United Kingdom. The King praised Nigerians for their significant contributions across multiple sectors in British society and beyond. From healthcare to legal fields and technology to entertainment, Nigerians have established a reputation characterized by excellence, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to standing out.

However, it was his closing remarks that truly captured the essence of the moment.

"Let me propose a toast," he stated, "To the President and people of Nigeria, Naija No Dey Carry Last!"

With these words, a saying that originated in Nigerian popular culture transcended geographical boundaries and social classes. It moved from the bustling streets of Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt to the prestigious realm of British royalty, signaling that authentic culture breaks through barriers.

The phrase signifies more than mere pride; it embodies a refusal to accept mediocrity. For a nation often challenged by its contradictions, this spirit serves as both a coping mechanism and a means of survival.

Furthermore, this is what amplifies the importance of the King’s statement.

Understanding Nigeria requires grappling with its paradoxes. It is a country filled with remarkable potential, yet hindered by systemic obstacles. While blessed with human capital, it struggles with institutional inefficiencies. Yet, in the face of these challenges, Nigerians continually rise to the occasion.

Globally, the narrative of Nigerians is one of notable success. In the United Kingdom, Nigerians are recognized as among the most educated and upwardly mobile immigrant demographics. Meanwhile, in the United States, they excel in academic and professional arenas. Additionally, Nigeria's music, particularly Afrobeats, has emerged as a global cultural juggernaut, dominating international charts and stages.

Recent data substantiates this success. A report from the Migration Policy Institute in 2023 highlighted that Nigerians represent the most educated immigrant population in the United States, with 61 percent holding Bachelor's degrees—outperforming both other immigrant groups and native-born Americans. For Nigerians, education is not just a credential; it acts as a launchpad for advancement across fields such as medicine, technology, law, literature, sports, entertainment, entrepreneurship, and the expanding realm of digital influence. They are not merely participating in the American Dream but actively reforming it.

However, the United States is only one piece of the puzzle. Wherever Nigerians have settled—in the corporate offices of London, the academic institutions of Toronto, the sports arenas of Europe, or global streaming services—they have made lasting impressions. The world is increasingly acknowledging their contributions. The narrative of the Nigerian spirit has evolved from mere folklore to an undeniable reality. This reality is illustrated through the achievements of Grammy winners, record breakers, sports champions, and literary icons that this nation continues to produce at an impressive rate.

Of course, there are critics who argue that true success comes only after breaking away from the constraints imposed by a nation of over 200 million, wherein many systemic issues hamper potential achievements. They often fall back on the outdated narrative of corruption and crime, suggesting that a few wrongdoings can define an entire population so large and diverse. This perspective is fundamentally flawed; the misdeeds of a few cannot represent the complexities of the whole.

Every great civilization grapples with shortcomings, and while we acknowledge them, we refuse to let them define us. We are determined not to let the failings of a handful overshadow the victories of the many. The antidote to a skewed narrative is one that amplifies the truth—showcasing our characteristics: hardworking, genuine, warm, spiritual, and persistently ambitious. This is what Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie alluded to when she discussed the dangers of a single narrative. The story of Nigeria is rich and multifaceted.

The essence of the Nigerian spirit transcends a mere slogan. It embodies a vibrant force with tangible influence, weight, and positive impact. This legacy is an inheritance we owe to our children—an understanding of their roots. We must narrate the stories of figures such as Professor Wole Soyinka, who artfully harnessed language to create literary masterpieces; Aliko Dangote, who built an empire from scratch; Nnedi Okorafor, who elevated Nigerian creativity to celestial heights; or Tunde Onakoya, who advocates for children's futures through chess. We should share the tale of Hilda Baci, who made history with her culinary artistry, and Damini Ogulu (Burna Boy), who made African music globally influential. Similarly, we could recount the accomplishments of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala at the World Trade Organization, Yemi Alade, Victor Osimhen, Akinwumi Adesina, and Ademola Lookman. Our younger generation should aspire to greatness, knowing their heritage is one of earned excellence.

This is our identity. When challenges are at their peak, when pathways narrow and doubts proliferate, the Nigerian spirit finds a way to prevail.

Thus, King Charles's invocation of “Naija no dey carry last” shifted the atmosphere significantly. A British monarch, in one of the world's most formal settings, embraced the vibrant language of Nigerian defiance and pride to toast a Nigerian leader on British soil. This moment was not merely a diplomatic gesture; it reflected a serious acknowledgment from a global leader that the essence of Nigeria is both significant and admirable.

This recognition is why I authored The Nigerian Spirit Is Special—not from a place of sentimentality, but as an act of acknowledgment. I aimed to document, honor, and elevate the uniqueness that sets us apart, creating a permanent record of our greatness. Because long before a king echoed our cultural reflection, we understood the essence of the truth: Naija no dey carry last.

Yet, there is a more profound message within that regal toast, a lesson that should resonate with us back home.

If the international community recognizes and celebrates the capabilities of Nigerians, then Nigeria must begin to mirror that recognition. Validation outside our borders should catalyze accountability at home. The brilliance of Nigerians abroad ought to inspire a commitment to fostering a system that supports and retains such talent.

What purpose does it serve for a people to shine globally yet struggle for brilliance within their own nation?

The phrase “Naija No Dey Carry Last” must evolve from a resilient slogan into a guiding principle for governance, accountability, and national renewal.

It should represent not only the accomplishments of Nigerians worldwide but also the advancements of Nigeria itself.

As King Charles III lifted his glass in tribute to Nigeria, he inadvertently held a mirror to our nation, reflecting who we are and who we might aspire to become.

Indeed, Naija no dey carry last. At all, at all.