ABSTRACT
Stereotypes of Nigerians abound. Some common derogatory examples describe them as the flamboyant, arrogant, loud, pushy, overconfident Africans whose self-assurance comes from wealth derived from wastage and corruption on a grand scale, or even drug trafficking and elaborate scams. By definition, these stereotypes emanate from exaggerations, distortions and generalizations of some real observations but the effect is very significant – both on the rest of the world and on Nigeria and her citizens. For those who see Africa as a huge untapped market, Nigeria, with approximately one-fifth of the population of the continent, and its oil wealth, is potentially a lucrative entry point. The apprehension towards all things Nigerian, however, serves to keep many out of venturing to unlock this probable gold mine. The recent inability of the government of Nigeria to muster the expected foreign enthusiasm towards the privatization of its national telephone company, NITEL, is a case in point.
