A United States economist has sparked online controversy after publicly mocking a Nigerian man's celebration of obtaining Canadian citizenship, raising questions about Nigeria's living conditions and the diaspora experience.
The Celebratory Post That Started It All
The incident began when a Nigerian man with the X handle @josh0491 shared his joyful achievement of becoming a Canadian citizen on November 14, 2025. The ecstatic Nigerian posted photographs of his celebration alongside an emotional caption expressing his journey to this milestone.
"I dreamt it, prayed for it, worked towards it when I didn't even know how I'd get there. But here I am today, living it, and it feels so normal. #CertifiedCanadian," the X user wrote, capturing his emotional journey from aspiration to reality.
Scott Bolshevik's Controversial Response
American economist Scott Bolshevik found the Nigerian man's post amusing and decided to share his perspective with his own followers. In a response that quickly went viral, Bolshevik questioned the intensity of celebration that Nigerians display when acquiring Western citizenship.
"No group celebrates Western citizenship like Nigerians," Bolshevik wrote. "They make a spectacle of it and you'd think escaping home is the dream. Is Nigeria really that unlivable?"
The economist's comments immediately triggered widespread discussion across social media platforms, particularly within Nigerian communities both at home and abroad.
Broader Implications and Online Reactions
This exchange highlights the ongoing conversation about brain drain, migration patterns, and the perception of Nigeria's living conditions among its citizens. The incident has reignited debates about:
- The reasons behind Nigeria's significant diaspora population
- The emotional significance of obtaining foreign citizenship
- External perceptions of Nigeria's development challenges
- The right to celebrate personal achievements publicly
Many social media users have defended the Nigerian man's right to celebrate his achievement, noting that obtaining citizenship in another country represents years of hard work, adaptation, and perseverance. Others have used the opportunity to discuss genuine concerns about Nigeria's infrastructure, security, and economic opportunities.
The timing of this incident, occurring on November 14, 2025, adds to ongoing conversations about global migration trends and the particular significance of citizenship milestones for individuals from developing nations.
