By Former Lagos State Governor and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Babatunde Raji Fashola, has warned that persistent negative self-perception by Nigerians is harming the country’s global reputation, urging citizens and leaders to deliberately reshape how Nigeria is portrayed both locally and internationally.
Fashola made the call on Tuesday while delivering the keynote address at the Nigeria Reputation Summit 2026, where he described the defence of Nigeria’s image as a constitutional responsibility rather than a matter of choice.
Quoting the Constitution, the former Minister of Works, Power and Housing said every Nigerian has a duty to protect the nation’s image and contribute to its progress.
“It shall be the duty of every citizen, without exception, to help enhance and defend Nigeria and render such national service as may be required for the good of the people,” he said.
Despite the country’s challenges, Fashola maintained that Nigeria remains a nation of vast talent, influence and opportunity, lamenting that citizens often undermine these strengths through negative narratives.
According to him, Nigeria’s reputation has suffered more from internal narratives than from external hostility, warning that unbalanced self-criticism weakens national confidence and reinforces damaging stereotypes.
“Have we lost belief in ourselves? I certainly don’t think so. Yes, there are a few examples of people who give us a bad reputation, but that should not define who we are,” he stated.
Fashola noted that Nigeria has failed to fully harness its soft power in areas such as culture, sports, music, fashion, food and the diaspora to shape global opinion and attract investment.
He observed that Nigerians in the diaspora continue to exert significant influence across economies and political spaces worldwide, yet this visibility has not translated into a cohesive and positive national brand.
The former governor, who disclosed that he received all his education in Nigeria, described the country as one of the world’s biggest “rags-to-riches” environments and urged young Nigerians not to abandon hope in its potential.
Fashola also highlighted the critical role of communication in governance, noting that policy success often depends on how government messages are framed and delivered. He cautioned leaders and institutions against careless language, stressing that negative self-esteem could deepen public distrust and damage national identity.
He urged Nigerians to project the country’s strengths while addressing its weaknesses constructively, emphasizing that national pride must be balanced with responsibility and accountability.
