Nigeria Is Developing, But Our Classism Is Already Fully Matured

The funniest part about Nigeria? We’re all struggling, but somehow still looking down on each other.

Classism is such a crazy concept among Nigerians, I fear. For a developing country, we somehow display world-class levels of classism — from our obsession with having the latest iPhone to shaming people based on what they wear, how they talk, or how they live.

It’s so deep-rooted in us that many people don’t even realize when they’re doing it.

Even harmless TikTok challenges turn into classism Olympics.

Try to call anyone out and you’ll immediately hear their favorite line:

“Oh, it’s not that deep.”

But my love, it is deep. Deeper than you think. This mindset affects how people feel about themselves, how they socialize, how they dream, and even how they see their own worth.

And when the “it’s not that deep” line fails, they bring out the backup excuse:

“It’s just cruise.”

What surprises me most is how rarely people challenge this behavior. On the few occasions when someone dares to speak up, the response is always the same:

“You’re too woke.”

At this point, anything that forces Nigerians to reflect is suddenly “wokeness.”

Meanwhile, the classism continues — effortlessly and loudly.

We can laugh about it, sure. But the truth is that classism shapes our everyday interactions more than we realize. It affects the jokes we make, the things we celebrate, and the people we think we’re “better” than.

It’s exhausting, honestly.

But these conversations are necessary. If we don’t talk about it, nothing changes.

With love,

From Temiii 💗