“I’m so pissed off”: American woman living in Nigeria contrasts infrastructure with Benin Republic

A Black American woman who says she has spent the past three years living in Nigeria has shared her frustration over the differences she saw between Nigeria and nearby Benin Republic during a recent vacation. In a video posted online, she said she could not fully enjoy her trip because the experience made her think about what she believes Nigeria is capable of achieving. She praised Benin Republic for its clean streets, organised environment, functioning systems and road infrastructure, adding that cameras are used to monitor speeding drivers. She said she was especially impressed that the level of organisation and accessibility extended beyond major cities and into rural areas. The experience, she said, made her ask whether some of Nigeria’s challenges are caused solely by infrastructure or accessibility issues. “Everything that Benin has that is working, Nigeria could have,” she said, adding that the contrast between the two countries frustrated her. The woman also praised how she felt citizens were treated in Benin Republic and said the setting gave people a sense of dignity. “Nigeria won't even get 10% of this,” she said. She concluded that the experience left her so sick and frustrated, instead of allowing her to fully enjoy her vacation. She also said: “I’m so pissed off.”