A social media post comparing safety in Nigeria and South Africa has ignited widespread debate online, drawing mixed reactions from Nigerians and foreigners alike.
The conversation began after X user Osas, known as @osazenoo, shared a video of two women walking at night, accompanied by a striking claim about safety in Nigeria.
“We were told not to come to Nigeria that we will be kidnapped. This is 12 midnight and we are walking safely on the street with our phones out. Nigeria is relatively safer than South Africa.” – South African lady says.
The post quickly gained traction, attracting thousands of views, reposts and comments, with many users weighing in on the comparison.
Reacting to the claim, Onyeka Nwelue countered the narrative by referencing his personal experience living in South Africa.
“I lived in South Africa for over 3 years. There is no room for comparison, because South Africa is nowhere close to safe.”
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Another commenter, Matt Allen, who said he previously worked in Nigeria, offered a different perspective. Sharing his experience, he wrote:
“I worked in the Nigerian Breweries for 6 years. The narrative about the unsafe Nigeria is ridiculously overblown by Nigerians themselves, especially Lagos. I used to watch my back because of it. But on reflection, Lagos is one of safest places I’d stayed in Africa.”
While some users supported the original claim, others argued that safety can vary significantly depending on location, time and circumstance. A commenter identified as love❤️attraction added:
“Make she go Agege or mushin”
The viral exchange has since fueled broader conversations about public perception, media narratives and lived experiences in both Nigeria and South Africa, with many insisting that safety concerns should not be generalised based on isolated experiences.
As debates continue, the post highlights how social media remains a powerful platform for shaping and challenging narratives about national identity and security.
