MODERNISATION IN NIGERIA: A BLESSING OR A CURSE?

By Sharon Adisa

Modernization is the process of transforming old societies and nations to modernity in social, economic, political, industrial, technological, cultural, and educational fields. It is the process of adopting modern technology, ideas, and practices in a society, which includes anything from infrastructure development to social and political reforms. It is important to know that modernization is a process and not an end goal.

Modernization in Nigeria has been due to the direct and indirect action of colonialism, which resulted in urbanization and industrialization. Nigeria has undergone significant modernization in recent decades, but it hasn’t been without its challenges. Let’s take a closer look at some of the positive and negative effects of modernization in Nigeria.

This modernization has been a mixed blessing for Nigeria. On the positive side, modernization has helped change the way people live and work to improve their lives. It has led to access to modern technology and infrastructure, which has improved the lives of many people, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare. For example, the spread of cell phones and internet access has helped to connect people to information and resources they might not otherwise have had. Economic growth has also been a positive outcome of modernization. Nigeria’s economy has grown rapidly in recent years, thanks to industrialization, one of the resulting effects of modernization. This has led to job creation and improved standards of living for many Nigerians.

Furthermore, we experienced a shift from illiteracy to literacy. We were fortunately able to let go of our barbaric lifestyle and hardship due to the unbearable level of human labor as a country and evolved to the use of machinery and artificial intelligence.

On the other hand, modernization also has its negative impacts, such as increased inequality, environmental degradation, and cultural changes that have been difficult for many to accept. While some have benefited from the economic growth, others have been left behind, creating a growing divide between the rich and the poor. Another negative impact is the effect on the environment. As Nigeria has modernized, there has been a rise in pollution and deforestation, as well as a decline in biodiversity. This has had a negative impact on the health of both people and the environment. Finally, modernization has led to a loss of traditional values and culture for some.

For this writer, the benefits of modernization in Nigeria have outweighed the challenges, but it is important to acknowledge and address the challenges that come along with it. Urbanization, which is a resulting effect of modernization, has created a series of social issues on its own since the introduction of mobile phones, the internet, laptops, TV, and the like. It has become easier to reach out to young and vulnerable individuals to preach a wrong message, and out of this individual’s innocence, he or she accepts it, practicalizes it, and becomes a menace to society. There are several forms of entertainment that have now been made available for all and anyone, and this has led to a greater level of negative influence on people. The wrong people are seen or taken as role models, and unfortunately, the coming generations are looking up to these sets of wrong influences.

An article published by the Vanguard in 2017 sheds light on the negative impact of social media on Nigerian teenagers. According to the article, several parents in the federal capital territory expressed their concerns about the fact that many teenagers have become addicted to and distracted by the things they view on social media. Compared to the period before the introduction of modern facilities, people were less concerned about social influences as they rarely had access to technology. Those were the days when everyone interacted with each other and there were fewer issues of cyberbullying, rumor spreading, and others.

Industrialization is not left out. Due to the revolution in industries in Nigeria, there have been cases of people suffering from the working conditions in the major industries in Nigeria. We’ve heard of several cases of industrial accidents, pollution, and poor maintenance of facilities in big factories in Nigeria. The widespread poisonous gases emitted from these factories affect the general health of people and climate change. Factory workers are losing their lives or getting injured on a daily basis due to factory accidents. An article published in 2019 by the Punch reported that two factory workers lost their lives from an injury sustained while working. In 2020, a student at the University of Ibadan also lost his life while working in a factory. These stories are the undercover secret suffering of factory workers in Nigeria, yet the industrial sector would boast of a thriving economy.

Urbanization, a result of modernization, has ensured a very high standard of living as individuals daily seek to enjoy the luxuries that modernization would have to offer. A few of these luxuries are technological gadgets, automobiles, branded clothes, jewelry,  luxurious mansions, and many more. Sadly, due to the desperation of certain individuals, these luxuries have caused more harm than good, as many would strive and do anything in their capacity to ensure they have these luxuries in their grasp.

This has thereby led to a very high level of crime and laziness in society. Many youths would prefer to engage in criminal activities to be able to have access to these things. Kidnapping, money laundering, human trafficking, and corruption, amongst others, are some of the means by which they forcefully hold on to what they have. Another negative effect is that as new lifestyles are imported from other countries, the way of life of Nigerians begins to shift, either for the better or for the worse. Daily, we see and hear stories of homosexuality, cosmetic surgeries, gender transformation, and all sorts of other things that are the result of the exposure to and fast-growing influence of entertainment and lifestyle.

Although the aim of this article is not to discredit modernization in any way, despite the pros and cons aspects it has contributed to Nigeria, can we say the pros of modernization are more than the cons? Is it possible to forge ahead with its increasing negative sides? Can we then say that modernization is a blessing or a curse?