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Reality TV personality Tersee Waya, popularly known as Kiddwaya, has sparked controversy after suggesting that Nigeria might have achieved greater development if Britain had remained in the country for another 10 to 15 years after independence.
The former Big Brother Naija housemate shared the opinion on X while reflecting on Nigeria’s development and the challenges the country has faced since gaining independence.
Kiddwaya’s comment has since generated mixed reactions online, with Nigerians divided over whether an extended period of British rule could have produced better outcomes for the country.
Kiddwaya Shares ‘Unpopular Opinion’
In his post, Kiddwaya acknowledged that his position might not be widely accepted before making his argument about Nigeria’s colonial history.
“Unpopular opinion. The British should have stayed in Nigeria for 10/15 more years. You go see better development,” he wrote.
The statement quickly attracted attention, with users debating whether Nigeria’s current challenges could be linked to the circumstances surrounding its transition from colonial rule to self-government.
While some respondents appeared to agree with the reality star, others strongly disagreed with his assessment.
Nigeria Gained Independence In 1960
Nigeria became independent from Britain on October 1, 1960, following years of nationalist agitation and political campaigns by Nigerian leaders and activists.
The independence movement had gained momentum in the years leading up to 1960, with Nigerian political leaders increasingly demanding greater control over the country’s affairs.
Three years after independence, Nigeria became a republic in 1963, formally ending its remaining constitutional links with the British monarchy.
Since then, the country has experienced several political transitions, military interventions, democratic governments and economic challenges.
Supporters Defend Kiddwaya’s Argument
Some social media users who reacted to Kiddwaya’s post appeared to support his position.
They argued that Nigeria faced significant difficulties after independence and suggested that a longer transition period could potentially have allowed the country to strengthen its institutions before taking complete control of its affairs.
Some also pointed to the country’s continuing struggles with infrastructure, governance, education, healthcare and economic development as reasons to consider whether the transition from colonial rule was sufficiently prepared.
For these users, Kiddwaya’s comment was less about supporting colonialism and more about questioning whether Nigeria was adequately prepared for independence at the time.
Critics Reject Colonial Rule Argument
Other Nigerians, however, strongly rejected the suggestion that Britain staying longer would have automatically resulted in better development.
Critics argued that colonial rule was primarily structured around British economic and political interests and questioned whether an extended stay would have prioritised Nigeria’s welfare.
Some maintained that Britain had already had decades to develop the country under colonial administration and that continued rule could instead have provided more time for the exploitation of Nigeria’s natural resources.
Others argued that Nigeria’s development should be examined through the actions and decisions of successive Nigerian governments rather than attributed solely to the circumstances surrounding independence.
Debate Reopens Colonial History
Kiddwaya’s remarks have consequently revived a broader conversation about Nigeria’s colonial experience and the legacy it left behind.
The debate touches on questions about infrastructure developed during colonial rule, the political structures inherited at independence and the economic systems established before 1960.
It also raises a more complicated question about whether Nigeria’s post-independence challenges were caused primarily by the manner in which Britain transferred power or by decisions made by Nigerian leaders after independence.
A Divided Conversation
Nigeria’s development trajectory has remained a subject of debate decades after independence, with citizens frequently discussing the country’s colonial past when examining present-day challenges.
Kiddwaya’s comment has added a fresh dimension to that discussion by suggesting that an additional decade of British rule could have produced a different outcome.
While some Nigerians believe the country may have benefited from a longer transition, others maintain that genuine development requires strong institutions, accountable leadership and effective governance rather than prolonged colonial control.
The debate surrounding Kiddwaya’s post is therefore likely to continue, particularly as Nigerians reflect on how the country has progressed since independence and what factors have shaped its development over the past decades.
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