Musician Kizz Daniels Asks Emphatically: Why Happiness Vanishes When Money Arrives?

 

In a country as rich as Nigeria, it’s a paradox that seems almost impossible to explain: why does happiness seem to slip away when wealth pours in? With an economy driven by oil, minerals, and a young, bustling population, you’d think prosperity would be synonymous with contentment. Yet, the reality is far different. From the boardrooms in Abuja to the dusty streets of Lagos, many Nigerians are asking: "When the money comes, why does happiness always seem to go?"

This question isn’t just an existential one—it’s a reflection of Nigeria’s economic, social, and cultural struggles. Despite a wealth of natural resources and billions of dollars flowing into the country, Nigerians seem to be growing increasingly unhappy. How can a nation that produces some of the world's richest people still have so many citizens feeling unfulfilled?

The Curse of Oil: The Reality of Resource Wealth

Nigeria's relationship with oil is both a blessing and a curse. The country’s vast oil reserves make up more than 80% of its export earnings, meaning that fluctuations in the global price of oil have a massive impact on the national economy. When oil prices soar, Nigeria’s coffers swell, but those benefits often don’t reach the average citizen.

Take the oil boom between 2010 and 2014, for example. The country made billions, yet infrastructure remained crumbling, unemployment soared, and poverty rates remained stubbornly high. In fact, instead of seeing an increase in quality of life, many Nigerians felt more excluded from the wealth around them.

The reality is that much of the wealth generated from Nigeria’s oil often gets trapped in a cycle of corruption, mismanagement, and inefficiency. Oil revenue often ends up in the pockets of elites or is lost to corrupt practices. Ordinary citizens, despite the massive inflows of wealth into the country, rarely see any tangible benefits.

Dr. Bukola Enahoro, an economist, points out that Nigeria’s wealth has been largely a source of frustration for its people. “We were making money, but we weren’t making progress. The wealth never trickled down to the people who needed it most,” he says. Instead, the political and economic elite continue to hold the reins of power, deepening social divides.

Inequality Breeds Discontent

Even when the money does trickle down to the masses, the disparity between the wealthy and the poor only seems to grow wider. A stark example is the rise of opulent estates in the middle of overcrowded cities like Lagos. Luxury cars zip through the streets as beggars sit on the curb, and families in extreme poverty are often overlooked or ignored.

Despite billions in oil wealth, Nigeria consistently ranks poorly on global indices of happiness and quality of life. According to the World Happiness Report, the country has seen a steady decline in well-being, with factors like income inequality, poor healthcare, and political instability playing major roles.

This growing divide between the rich and poor is leading to increasing levels of frustration, especially among the youth. Many Nigerians under 30 feel disconnected from the so-called “Nigerian Dream,” watching as others climb the economic ladder while they remain stuck in a cycle of underemployment, lack of opportunities, and systemic neglect.

The Silent Epidemic of Mental Health Struggles

As Nigerians chase wealth, many are sacrificing their emotional and mental well-being in the process. Experts have pointed to the rise of mental health issues, with depression, anxiety, and stress becoming an all-too-common part of the Nigerian experience.

In recent years, the country has seen a sharp rise in youth-led protests, with movements like #EndSARS speaking to the deep-rooted anger and frustration among young Nigerians. The protests weren’t just about police brutality—they were about feeling like the promise of wealth and progress never came true for the average citizen.

Yet, even for those who have accumulated wealth, there’s often a sense of emptiness. Despite flashy cars and sprawling mansions, the pursuit of wealth has left many Nigerians feeling disconnected from one another, leading to increased feelings of isolation and dissatisfaction. Mental health professionals are now calling attention to this "meaning vacuum" — the idea that wealth can’t replace the need for deeper social connections and a sense of purpose.

The Younger Generation: Chasing a Dream with No Clear Path

Nigerian youth are perhaps the most disillusioned. With the country’s population being over 60% under the age of 30, many young Nigerians see little hope for a prosperous future. Despite the hustle culture and an ever-growing number of successful young entrepreneurs, the lack of opportunities for the majority of the population is disheartening.

For many, the pursuit of wealth has become an endless race with no finish line in sight. Uche, a 27-year-old tech entrepreneur in Lagos, puts it bluntly: “I’ve seen more money come into my family in the last five years, but I’ve also seen more fights, more stress. Everyone’s chasing the bag, but no one’s smiling anymore.”

This feeling of emptiness is something that has become common among the younger generation. The promise of prosperity and happiness that wealth should bring feels out of reach for many Nigerians, leaving them with a deep sense of loss.

Looking to the Future: Can Nigeria Break the Cycle?

Despite the challenges, there’s hope. In recent years, there has been growing momentum to diversify Nigeria’s economy, reduce reliance on oil, and foster other industries such as agriculture, technology, and renewable energy. There are also efforts to improve governance and tackle corruption, with new policies aimed at creating a more equitable society.

But whether or not these efforts can lead to genuine prosperity and happiness remains to be seen. Until wealth distribution is more equitable, and the country’s institutions can work for the benefit of all its citizens, the paradox of Nigerian wealth and unhappiness may continue.

For now, Nigeria remains caught in the struggle between oil, affluence, and emptiness. As the country continues to grow, it will need to answer the question that has haunted so many: How can we make money, and still hold on to happiness? 

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