Reality TV star and entrepreneur Kiddwaya has stirred controversy after expressing the view that Nigeria could have achieved more development if British colonial rule had continued for a longer period.
The former Big Brother Naija housemate made the comment while reflecting on Nigeria’s development and the challenges that have continued to affect the country since independence.
“Nigeria would have developed more if it was colonised longer,” Kiddwaya was quoted as saying.
His position has triggered discussions online, with Nigerians offering different perspectives on whether extended colonial administration would have produced better economic and institutional outcomes.
The issue remains particularly sensitive because Nigeria’s colonial history continues to influence debates about governance, infrastructure, education and economic development.
Nigeria became independent from Britain on October 1, 1960, ending decades of colonial administration. The country has since gone through different political periods, including civilian administrations and military governments, while dealing with challenges such as corruption, insecurity, unemployment and inadequate infrastructure.
Kiddwaya’s argument appears to be based on the view that colonial rule could have provided additional time for the development of infrastructure and government institutions. However, the suggestion has also raised questions about the broader consequences of colonialism.
Historical assessments of British rule in Nigeria have highlighted both the infrastructure and administrative structures introduced during the colonial period and the economic and political systems established primarily to serve colonial interests.
For critics of colonialism, the exploitation of Nigerian resources and the political limitations imposed on indigenous populations remain important parts of the historical record. Others argue that some colonial-era institutions later became foundations for the independent Nigerian state.
The debate is therefore not simply about infrastructure but also about sovereignty, economic control and the responsibility of post-independence governments.
Kiddwaya, whose full name is Terseer Waya, became widely known following his appearance on BBNaija in 2020. Since leaving the reality show, he has remained active in entrepreneurship, entertainment and public discussions.
His latest statement has once again placed Nigeria’s colonial past under the spotlight.
More than six decades after independence, the country continues to seek solutions to developmental challenges while possessing significant natural resources and a large youthful population.
The reaction to Kiddwaya’s comments demonstrates that questions surrounding Nigeria’s colonial experience and development remain deeply contested, with differing views over how much responsibility should be attributed to colonial legacies and post-independence leadership.
