Why Nigerians In London Walk With ‘cocky Arrogance’ – Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has stirred public discussion following comments he made about the confidence Nigerians display abroad, particularly in the United Kingdom, where he said Nigerians can easily be identified by what he described as their “cocky arrogance.” The remarks were delivered during the graduation ceremony of participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 47, 2025, held at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Plateau State.

Speaking before an audience of senior public servants, security officials, and policy experts, Shettima framed his comments as an expression of national pride rather than an insult. According to him, Nigerians possess a unique self-confidence that distinguishes them wherever they find themselves globally. He argued that this confidence is rooted in Nigeria’s resilience, enterprise, and cultural identity.

“What binds us together supersedes what divides us,” the Vice President said. “If you see a Nigerian walking on the streets of London, you don’t need a soothsayer to tell you where the person comes from. We walk with confidence—what some might call cocky arrogance.”

Shettima further stated that Nigerians abroad do not defer or diminish themselves in the presence of others, regardless of race or nationality. He noted that this assertiveness reflects a deeper national character shaped by struggle, ambition, and adaptability.

Beyond the anecdote about Nigerians in the diaspora, the Vice President used the occasion to make a broader argument about Nigeria’s place in global history and the responsibility of leadership. He insisted that Nigeria must succeed, not only for its citizens but for the broader Black race worldwide.

“This country has to work,” he said. “Nigeria is the greatest Black nation on earth. If Nigeria fails, the Black race has failed. The hope of the Black man rests with Nigeria because we are economically enterprising, geographically mobile, and resilient.”

Shettima also spoke about cultural confidence, recalling a personal experience in which he felt underdressed at a professional event and later resolved to take pride in Nigeria’s traditional attire at international engagements. According to him, cultural authenticity should be embraced rather than discarded in pursuit of foreign approval.

“It is in the best interest of the Black race and the world for Nigeria to work,” he added.

However, the Vice President’s comments quickly attracted mixed reactions across social media and public forums. While some Nigerians applauded the remarks as a celebration of national confidence and self-belief, others criticised the choice of words, arguing that “cocky arrogance” carries negative connotations and could reinforce stereotypes about Nigerians abroad.

Several critics also pointed out the contrast between Nigerians’ confidence overseas and the sense of hardship many citizens face at home. They argued that Nigerians in the diaspora often thrive because of stable systems, functional institutions, and economic opportunities not readily available within the country. As a result, some commentators questioned whether the government should focus less on symbolism and more on addressing domestic challenges such as insecurity, unemployment, and economic hardship.

Others interpreted Shettima’s remarks as an unintended acknowledgment that Nigerians feel more empowered outside the country than within it. For these critics, the confidence described by the Vice President highlights governance failures rather than national triumph.

The event also featured remarks by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who addressed the security situation in the state. Mutfwang said that while Plateau State has not yet achieved complete peace, security conditions have improved compared to the previous year.

“By the grace of God, the security situation on the Plateau today is not yet Uhuru, but it is better than where we were last year,” the governor said. He credited President Bola Tinubu, the military, and other security agencies for their continued support, adding that policy recommendations from NIPSS have been valuable to the state government.

As reactions continue to trail Shettima’s comments, the episode has reignited a familiar national conversation about identity, pride, governance, and the lived realities of Nigerians at home and abroad. Whether viewed as a celebration of confidence or a misplaced choice of words, the Vice President’s remarks have once again underscored the emotional and political weight attached to how Nigerians see themselves—and how they are seen by the world.