Netizens slam US for organising skit competition for Nigerians to promote American products
By Ishaya Ibrahim
Nigerians on X (formerly Twitter) have strongly criticised a skit competition organised by the United States Mission in Nigeria to promote American products, services, and ideas that have the greatest impact on everyday life in Nigeria.
The competition was announced on the official X handle of the US Mission in Nigeria, which encouraged Nigerians to submit entries. However, instead of receiving the positive response it anticipated, the post was met with widespread backlash from users.
Here is the original post from the US Mission in Nigeria: “We are excited to announce the ‘Made in America, Loved in Nigeria Skit Challenge,’ inviting Nigerians to share creative stories about the impact of American products, brands, services, and ideas in everyday life. This campaign celebrates innovation and highlights the growing trade partnership between the United States and Nigeria. Submit your skit and stand a chance to win.”
Below are some of the reactions from netizens:
@mg_devices wrote: “This is nothing but polished neo-colonial propaganda. Another attempt to condition Nigerians into celebrating foreign domination while our own industries struggle. We see the manipulation clearly — promoting American products in Nigeria isn’t ‘partnership,’ it’s economic control.”
@EmmanuelOkona said: “I don’t understand this type of offer. It is insulting, to say the least. Why not fund academic research programmes, tech transfer initiatives, or development projects — things that add real value — rather than content promoting your brands and products? Nawa o!”
@nsikool posted: “How about ‘Made in Nigeria, Loved in America’? Why is trade always one-sided?”
@DrSAS17 added: “Well, what about a ‘Made in Nigeria, Loved in America’ skit competition?”
@patience30091973 said: “How can we tell creative stories about American products when most of what we have is made in China but labelled ‘Made in America’? How can we talk about American services when many of us have never left Nigeria? Not to mention brands and ideas.”
@UbSienze wrote: “At a time like this in Nigeria, is it really reasonable to organise a skit competition asking Nigerians to promote American products?”
