The Influence of Global News on Nigerian Society

THE INFLUENCE OF GLOBAL NEWS ON NIGERIAN SOCIETY 

Nigeria's story is part of a larger global narrative. International events, no matter how remote, can leave lasting impressions on Nigerians living in Nigeria. While headlines about international conflicts, elections or environmental crises might seem far away, their effects are usually felt in tangible ways; from the rising cost of fuel to changes in government policies. Now more than ever, it is important for Nigerians to remain aware of the global happenings as they shape local experience. 

1. Fuel Prices and Global Conflicts  

For the majority of Nigerians, the effects of global news are felt the most in their wallets, especially when it comes to fuel prices. Despite being a major oil producing country, Nigeria imports large amounts of refined petroleum. This in turn, makes the nation vulnerable to fluctuations in the global oil market, which is often triggered by international events. 

A key example of this is the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The Russia-Ukraine war is driven by a complex mix of historical ties, territorial disputes, and competing geopolitical interests. Russia aims to prevent Ukraine from aligning with the West and potentially joining NATO, while Ukraine fights to maintain its sovereignty and independence. The conflict has broader global implications, reshaping alliances and is impacting economies worldwide. 

Since Russia is a top oil producing country, the disruptions caused by the war have sent oil prices soaring worldwide. Nigeria, sadly, wasn't left out of the effect. Even though the country has its own oil, the price of fuel has skyrocketed to #1200 per liter and this has made life more expensive for the average Nigerian. 

And since it's not just about filling your vehicle tank, the increase in transportation cost has affected the price of everything including food as household items. As Nigerians experience these rising costs, it is a reminder of how interconnected the global economy has become. 

2. Global Politics and Nigerian Elections 

Another way global events impact Nigerian society is through politics. For instance, the United States elections. Whenever there is a major political event in America, Nigerians pay attention. Not just because of the U.S.'s global influence, but also because there is a lesson to be learnt. 

In 2020, the U.S. election sparked conversations in Nigeria about the importance of electoral transparency and peaceful transitions of power. For many Nigerians, they couldn't help but compare the U.S. electoral processes and the Nigerian experience. Discussions about democracy, voter fraud, and transitions became popular especially in social media. And when issues like these are highlighted on a global scale, they often influence the way Nigerians view their own system, encouraging reforms and making people more politically aware. 

3. Social Justice Movements and Nigerian Youths. 

When the #BlackLivesMatter movement took the stage globally in 2020, it wasn't just an American issue. Nigerian youths who were already struggling with issues around police brutality, saw similarities between their situation and what was happening in the U.S.; the rise of the #BlackLivesMatter movement contributed to the growth of the #EndSARS campaign in Nigeria which called for an end to police brutality and corruption. 

Social media played a huge role in connecting Nigerian youths to global movements and it gave them a platform to organize, express their frustrations and demand change. While the U.S. protests focused on racism and policing in America, Nigerian youths took inspiration from the global calls for justice and applied them to their own situation. This is a perfect example of how international news can spark local activism and bring attention to issues that would have gone unnoticed. 

4. Global Health Crises and The Nigerian Public Health. 

One of the most recent and impactful examples of global news influencing Nigerian society was the COVID-19 pandemic. As the virus spread across the world, Nigeria, like many other nations was hit not only by the virus itself but by the global response to it. News about vaccine distribution, travel restrictions and the different approaches countries were taking to manage the crisis all shaped Nigeria's strategy. 

The pandemic also exposed some of the inequalities in global healthcare. While wealthier countries rushed to vaccinate their citizens, many African nations, Nigeria inclusive, struggled to secure enough doses. This situation brought up debates about global inequality and self-reliance in healthcare, and discussions about how Nigeria can better prepare for future health crises. 

4. Climate Change and Global Policy Decisions 

Climate change might seem like a distant issue for some countries, but it is a real challenge for Nigeria. From desertification in the North to rising sea levels in the Coastal South, Nigeria is already facing the consequences of global warming. Global efforts to combat climate change, like the Paris Climate Agreement, are very relevant to Nigeria's future. Nigerian leaders keep a close eye on global climate discussions because the decisions often affect local policies. 

For example, Nigeria has made commitments to reduce carbon emissions which is largely influenced by international agreements. However global shifts towards renewable energy can also pose challenges for the Nigerian economy which is still heavily reliant on oil exports. Striking a balance between global environment responsibilities and national economic needs remains a difficult task for the country. 

6. Globalization of the Media and Nigerian Consumption 

Final thoughts are on the way Nigerians consume global news. This has changed drastically with the rise of digital media. Platforms like Twitter (now X), Facebook and YouTube, have given Nigerians direct access to international news as it happens, allowing Nigerians to be a part of global conversations on everything from politics to culture. 

This constant stream of information has made it easier for Nigerians to stay informed and engaged with the world, and it has also empowered citizens to voice their opinions on international matters that affect their lives. 

Whether it is through rising fuel prices, the influence of social justice movements, or the impact of global health crises, international news plays an important role in shaping Nigerian society. And while these events may seem far away, their effects are felt tangibly from the cost of living to the ways Nigerians engage with the government and the rest of the world. As Nigeria continues to evolve, staying informed about global developments is more important than ever.