“Not as Corrupt as the World Thinks”: Reno Omokri Defends Nigeria’s Image and Safety

Citing economic growth and safe public festivals, Reno Omokri urges the nation to tell its own story rather than rely on external perception indexes.

Nigeria is not nearly as corrupt or unsafe as foreign reports claim, according to Reno Omokri, Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to Mexico. In a television interview on Channels Television, Omokri explained that international assessment groups often misunderstand Nigerian customs because they apply global benchmarks that ignore local traditions.

A central issue, Omokri noted, is how different cultures view appreciation. In Nigerian society, offering a gift to say thank you to an official who provides excellent service is a familiar sign of respect, much like tipping in other parts of the world.

However, international observers often label this practice as corruption. Omokri stated that the country needs to share its own experiences directly with the world rather than allowing outside groups to set a negative narrative.

Omokri also defended the country’s safety record by pointing to Lagos, where the economy has expanded steadily and major cultural events draw massive crowds.

He highlighted the annual holiday season in Lagos, which brings more than one million visitors together peacefully each year. For Omokri, these vibrant events show that everyday life in Nigeria is full of energy, community warmth, and safety.