The Nigerian Hustle: A Review of “Becoming Nigerian: A Guide” by Elnathan John

Reviewer: Rodiyah Omotoyosi Mikail

Nigeria is a country of many languages, some not even vocal, and an important aspect of it is 'slangs’. These terms, words and phrases most often have no literal meaning or literally, mean something else. But if you’re coming to Nigeria, then a dictionary of Nigerian English is a must have. Or how do you plan to survive when you don’t even know the Nigerian meaning of 'hustle’?

If you've never heard or uttered the statement "Nigeria is a joke", then you're definitely a fake. Elnathan John analyses this statement on every level. He brings out the jokes in everything, even the sad and painful aspects.

He takes the pains to touch almost every aspect of the basic Nigerian society. ‘How to be a mechanic, how to be a lawyer, how to be a first lady...’ he even had something to say about dying!
And what is a satire if there are no jabs made at anyone?
So there just has to be something, one at least, that addresses you directly if you’re a real Nigerian because while this is not a guide, it is the closest thing to one.

Thanks to him, I now know where I belong in the Nigerian middle class ladder. Lol(This is not a lie, I’m truly laughing).

I’m only disappointed he didn’t touch the mucic industry. Don’t ask me why.

The language is so completely Nigerian that it gives you the correct feeling of a Nigerian conversation(I don't know what that is). And if there's any description you find incorrect, you definitely need to have your passport checked. Oh, I forgot we're Nigerians so, who passport epp?

And oh, something definitely has to be said for the writer's sense of humour because he couldn't have pulled this off without it.

So, if you're a Nigerian in Nigeria, this book is for you.

If you're a Nigerian in diaspora, you need to know how to be a Nigerian it there because you sure don't want to lose your identity. And who knows? You might just be our next black saviour.

And if you're just planning to become Nigerian, welcome to Elnathan John's ~guide to~ Becoming Nigerian. May God bless your hustle as you read.

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Rodiyah Omotoyosi Mikail is a journalist, content writer and literary enthusiast. Her works have been published on notable Nigerian dailies and opinion sites like The Nation, Daily Tribune and Opinion Nigeria to mention a few. She was awarded the Female Writer of the Year 2018 by Pen Press UDUS.

An African Liberty Writing Fellow, Rodiyah is also a budding poet and the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Poetry Club UDUS.