Every nation of the world is trading in a common market and with the same commodity; their’ reputation’. This is what attracts tourism, foreign investment and a critical driver of their economy. It also determines the manner of reception their citizens get when they cross international borders. Most first world nations and even the so called ‘third worlds’ have consciously engaged experts to launder their image in other to enhance reputation and attract interests in foreign investment, tourism etc. Some have so mastered the art that the effort, i.e. deliberately laundering the reputation of their nation brand has yielded immeasurable return in terms of investment and brand value.
The Nigeria nation brand has not fared well in this global market, more so because there hasn’t been a properly executed nation brand efforts with tangible equity to show.
The fact is, the value of the Nigeria brand directly affects all of us personally and the premium we can attract to our businesses, regardless of which political party or the person in power. The moment you get out of our borders, there are two simple and common questions you are often asked- The first is ‘what is your name?’ and the second is ‘Where are you from?’ The person asking hardly pays attention to your name, however, he will always recall where you are from. Your reputation or value is a function of the reputation of where you are from, regardless of your personal worth, qualifications, experiences etc.
This then leaves us with the responsibility to do everything within our capacity to promote, jealously guide and tenaciously work towards enhancing the value of the brand Nigeria, same way we do our personal reputation, careers and businesses. Many other nations of the world understand this necessity, so despite their challenges, they are always out making compelling narratives about their heritage; their nation brand.
The #IAMBRANDNIGERIA is a private sector driven initiative which uses the values of tenacity, resilience and enterprising spirit of many Nigerians who have been able to achieve success against all odds as positive and better narrative about the Nigeria brand. This is what has been called the Nigerian story. We believe that this important quality, if deliberately driven will not just add the necessary value to the Nigeria brand but will help many Nigerians strive to achieve their desired greatness and invariably a better socio-economics. That is the essence of #IAMBRANDNIGERIA.
We are driven with the objective of enhancing the value of the Nigeria brand (our common heritage) towards achieving top 20 nation brand globally.
Brand Nigeria Publications
In this edition of the Brand Nigeria annual publication, we have a breakdown of the TOP 50 BRANDS NIGERIA® annual brand rating process and profiles of the top brands. This also includes the 10 brands to watch.
On the annual 50 top brands, we are particularly happy that Nigerian brands are coming up strong in this annual rating, having better understanding of the consumer’s needs and engaging every opportunity with better brand proposition. So, for the first time since 2013, a proudly Nigeria brand topped the top 50 table. Also, 6 among the top 10 are Nigerian.
We have exciting contributions from thought leaders on their perception of the Nigeria brand.
Many thanks to every contributor of this publication and our annual research the TOP 50 BRANDS NIGERIA®. Our regulars, Dr.Priya–She is a nation brand expert and Bolu Ibrahim. We have the honour of expert contributions from the delectable Mrs.BunmiOke, CEO Lady Bird.
I will like to close with the Eko Atlantic city’s story. This smart city out of the ocean is a testimony of possibilities in Nigeria. Who would have believed that a once troubling ocean surge could be turned into a first class #SmartCity with many features, including the Great Wall of Lagos that is now protecting Victoria Island and some part of Ikoyi from ocean surge.
Eko Atlantic city turned a once troubling ocean surge into a record breaking #smartcity, such that has placed the Nigeria name in the global map for the right reasons. There are possibilities all around us in Nigeria from the so many opportunities nature bestowed on us.
#IAMBRANDNIGERIA and I’m proud of it.
