Popular Nigerian rapper Emeka Akumefule, professionally known as Blaqbonez, has explained why Nigerians are famously aggressive about putting themselves first, attributing the drive to the daily struggle for basic survival in the country.

Speaking during a recent appearance on a UK-based podcast, the hip-hop artiste contrasted the economic safety nets available in developed countries with the harsh socio-economic conditions back home.

Blaqbonez pointed out that unlike the United Kingdom, where social systems offer a measure of stability and government assistance, Nigerians have to fight independently for every basic necessity.

"Here in the UK, you guys, to an extent, like there's stability. You go to school, you finish school, you get a job. Everything's basically working here to an extent.

"In Nigeria, everything is not as balanced as it should be, right? So everybody's fighting for their survival. Fighting to make sure that they feed, fighting to make sure that they get the basic necessities in life," the rapper stated.

Highlighting the UK's social security benefits as an example, Blaqbonez expressed astonishment at government stipends provided to unemployed residents abroad.

"I even hear that here in the UK, those that are not working get like £300 or £400 from the government. That's crazy.

"You guys are not really fighting for survival as much as we are fighting for survival in Nigeria," he added.

The UK operates a state-funded welfare system, including Universal Credit and unemployment allowances, designed to provide basic financial support to job seekers and low-income residents.

With high inflation, limited formal employment opportunities, and no state unemployment benefits, millions of young Nigerians rely heavily on hustle culture, entrepreneurship, and personal drive to navigate daily economic pressures.

“Nigerians will always put themselves first because you can’t compare it to UK, where the government gives unemployed citizens £300–£400 per month as government aid.”

— Blaqbonez pic.twitter.com/f4VuCvS5ol

— carter🌚 (@carter8f) September 2, 2026