There are lies. There are big lies. And then there is Nigeria’s most trusted statement of dishonesty: “I’m on my way.” Everyone knows it, yet people still use it like it is officially approved. At this point, it feels less like a sentence and more like a cultural habit.
Because in Nigeria, “I’m on my way” is not just a statement. It is closer to a hopeful declaration.
You text someone, “Where are you?” Within seconds, the reply drops: “I’m on my way.” The speed alone should raise suspicion. Meanwhile, reality tells a different story. The person is still in a towel, the generator just went off, and one leg is still inside a wrapper. They have not even found their shoe. Yet, somehow, they are “on their way.”
To understand it properly, you have to decode the meaning. Sometimes, it simply means “I just woke up.” At that point, you are not tracking movement; you are tracking intention. Other times, it means “I have started getting ready.” They may have brushed their teeth or stood up, but they have not left the house. Still, in their mind, progress has begun.
Then comes the most dangerous version. The one where they have not left at all but speak with full confidence. You might already be at the venue while they are still choosing an outfit. At that stage, it is no longer transport. It becomes faith-based logistics.
Part of the problem lies in how time works. In Nigeria, time stretches. It adjusts. It depends on the situation. When an event says 2 p.m., most people understand that it will not start at 2 p.m. It will start when people arrive. Because of that, nobody wants to be the only early person waiting outside.
So, “I’m on my way” becomes a convenient response. It buys time and protects image. It allows people to delay without sounding careless. Saying the truth feels risky. “I just woke up” sounds irresponsible. “I haven’t left” sounds silly. So people choose the softer version.
Meanwhile, someone is always waiting. That person becomes the real victim. They left early, arrived on time, and now stand outside checking their phone. They watch their battery drop while refreshing messages, hoping it will somehow speed things up.
Still, most people are not trying to be wicked. Life here is unpredictable. Traffic appears suddenly. Power goes off at the wrong time. Plans shift without warning. Sometimes, “I’m on my way” starts as genuine hope and slowly turns into an apology.
However, let’s be honest.
If you are tying a wrapper, brushing your teeth, you are not on your way. If you are still arguing with your wardrobe, you are definitely not on your way.
You are on your intention.
And until we start respecting time, the way we respect party jollof, “I’m on my way” will remain one of Nigeria’s most successful fictions.
