There are certain phrases in Nigeria that should never take literally and at the top of that list is the legendary assurance: It’s not far. It sounds calm, reassuring, and harmless. But seasoned Nigerians know better. When someone says, “it’s not far”, what they often mean is: get ready for a journey you didn’t bargain for.
Be honest. How many times have you trusted those words “it’s not far”… and regretted it halfway?. At this point, it’s not even a lie. it’s just how it works here.
It usually starts innocently. You ask for directions or inquire about the distance to a location. The response comes confidently, sometimes accompanied by a dismissive wave of the hand; It’s very close, just go straight. Encouraged by the reassurance, you set off with optimism unaware that you’ve just signed up for an unexpected adventure.
Five minutes later, you’re still walking…
Ten minutes pass, and doubt begins to creep in. You stop to ask another passerby, who echoes the same sentiment; You’re almost there. Suddenly, “almost” becomes a philosophical concept rather than a physical reality. Before long, sweat replaces confidence, and your footwear begins to question your life choices.
Welcome to the Nigerian definition of distance where measurement is based on perception, not precision.
In Nigeria, far isn’t always about kilometers; it’s about endurance. If a location is reachable without boarding a plane or sometimes without boarding a vehicle it’s considered nearby. What might be a thirty-minute trek is casually described as a short stroll. After all, compared to cross-state travel, it’s practically around the corner.
Then there’s the Lagos factor.
In a city where traffic can turn a ten-minute drive into a one-hour ordeal, distance becomes subjective. When someone says, it’s not far, they might be referring to physical proximity rather than the unpredictable chaos of the road. The destination may indeed be close but getting there is another story entirely.
Motorists aren’t spared either. Ride-hailing drivers and commercial transport operators often deliver the same reassurance. You hear, it’s just there, only to embark on a winding journey through unfamiliar streets, potholes, and unexpected detours. By the time you arrive, you’ve questioned your navigation skills and your faith in humanity.
Yet, this phrase persists not out of malice, but optimism.
Nigerians are naturally encouraging. Saying It’s not far is a way of motivating others, reducing anxiety, and making challenges feel manageable. It’s less about deception and more about emotional reassurance. After all, telling someone the journey is long and stressful might discourage them entirely.
And let’s be honest we’ve all been guilty of saying it.
When giving directions, we instinctively downplay distances. We gesture confidently and repeat the familiar script: Just go straight. You’ll see it. In that moment, we become part of a cultural tradition as old as the streets themselves.
Despite its notorious reputation, the phrase carries a peculiar charm. It reflects Nigeria’s resilience, optimism, and ability to laugh at life’s inconveniences. It’s a shared experience that connects strangers and fuels countless jokes, memes, and stories.
The truth is, in Nigeria, distance is relative, but humor is universal.
So, the next time someone tells you, it’s not far, smile politely. Adjust your expectations. Wear comfortable shoes. And most importantly, prepare for the unexpected.
Because in Nigeria, not far can mean anything from a short stroll to a full-blown expedition.
Be honest… what’s the longest “short distance” you’ve ever traveled in Nigeria?
