The UK-based Legatum Institute published its 2014 research on prosperity indicators from across the globe. Last month it placed Nigeria as the 125th out of 142 countries surveyed. However, it had no focus on Africa.

The add-on by Legatum, released last week, focused on 38 countries of the African continent. The criteria for ranking countries are the GDP and eight sub-indices such as education, health, and personal freedom.

Nigeria gained the status of Africa’s biggest economy in the beginning of 2014 after rebasing of its GDP. In his acceptance speech after winning the PDP primaries President Jonathan said: “All across our nation, the positive gains of the Transformation Agenda are being progressively enjoyed by our people.” 

Thereby, the Federal Government emphasised on the improved standard of living in Nigeria, but does it reflect on its position in the international rankings? Let’s have a look at the top 10 below:



10. Senegal



9. Burkina Faso



8. Rwanda



7. Ghana



6. Algeria



5. Tunisia



4. Namibia



3. Morocco



2. South Africa



1. Botswana

Nigeria is still far from the high-ranking countries on the continent (TOP-10). Having oil and mineral wealth does not equal being successful. In fact, Nigeria remains one of the harshest countries in the world to live in.

Since 2012 it dropped from 24th to 27th position in Africa. The global drop was even more drastic (minus 22 places in the world since 2011). Currently such countries as Benin, Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, Mali, Niger, Cameroon, Egypt, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Djibouti, Cote d’Ivoire, Congo Republic, Zimbabwe and Mauritania overtook Nigeria (11-26). They are considered to be a better place for living.

If things go on like this, Nigeria risks to drop from the group of middle-ranking states.

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Well, you lot know what to do if you're opportuned to vote.

The county has average positions in such areas as economy – 14, enterpreneurship & opportunity – 14,  education – 22, personal freedom – 26 and social capital – 22

However, in terms of governance (31), health (29) and safety & security (35) Nigeria is among the low-ranking countries in Africa.

As the 2015 general elections are coming, one thing becomes obvious. Either President Goodluck Jonathan, or General Muhammadu Buhari would have to work a lot to move Nigeria up.