Community storytelling platform This Is Nigeria has launched a new travel and documentary project titled “The 36: Nigeria Unscripted,” aimed at reshaping perceptions of Nigeria through locally driven narratives. The initiative seeks to present a more balanced and authentic view of the country by focusing on culture, innovation, and the lived experiences of its people across all 36 states.
Founder Ikenna Ani said the project is designed to shift storytelling control to Nigerians, countering long standing external narratives that often overlook the country’s complexity and progress. According to him, the series will highlight individuals contributing to entrepreneurship, science, and cultural development, while also exploring each state’s economic and social potential.
The project will begin with a pilot in Lagos, where production is already underway to capture the city’s economic activity, creative industries, and everyday life. In addition, the platform announced the launch of a Global Desk, which will focus on documenting the achievements of Nigerians in the diaspora and linking them to local narratives.
Organisers said the series will adopt a more grounded approach to storytelling, avoiding both overly idealised and purely negative portrayals. By combining travel, documentary, and human interest reporting, the initiative aims to build a more nuanced national image while promoting pride and a broader understanding of Nigeria’s role in the global landscape.