Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently wrapped up a whirlwind three-day tour of Nigeria, a nation grappling with significant challenges on multiple fronts.

The couple’s itinerary was packed with engaging activities, from playing polo to snapping selfies with local schoolchildren and even trying their hand at chair volleyball in Abuja.

However, their visit has not been without its fair share of criticism.

While the couple is often in the spotlight for their lavish lifestyle, reports suggest they may have sought financial assistance from the Nigerian government to cover their security costs during this trip.

This request raised eyebrows, particularly in light of their commitment to environmental issues, as Nigeria has a troubling history of deforestation and ecological degradation.

Back in 2005, Nigeria held the unfortunate title of having the highest rate of deforestation worldwide, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

The environmental concerns don’t stop there.

In 2010, Nigeria faced one of the largest lead poisoning outbreaks in history, linked to informal gold mining in Zamfara, resulting in numerous fatalities.

Given this backdrop, many questioned the appropriateness of the couple’s visit, especially when their advocacy often centers on environmental sustainability.

Despite these serious issues, Harry and Meghan received a warm welcome during their stay, including a reception hosted by Nigeria’s chief of defense and a meeting with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a prominent figure in the country.

Interestingly, there were whispers that Meghan may have taken charge during a group photo, directing Okonjo-Iweala on where to stand, though this remains unverified.

The tour drew sharp criticism from various quarters, particularly on talk TV, where royal pundit Alex Phillips and Tonya Inorabio, Secretary General of the National Youth Alliance in Nigeria, voiced their concerns.

Phillips labeled the visit as a mere publicity stunt designed to generate content for the couple’s upcoming Netflix project, suggesting it resembled a quasi-royal tour of Nigeria.

In a striking revelation, Phillips noted that Meghan had previously explored her heritage and claimed to be 43% Nigerian.

This prompted questions about the authenticity of their visit, with Phillips asserting it was a blatant PR exercise aimed at regaining popularity.

Inorabio echoed these sentiments, expressing disappointment over the perceived disconnect between the couple’s glamorous activities and the harsh realities faced by many Nigerians.

While photos showcased smiling faces and red carpet receptions, she pointed out that many citizens went to bed hungry that night.

The Secretary General articulated a widespread feeling of abandonment among the Nigerian populace, lamenting that the government often prioritizes media-friendly events over addressing pressing issues.

“We feel disappointed, abandoned, and betrayed,” Inorabio stated, emphasizing the stark contrast between the couple’s royal treatment and the struggles of everyday citizens.

Phillips further criticized the couple’s behavior, highlighting the incongruity of their Hollywood-like presence in a country dealing with severe economic and humanitarian crises.

Inorabio concurred, noting that while Nigerians may not harbor animosity towards Harry and Meghan, there is significant frustration directed at the government’s priorities.

As the couple concluded their visit, the sentiment among many Nigerians remained one of disillusionment.

They called for more meaningful engagement from both the government and international figures, stressing that the facade of grandeur does little to alleviate the real suffering faced by countless individuals in their country.