“N500 gave me $700 in New York” – D1 recalls strong naira era
Nigerian media personality Dayo Adeneye, popularly known as D1, has sparked conversations online after reminiscing about a time when the naira held significantly stronger value against the dollar.
He opened up on this while being featured in an interview with Chude Jideonwo.
Speaking on the past state of Nigeria’s economy, D1 recounted his experience traveling abroad years ago, noting how favorable the exchange rate was at the time.
According to him, the naira’s strength made international travel and spending far more comfortable for Nigerians than it is today.
He noted that while he was on his way to the airport to fly out of the country, his uncle had gifted him 500 Naira which fetched him 700 dollars when he arrived at New York.
His words …
“When we left, 80 Kobo was 1 Dollar. When I left Nigeria, an uncle of mine gave me 500 Naira on my way to the airport. When I got to New York, I changed that 500 Naira, it was 700 Dollars.”
This has stirred reactions from netizens who took to the comment section to react.
Check out reactions below…
@BL_capitol remarked: “When you travel inter states by road, the kind of abandoned factories and industries you see would tell you that Nigeria was heading somewhere before some sets of leaders hijacked it”
@fadafigure01 wrote: “Nigeria is the only country that its past is better it present”
@bosun_xuser said: “If things were still like this, everyone would focus on their studies and legitimate professions 😆
$700 is close to a million naira now. Chai! This country has really hit rock bottom.”
Watch video below …
“When we left, 80 Kobo was 1 Dollar. When I left Nigeria, an uncle of mine gave me 500 Naira on my way to the airport. When I got to New York, I changed that 500 Naira, it was 700 Dollars.”
– Otunba Dayo Adeneye a.k.a D1 pic.twitter.com/7UyjMr6YjE
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) March 26, 2026