It’s no secret that the average Nigerian worker, especially here in Kano, often feels like they’re stuck in a grind that never seems to pay off. You ask around, and the complaints sound all the same: long working hours, meagre wages, zero recognition. But why is this feeling so widespread and persistent? And how come it’s like a cycle that never breaks? Today, I want us to peel back a few layers beyond the usual talk and explore some less obvious reasons behind this workplace malaise.
The “Overused” Syndrome: When Your Workload Kills Your Work-Life Balance
Many workers I know in Kano’s busy markets, offices, and factories deal with what I call the “overused” syndrome. They are practically doing the jobs of two or three people — often without additional pay. For example, a bank teller handling customer service queries, basic IT troubleshooting, and even janitorial duties because the office is short-staffed. Or a junior staff in a factory who has to work overtime constantly because the company refuses to hire more hands.
Overuse comes from a few big culprits:
- Understaffing: Companies cutting corners on salary budgets hire fewer staff but expect the same or even more output.
- Poor management: Managers assigning tasks without considering employee capacity or wellbeing.
- Cultural expectations: In many places, Nigerians are known for their resilience and willingness to “take on more,” sometimes to their own detriment.
The “Underpaid” Reality: More than Just Numbers on a Payslip
When someone says “underpaid” in Nigeria, it is usually about low salaries compared to the workload. But it also means the value of that pay is shrinking because of inflation, rising house rents here in Kano, and the cost of basic living. A graduate working in a medium-sized company might draw N50,000 monthly — which barely covers transport and food, let alone other responsibilities like family upkeep or further education.
Real examples:
- Aliyu, a tech support staff in a telecommunications company, told me he hasn’t had a salary raise in three years, despite inflation doubling basic expenses.
- Fatima, a fresh graduate working an office clerk job, uses over 40% of her salary on just daily transport.
When pay fails to keep up with life demands, feeling underpaid isn’t only about money. It’s about survival stress and despair.
The “Undervalued” Feeling: Recognition That Never Comes
Recognition is a tricky thing. It doesn’t always mean applause or bonuses, but maybe simple thank-you notes or a chance to progress in your career. Many Nigerian workers complain not just about money but about never being seen or appreciated by their bosses. In Kano’s many family-run businesses, it’s common that favoritism or seniority trumps merit. This kills motivation fast.
Examples include:
- People put on extra duties but passed over for promotions.
- Employees consistently working hard but never getting performance appraisals or feedback.
- Workers afraid to speak up because they believe it will backfire.
How This Trio Feeds into a Larger Problem
When you put together being overworked, underpaid, and undervalued, what you get is frustration, low productivity, and high staff turnover. It’s no wonder many bright young Nigerians are hustling into entrepreneurship or seeking gigs online instead of committing to formal jobs that don’t reward them fairly.
Take the example of Ade, a civil servant in Kano. He had to start a side hustle selling food because his salary was too low. Despite his commitment at work, he feels management just sees him as a number. This dual life is common now, yet it drains energy and focus.
What Can We Do at Individual and Community Levels?
- For workers: Demand clarity in job roles, learn to say no when possible, and continue upskilling to increase market value.
- For employers: Recognize the link between fair pay, employee wellbeing, and productivity. Small gestures of appreciation can boost morale.
- For policymakers: Enforce fair labor laws and support minimum wage reviews that reflect living costs in Kano and Nigeria at large.
- Community initiatives: Support peer networks where workers share experiences, knowledge, and advocate collectively for change.
Closing Thoughts
Nigerian workers, especially here in Kano, need more than just promises or lip service. They need real structural shifts—better work conditions, fair wages, and genuine appreciation. Without these, the toxic cycle of being overused, underpaid, and undervalued will continue to drain the nation’s greatest asset: its hardworking people.
So, fellow Nigerians, what’s your experience with this? Have you ever been pushed beyond your limits at work without adequate reward? How have you coped or fought back? And what practical steps do you think can make work feel more fulfilling and fair in our context?