Introduction: The Everyday Struggle of the Nigerian Worker
Walk through any office, factory, or shop in Uyo and you’ll overhear the same tired complaints: “I’m always working extra hours but my salary no dey increase,” or “They no appreciate the effort, just dey use us like machine.” This feeling of being overused, underpaid, and undervalued isn’t new, but why does it seem more intense lately? And more importantly, what can we do about it?
Overused: The Unseen Cost of Overtime
For many Nigerian workers, especially in Uyo’s government offices, banks, and private sectors, working beyond official hours has become the norm rather than the exception. Sometimes, it’s the boss who demands it, other times it’s the work culture that silently pressures staff to “stay back to prove your commitment.” But these extra hours often come without the promised overtime pay or bonuses, and it chips away at workers’ health, family time, and mental peace.
- Example: Mrs. Ada, a bank teller in Uyo, shares how she often stays back until 7 pm to finish reports but never sees a kobo extra on her salary slip.
- Reality Check: Nigerian labour laws endorse overtime pay, but enforcement is patchy. Many employers exploit workers’ fear of unemployment and limited job openings.
Underpaid: The Salary Puzzle in a High-Cost City
Uyo, as one of the growing commercial centres in the South-South region, is no longer a cheap city to live in. Rent, transport, and basic food costs are rising steadily. Yet, salary scales often don’t match this inflation. In fact, in many sectors, wages have been stagnant for years. This gap between income and living costs creates stress and forces people to seek side hustles, often at the expense of their main jobs.
- Real Scenario: Young graduates in Uyo routinely earn less than ₦40,000 monthly in entry-level roles, yet face daily expenses that can run double that.
- Impact: Some workers resort to borrowing or cutting back on essentials, which affects their productivity because they’re constantly worried about their next meal or transport money.
Undervalued: When Recognition Is Just A Word
Feeling valued goes beyond the paycheck. It’s about respect, recognition, and a supportive work culture. Unfortunately, many Nigerian workers report a lack of these basic needs. Praise is rare, promotions are slow or based on connections, and training opportunities are minimal. This neglect chips away at motivation and loyalty.
- Lack of Feedback: Many bosses don’t give constructive feedback, leaving employees unsure if their work is good or not.
- Career Stagnation: Without clear paths for growth, workers feel stuck and disengaged.
- Workplace Politics: Nepotism and favouritism often overshadow merit, especially in public institutions.
A Fresh Angle: The Role of Technology and Informal Work
One factor often missed in this discussion is how the rise of digital platforms and informal side gigs affects worker feelings. For example, many Uyo workers engage in mobile money, online freelancing, or ride-hailing apps to supplement their incomes. This “gig economy” presence highlights gaps in traditional employment but also adds stress as workers juggle multiple roles without proper legal protection or benefits.
This dual hustle is both a survival strategy and a sign that formal jobs alone aren’t meeting needs, creating a sense of being overworked but still struggling financially.
What Can Be Done?
Solutions require efforts from all sides:
- Employers: Invest more in transparent salary structures, timely payment of overtime, and genuine employee recognition programs.
- Workers: Learn to negotiate better, upgrade skills, and use platforms like LinkedIn to explore new opportunities.
- Government and Regulators: Strengthen labour law enforcement, create awareness campaigns about employee rights, and support entrepreneurship as an alternative path.
It’s also important for workers to support each other by sharing experiences, advice, and resources that can lift the whole community rather than competing silently behind office walls.
Conclusion: Changing The Narrative Starts With Us
The feelings of being overused, underpaid, and undervalued by Nigerian workers in Uyo reflect broader societal and economic challenges. But by acknowledging these issues openly, sharing real stories, and pushing for practical changes, we can start to turn the tide.
How do you personally cope with feeling undervalued at work? Have you seen any employers in Uyo who handle these issues well? What role do you think digital skills and side hustles should play in bridging the income gap?