Understanding the Real Struggles of Workers in Maiduguri

Good morning everyone. As we continue to navigate the realities of working life here in Maiduguri (and across Nigeria), one thing is painfully clear: many of us are stuck in jobs where we feel overworked, underpaid, and simply undervalued. This isn’t just about low salaries or long hours. It’s a deeper problem that touches on how employers see workers, how workers view themselves, and the kind of economic and cultural environment we operate in.

Overused: When Work Hours Become a Trap

For many workers, especially in public service and private companies, the workload often extends far beyond official hours. You leave home for work at 7 a.m., but sometimes you’re still there by 7 p.m., unpaid for the extra hours. Some employers justify this by citing “team spirit” or “commitment.” But commitment is one thing; exploitation is another.

Take the example of a clerical worker in a government office here in Maiduguri I spoke with recently. She told me she regularly works late to meet unrealistic deadlines, often skipping lunch breaks, yet her salary has barely increased in the last three years. She feels emotionally drained but also stuck because jobs are hard to come by.

Underpaid: More Than Just the Numbers on Your Payslip

Underpayment isn’t only about the amount on your payslip; it’s about the value you feel your work holds. Many Nigerian companies, especially startups and family-run businesses, pay low wages because they don’t see workers as partners but as mere tools. The situation is worsened by inflation squeezing incomes even tighter.

In Maiduguri, where the cost of living has risen -- from transportation to food prices -- workers see their meagre salaries barely cover basic needs. Add to this the fact that many jobs don’t offer proper benefits like health insurance or pension contributions. No wonder morale is low.

Undervalued: The Culture of Disrespect and Lack of Recognition

Perhaps the most damaging issue is the feeling of being undervalued. This goes beyond pay or hours. It’s about disrespect at the workplace, lack of appreciation, and poor communication from employers. Many workers feel that their opinions don’t matter, that their effort goes unnoticed, and that promotions or raises are based on favours rather than merit.

Consider the case of a young teacher at a secondary school in Maiduguri. Despite consistently scoring high in student evaluations and stepping up during staff shortages, he was passed over for promotion in favour of a less qualified colleague who had better “connections.” Stories like his are all too common.

Why This Matters to Everyone

You might ask, why should this matter beyond the individual worker? Because when workers feel exploited and not respected, their productivity suffers, their health suffers, and their families suffer too. This creates a cycle where service delivery drops, businesses don’t grow, and communities stagnate. Ultimately, it’s all of us who lose.

What Can We Do?

• Workers: Know your rights and push for fair treatment. Unionize or join professional bodies where possible. Support each other by sharing experiences and tips on navigating workplace challenges.
• Employers: Value your employees not just by salary, but through respect, recognition, and clear communication. Invest in their development, and make sure workloads are manageable.
• Government: Enhance labour laws enforcement, encourage fair wage policies, and improve job creation schemes.
• Families and Communities: Support workers emotionally and financially where you can, and advocate for fair workplace culture.

Simply put, these problems won’t fix themselves. It will take honest conversations, bold leadership, and collective action.

Let’s Talk

How many of you working in Maiduguri or beyond have felt this way—overworked, underpaid, and undervalued? What specific changes would you like to see in your workplace? And what practical steps do you think ordinary Nigerian workers can take to improve their situation without risking their livelihoods?

Looking forward to hearing your stories and solutions.