It’s Tuesday morning in Kano, and like many others, I’m scrolling through my phone during the bus ride to work. I see one familiar complaint popping up again and again on social media and among my friends: “I work so hard but still feel like my efforts are never appreciated.” “Why do I get paid peanuts, yet they expect me to do double the work?” These frustrations are not unique to one sector or region—they resonate deeply across Nigeria's workforce.

The Hidden Work Culture That Drains Our Energy

Let’s be honest: many Nigerian workplaces often come with unspoken expectations that go beyond the official job description. You’re expected to stay late, handle tasks not originally yours, and sometimes cover for absentee colleagues without any additional pay or recognition. This “extra” work becomes the norm rather than the exception.

Take the average office worker in Kano for example. On paper, their job is 9 to 5. In reality, they might be at their desk till 7pm, answering calls, completing urgent tasks, or managing crises that their job title doesn’t require. When they bring this up, management either brushes it off or simply says “That’s how things are.”

Why does this happen? A few reasons stand out:

1. Lack of clear job descriptions: Many Nigerian companies, especially small and medium enterprises, don’t have well-defined roles. This ambiguity leads to employees being asked to juggle multiple tasks without extra compensation.
2. Over-reliance on ‘loyalty’: Employers often praise ‘dedication’ and ‘commitment’ while quietly expecting workers to sacrifice personal time and well-being. Loyalty sometimes translates to unpaid overtime rather than trust or growth.
3. Fear of unemployment: In a country where jobs are scarce and economic conditions tough, many workers tolerate poor treatment out of fear of losing their source of income.
4. Weak enforcement of labor laws: Even where labor laws exist to protect employees, enforcement is minimal. Many workers don’t report abuses because they believe nothing will change.

The Pay Problem: Getting Paid What You’re Worth is a Dream

We all know the story. You graduate, go for interviews, and get offered a salary that barely covers basic living expenses. No matter how skilled or how many years you’ve put in, the pay often remains stagnant while costs rise. It’s especially tough in cities like Kano, where inflation makes every naira count.

Recently, one of my close friends, a graphic designer, told me he earns just above the national minimum wage but works double shifts to meet deadlines. Despite his contributions, his employer refuses to consider a salary increase, citing company financial constraints. Stories like this are everywhere.

What’s worse? This underpay causes a ripple effect:

• Reduced motivation and creativity
• Increased employee turnover
• Rise in informal work or side hustles that affect primary job focus

Feeling “Undervalued”: The Psychological Toll

Money isn’t the only issue. Nigerian workers also frequently feel “invisible” – their efforts overlooked, their voices unheard. Many workplaces lack an environment where feedback is encouraged or where achievements are celebrated.

Imagine putting in your best work on a project, only for your boss to publicly praise the department head without mentioning your role. It’s demoralizing. Over time, workers withdraw, become passive, or look for greener pastures elsewhere.

What’s more, many young Nigerians in the NYSC scheme realize quickly that their service year can be filled with underappreciation and insufficient stipends. This early experience can shape how they view the entire working life ahead.

What Can We Do? A Roadmap Forward

There’s no magic fix, but a few practical steps can begin to change the narrative:

• Document your work: Keep a record of your contributions and hours. This helps when negotiating salary or clarifying your role.
• Open honest conversations: Speak with your supervisors about workload realities and pay concerns calmly and respectfully.
• Collective voice: Where possible, create or join workplace groups that advocate for better conditions; solidarity can move management more than individual complaints.
• Continuous learning: Upgrade skills so you become indispensable or qualify for better roles elsewhere.
• Advocate for policies: Employers and government should strengthen labor protections and enforce wage standards, but workers can push for this through unions and civic engagement.

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to feel trapped between demanding bosses and a tough economy, but acknowledging these systemic issues is the first step. Every Nigerian worker deserves respect, fair pay, and acknowledgement for their effort. Our collective frustration is a call for change—not just in policy but in workplace culture and mindset.

How do you cope when you feel overused and undervalued at work? Have you ever successfully negotiated better pay or conditions? What realistic changes do you think Nigerian employers should make to respect and motivate their workforce?