Working in Nigeria made me realize why life expectancy in Nigeria is pegged at 52 years following a 2020 study.
That means, you are considered to have lived enough if you die at the age of 52 in Nigeria.
For a country that pegs one’s full maturity into youthfulness at 25(the lowest age to contest an election) and manhood at 30 (the lowest age to get an executive position), to have life expectancy of 52 years invariably means that the average Nigerian is considered lucky to enjoy 22 years of adult life.
Minimum wage was 19,000 naira as approved by the former President Goodluck Johnathan. So most hotels, bars, restaurants and shopping malls paid minimum wage as their standard salary and something a little bit higher for the Manager. Usually 25,000 naira.
We were employed in a bar. We specifically chose a bar when the agent asked us.
The reason isn’t far fetched. Enugu is an Oringo City. Men must drink, fine babes must eat catfish, Nkwobi, Abacha and Isi Ewu and “keep the change” was what most men use to impress their girlfriends.
In the first month, work went smoothly, but our salaries didn’t get us anywhere. We thought it was because our salaries were split into two by the Agent. So we borrowed, hoping to pay up by the end of the next month.
The next month came and after settled all our debts, we were left with less than 5k each. That wasn’t even enough to transport us to work, especially since we were living inside inside Amorji Nike.
For 4 months, we were running a rat race. Get salary, pay debt, then borrow to survive the month, then get salary again, pay debts. On and on.
Abeg, before I continue, I wan ask Nigerian workers, na this kind thing una dey see for work?
DUKE THE NIGERIAN
(WORKING IN NIGERIA, Season 7; Episode 1) was brought to you by Ugwuagbo Emmanuel Chizoba Daniel (Zoba De Great)
Working in Nigeria made me realize why life expectancy in Nigeria is pegged at 52 years following a 2020 study.
That means, you are considered to have lived enough if you die at the age of 52 in Nigeria.
For a country that pegs one's full maturity into youthfulness at 25(the… pic.twitter.com/vToRo7AS3F
— Zoba De Great (@ZOBADEGREAT) November 20, 2023