Working But Still Poor: The Reality of Low Paying Jobs in Nigeria

By Gift Oshevire

As the cost of living continues to rise, many Nigerians are discovering that having a job is no longer enough to escape poverty. Through conversations with workers and business owners, this feature explores the daily struggle of earning too little to survive.

Every morning, thousands of Nigerians leave their homes with one goal in mind to earn an honest living. They spend long hours at work, hoping that at the end of the month their salaries will be enough to cater for their families. Sadly, for many people, that hope is becoming harder to hold on to. After paying rent, buying food and settling transport fares, there is often little or nothing left.

In today’s Nigeria, having a job no longer guarantees financial security. For many workers, it simply means surviving from one month to the next.

The rising cost of living has made the situation even worse. Although the Federal Government approved a new national minimum wage of ₦70,000, many workers, especially in private businesses and the informal sector, still earn far below that amount. At the same time, the prices of food, transportation and other everyday necessities continue to increase, leaving many families struggling to make ends meet.

To understand what this reality looks like beyond the statistics, I spoke with a few Nigerians whose daily lives tell the story better than numbers ever could.

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Mr. Ernest, a security guard in Abraka, earns ₦50,000 every month. When I asked him how he manages to survive on that salary, he paused for a moment before saying that it has not been easy. He explained that he depends on property inherited from his parents to support himself. Even with that help, he still finds it difficult to provide adequately for his wife and children. According to him, his salary is simply not enough to meet his family’s needs. He appealed to the government to improve workers’ welfare so that people like him can earn enough to take care of themselves and their loved ones.

The challenge is not only affecting workers. Business owners are also feeling the pressure. Mr. Royal, who owns two shops and employs six workers, said paying better salaries has become increasingly difficult because of the high cost of running a business. He explained that inflation has driven up the prices of goods, fuel has become more expensive and customers are buying less because of the economy. He believes the government can ease the burden by reducing taxes, providing affordable loans, improving infrastructure, controlling inflation and supporting small businesses. According to him, these measures would help businesses grow and eventually pay workers better wages.

Jane, a hotel receptionist, earns ₦40,000 every month. She described her salary as “not enough.” She said there are days when she has to skip a meal just to afford other necessities. With the prices of food and other essential items rising almost every week, she said planning for the future has become almost impossible. She appealed to the government to create policies that will make life easier for employers so workers can also enjoy better salaries.

Another person I spoke with was Miss Fidelia Omokefe, a graduate of Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) who now works in a laboratory. She admitted that her salary is far below what she expected after graduating from the university. Most of her income goes into feeding, transportation and accommodation, leaving very little to save. She believes the government can improve employment opportunities for young Nigerians by investing in quality education, promoting practical skills training and supporting small businesses. In her opinion, when young people have the right skills and access to opportunities, they will be able to contribute more meaningfully to the country’s economy.

Listening to these different stories, one thing became clear. Whether it is a security guard, a receptionist, a graduate or even a business owner, many Nigerians are fighting the same battle. They work hard every day, yet their earnings are not enough to keep up with the rising cost of living.

A job should provide more than just a monthly salary. It should give people the opportunity to live with dignity, provide for their families and plan for the future. Until wages begin to reflect the realities of today’s economy, many hardworking Nigerians will continue to work every day while remaining poor.

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Gift Oshevire is a 200-level student of Journalism and Media Studies at Delta State University, Abraka.