Good morning,

Last year, the Nigerian government removed subsidies on petroleum products, leading to a sudden hike in the price of fuel, transportation, and even food items. Nothing remained the same.

However, according to a government document, the Accelerated Stabilisation and Advancement Plan (ASAP), the government is still paying subsidies. It’s more interesting that they might spend up to ₦5.4 trillion on petrol subsidies this year, a considerable increase from the ₦3.6 trillion that went into the same expense in 2023.

The government maintained that the petrol subsidy was gone following President Tinubu’s May 29, 2023 announcement. But now, Finance Minister Wale Edun says the subsidy removal ” is an ongoing process” and that the government is still working to ensure a complete removal in the country’s economy.

Does this mean the fuel price will likely shoot up again like last year?

Fascinating, isn’t it? But let’s get into today’s dispatch.

In this letter:

• #NairaLife:The Business Owner Who Struck Gold Selling Sex Toys
• What to Do During the Notice Period, According to 7 Nigerian 9–5ers
• Aunty M: How Do I Tell My Girlfriend to Decrease Our Living Expenses?
• #ZikokoMoneyVideo:How Long Will ₦100k Last You With Your Current Lifestyle?
• QUIZ: If You Relate to 8 Things on This Quiz, You’re Definitely Rich
• Where The Money At?!

The 26-year-old business owner in this #NairaLife tried different business ideas before getting a break with sex toys in 2021. She’s tried to replicate her success with another mini-importation business but has now decided to stick to the toys.

According to her, it’s easy money.

Read her #NairaLife here

Jollof+ is a cutting-edge savings app providing up to 21% net interest rate with no hidden charges. Designed to help combat inflation, Jollof+ offers personalized saving features, ensuring steady financial growth for users.

Find out more here

Resignations and layoffs aren’t strange terms in capitalism, and while the latter usually comes as a surprise, it’s not often immediate. There are often a few days or weeks to tie up loose ends — the notice period, AKA that “hanging around” period when you’re not really working but still “working”.

We asked some 9-5ers who’ve been in this situation to share what they did — or didn’t do — during this period. Think of it as a guide.

What they said

Hi, Aunty M.
How do I tell my babe we have to decrease our living expenses (hers, Lol)? She’s already become used to the lifestyle I provide for her. I give her ₦300k monthly. But now, that’s exactly how much I make every month. I’m now dipping into savings to fund her. And it’s in the red now.
Her birthday is coming up soon, I don’t know how I’ll gift her knowing she has some rich friends who will probably give her more expensive things. – Asake, 23

Hi Asake.

I’m sorry this is happening. But you need to have a conversation with her. I would sit her down and tell her:

“Hi babe, I want to have an honest conversation with you. I love spoiling you and providing for you, and I hope to be able to do it for a long time. As you know, my financial situation has changed a bit. Right now, I’m dipping into my savings for your allowance, which is impacting my ability to save for both the long terms I have for myself and for us. I’m going to need to reduce your monthly allowance to ₦100k (or whatever you can afford without impacting your finances) until I can increase my income. How do you feel about this? I value you and your input, so let’s talk.”

As for her birthday, ask her what is on her wishlist or what activity she’d like to do for her birthday. Choose what is within your budget. Try not to compare yourself to her rich friends. You occupy a different place in her life. Have her rich friends been giving her ₦300k a month for God knows how many months?

I know this is a scary conversation, but you’ve got this! If she reacts well, you know she is a good partner for you. Also, you’re only 23; you need to be preparing for your future, abeg.

Xoxo,
Reni

• Have a money question? Ask Reni here and we’ll take it from there

Watch the video here

Good morning,

If you’ve lived in Nigeria long enough, the tussle between labour unions and the federal government shouldn’t be news. If there’s one thing both parties can’t agree on, it’s deciding a minimum wage number that works.

The minimum wage was last reviewed in 2019 when it increased from ₦18k to ₦30k/month. A lot has changed since then, and now negotiations have started again.

The labour unions think ₦497k is a good number, arguing that it reflects the current realities. The government said it isn’t sustainable and proposed ₦57k/month.

On Friday, the government revised their offer to ₦60k, which the labour representatives deemed unsatisfactory. This has led to a breakdown in the current round of negotiations. As a result, the unions have announced an
indefinite strike starting today.

Your move, FG.

In this letter:

• #NairaLife:The Marketer Slowly Leaving Survival Mode
• The Cost of Being A Groomsman, According to Six Nigerian Men
• Aunty M: What Low Risks Investments Can I Put My Money Into?
• #ZikokoMoneyVideo: Go Back In Time And Give Your Parents Financial Advice?
• QUIZ: How Liquid Is Your Money?
• Where The Money At?!

The 28-year-old in this #NairaLife was in survival mode for years. From unpaid internships to jobs that paid slightly above the minimum wage. Her first break came in 2020 when she earned ₦150k/month. Four years later, her monthly earnings stand at ₦1m.

The only thing in her way right now is inflation.

Read her #NairaLife here

We asked six groomsmen about the costs of being a groomsman and their stories are proof that “weddings” are expensive for everyone involved.

What they said

Hey, Aunty M. So, I recently got employed at a bank and my pay is ₦110k. I just need advice on low risk investments to put my money and also how to manage the money in general and have savings in this economy. Thank you! – Adewuyi, 21

Hi Adewuyi.

Congratulations on the new job! This is exciting, and I’m glad that you’re looking to start investing your money.

But before you start investing, I suggest you set up an emergency fund. This is a savings account with 3 to 6 months worth of your monthly expenses in it. For example, if your monthly essential expenses are ₦75k, you want to have ₦225,000 in this account before you start investing.

Now that you have your emergency savings sorted, let’s get into investing. If you want something extremely low risk, you can consider a Certificate of Deposit (CD). A CD is similar to a savings account, except that your money is locked in and you receive a higher interest rate. With a CD, you can’t withdraw your money until the CD reaches maturity. If you want to access your savings before then, you will pay an early withdrawal penalty.

If you want to take the stakes up a bit, I’d recommend investing in funds that track the US markets: the S&P 500 (the 500 largest companies in the US), the whole US Market, or the Nasdaq (US digital, biotechnology, and other companies). These funds can be purchased directly from Nigeria.

Xoxo,
Reni

• Have a money question? Ask Reni here and we’ll take it from there

Watch the video here

Good morning,

Have you noticed the recent spike in the price of tomatoes?

If you’re wondering why, it’s because the quantity of tomatoes produced in the country has declined. As the rainy season approaches, the harvest period is almost over, thus affecting the available supply of the tomatoes we consume. 

What does this look like in numbers? According to Nairametrics, a basket of tomatoes was sold for ₦50k – ₦80k last month. This number has now risen by approximately ~100%. As it stands, a basket of tomatoes now sells for ₦140k – ₦150k.

This feels like another battle in the country’s fight to control food inflation. In April, headline food inflation was at 40.53%. One wonders how this scarcity will affect May’s inflation numbers. Whew.

Let’s get into today’s stories. By the way, the Aunty M column is live!

In this letter:

• #NairaLife: The 20-Year-Old House Manager Nursing Big Dreams
• The Cost of Being a Nigerian Bridesmaid, According to 6 Women
• Ask Aunty M
• #ZikokoMoneyVideo: If You Had to Live on ₦500k for a Month, How Long Before You Run Out of Money?
• QUIZ: Only Nigerians Who Love Money Can Get 9/13 on This Lyrics Quiz
• Where The Money At?!

The 20-year-old in this #Nairalife dropped out of university and moved to Egypt to work as a house cleaner due to her family’s financial struggles. She also spent the last two years repaying a significant debt she owed her sponsor.

What’s her life like now?

Read her #NairaLife here

The Nigerian wedding industry is the epitome of the saying, “It’s expensive out here”. From make-up to hall decoration, the cost of an item is most likely to double — or even triple — once the word “wedding” is mentioned.

We spoke to six Nigerian women about what it costs to be a Nigerian bridesmaid.

Find the story here

I’m a graphic designer and perfume vendor. I’m putting everything into growing my perfume business, and I’m looking to create my own fragrance next year. So I use the money from my design gigs to fund my perfume business.
I earn roughly ₦45k/month from my design jobs. I don’t use my profits from my business. Remember the goal to create my own perfume next year? I also want to get a physical store for my brand in my uni — I’m in my final year — by April next year. How do I create a budget to accommodate this financial goal, have an emergency savings, have money at hand for immediate needs and wants, and still invest? At the moment, I save and buy stocks and mutual funds as little as I can afford. – J, 23

Congrats on your journey to launching your fragrance! This is exciting. I suggest working backwards to create a realistic budget that meets your immediate needs and wants. You need to figure out what your goals are.

First, how much do you need in your emergency savings to feel comfortable? Is it ₦200k or ₦1m? Figure out the number based on your essential monthly expenses; don’t just come up with a random number.

Next, repeat this for all of your goals. How much do you need to launch your perfume? Have you done the research to figure out the number? Then, work backwards from there. If it will cost ₦500k and you need to do it within 12 months, you need to save ₦42k per month to get there. This means you may have to take on more design gigs to reach these goals, or you may need to adjust your timelines.

I’m rooting for you.

• Have a money question? Ask Reni here and we’ll find you an answer!

Watch the video here

Good morning,

It’s May 20, 2024, AKA “the day the Central Bank of Nigeria planned to kick off the application of a cybersecurity levy on electronic transactions.” If you’re wondering why this is in the past tense, it’s because the CBN has officially cancelled this plan.

The proposed 0.5% cybersecurity levy was set to significantly impact electronic transactions: ₦5 would be charged on every  ₦1,000 transacted via electronic channels. This meant that a ₦1,000,000 transfer would incur a ₦5,000 fee on top of existing charges like stamp duties and SMS charges. The effect of these charges would have made electronic transactions more expensive.

Naturally, this plan was met with ire from Nigerians. Labour groups even stepped in, putting pressure on the Federal Government to stop this plan. The efforts landed as the FG suspended the levy. Now, it’s confirmed it won’t be happening anymore.

Now that this whole business is done, Nigerians expect the CBN to focus on [more] pertinent issues, like the inflation rate. Speaking of, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will meet today and tomorrow for the first time since March. As usual, a major issue on their agenda is figuring out ways to curb rising inflation. Fingers crossed on what happens.

It’s time to look at this week’s stories.

In this letter:

• #NairaLife:What Does Navigating Infertility for Over a Decade Look Like?
• “I Spent ₦25k on Asun” — Nigerians on Their Most Expensive Splurge at a Local Food Joint
• #ZikokoMoneyVideo: What’s Something You Never Want to Spend Money on Again?
• QUIZ: How Many People Owe You Money?
• Where The Money At?!

Infertility is many things, and “expensive” is one of them. This 35-year-old has been trying to conceive for 13 years, and her journey has changed her perspectives in more ways than one.

This is her #NairaLife.

We’ve talked about this column for a minute, and I’m excited to share that we’ll kick things off next week. I imagine you’re wondering who will answer your questions about your money, work and career dilemmas.

Fair enough. Allow me to introduce Reni Odetoyinbo.

Reni is a content creator and finance educator. On her YouTube channel, ‘xoreni’, she shares resources around career development and financial literacy. After purchasing her first house at the age of 23, she started to share her knowledge with others in the hopes of helping people become more financially literate.

Over the past four years, Reni has built a community of over 150,000 individuals across her platforms. Professionally, Reni was awarded the Bay St. Bull 30 x 30 in 2022 and The Peak’s Most Influential Leaders in 2023. She is on the leadership board of York University’s Black Alumni Network and is an alumnus of YouTube Black’s Class of 2022.

Ask Reni your questions here

A use case for making money is having the means to try out new experiences. I find that a good chunk of these experiences are tied to food.

But let’s forget fancy restaurants for a minute; how much are people willing to spend at “local” restaurants?

We went to find answers

Watch the video here

Good morning,

What’s your money superpower? For some people, it’s saving. Others find it in investing. For someone like the lady in this week’s #NairaLife, it’s knowing how to make money. I guess you could call her a jack of all trades. However, a downside is that she doesn’t stick to one thing long enough. What does this mean for her?

Away from Naira Life, the second story in this newsletter explores financial dynamics in marriages. The lady in the story doesn’t think it’s fair that she’s her home’s sole breadwinner. But how did she get here?

Oh, by the way, there’s a fun little quiz at the end of today’s newsletter: answer a few questions, and we’ll tell you which Nigerian billionaire you are.

Let’s get into it.

In this letter:

• #NairaLife:The Apprentice Who Wants Out of the System
• My Business Found a Safe Space at Landmark Beach
• #ZikokoMoneyVideo: How Much Do Unilag Students Spend Weekly?
• QUIZ: How Liquid Is Your Money?
• Where The Money At?!

This 25-year-old has sold everything and has done a myriad of jobs. While she has a sixth sense of what businesses work, she doesn’t stick with them long enough.

Now, a recent life update promises the one thing she hasn’t hacked: Stability.

Read her #NairaLife here

Romoke* (32) has been her home’s primary breadwinner since she got married in 2018. At first, she didn’t think much of it, but over the years, she’s come to realise this dynamic isn’t normal.

She shares why she can’t leave and how she’s made it a priority to advise other women not to tow the same path.

Read the story here

Watch the video here

Good morning,

ICYMI: The Nigerian Government will always have a beef with crypto. The government has now tagged cryptocurrencies as a “national security issue” and is working on a regulation to ban peer-to-peer trading.

Peer-to-peer trading became a workaround in 2021 after the CBN banned banks from processing crypto transactions. With P2P, traders could initiate trades and transact between themselves without having their bank accounts flagged.

Fast forward to December 2023, the ban was lifted, but not for long. This year, the government has blamed the volatile forex exchange market on crypto speculators. The CBN now thinks crypto traders use P2P platforms to hurt and manipulate the naira’s strength.

So, this year alone, the government has cracked down on Binance and recently froze about 1k bank accounts involved in crypto transactions.

I wonder how the government will enforce this regulation at scale, though. And what it will mean for crypto users and companies.

Let’s get into this week’s stories.

In this letter:

• #NairaLife:The Apprentice Who Wants Out of the System
• My Business Found a Safe Space at Landmark Beach
• #ZikokoMoneyVideo: How Much Do Unilag Students Spend Weekly?
• QUIZ: How Liquid Is Your Money?
• Where The Money At?!

This 23-year-old pounded fufu for ₦200/day and worked in a bus park before getting into the apprenticeship system to learn the furniture business in 2020. It was the best decision at the time, but he’s no longer sure.

Interestingly, his change of mind isn’t connected to not earning a salary.

Read his #NairaLife here

This Saturday, we want you outside for a day of link-ups, games, drinks and live performances at Muri Okunola Park, Lagos. Strings Attached is an opportunity for friends to reconnect, lovers to bond and individuals to make friends and build community. The best part is that it’s free.

To get a free ticket, download the Onebank by Sterling App and sign up using ZIKOKO as the referral code. You’ll get your ticket sent to your email.

Click here to get the app

When parts of the Landmark beach property were demolished on April 30, 2024, to make way for the Federal Government’s Lagos-Calabar highway project, it meant the end of various businesses within the Landmark ecosystem.

So, we asked one affected business owner to reflect on their experiences building a business on the beach and what the unanticipated setback means for them.

This is what it means

Watch the video here

Good morning,

If you’re like me, this week’s Naira Life will make you question your risk tolerance. Mine is low, and that’s all right. 

Imagine this: You’re 19 and have just learned about crypto and forex trading. You go in, trading with your money at first. Then, you take other people’s money, and you lose it all.

You make an average of ₦15k/month but owe a tidy sum of $5k. To drive up the stakes, the people you owe could make your life difficult. How do you even turn this around?

If you’re like the guy this happened to, you return to the basics. But let me not get ahead of myself. Let’s look at this week’s stories.

In this letter:

• #NairaLife:The 21-Year-Old Who Went From $5k in Debt to Multi-Business Owner in Two Years
• How to Ask Your Employer for Money They Owe You, According to 7 Nigerians
• #ZikokoMoneyVideo: What’s the most you’ll spend on a date?
• QUIZ: Where Should You Go for Your Next Vacation?
• Where The Money At?!

This 21-year-old thought he’d make it big in crypto trading in 2021, but he ended up in a $5k debt and almost dropped out of school.

But that’s in the past. In the three years that have followed, he’s settled his debts, built a full-time career and created two businesses all before graduation.

Read his #NairaLife here

Zikoko has something for you, and we’re calling it Strings Attached. On Saturday, May 11, 2024, we want you outside for a day of link-ups, games, drinks and live performances at Muri Okunola Park, Lagos. Strings Attached is an opportunity for friends to reconnect, lovers to bond and individuals to make friends and build community. The best part is that it’s free.

To get a free ticket, download the Onebank by Sterling App and sign up using ZIKOKO as the referral code. You’ll get your ticket sent to your email.

Click here to get the app

Nobody wants to deal with an Onigbese boss who defaults on payment for no reason. It’s a highly stressful experience. But what should you do if you find yourself in this situation?

These tips from folks who have navigated this problem might be helpful.

Find the tips here

Watch the video here

Good morning,

I have a few questions for you. Does money (or the lack thereof) affect the dynamics among friends? Does the high-earning friend — intentionally or unintentionally — control the terms of their friendships in a way they couldn’t if their friend(s) earn as much as they do?

What does this even look like from the POV of the low-earning friend? What classes of feelings erupt from being the person who constantly needs their friend to come through for them

I had these questions while reading this week’s Naira Life. Income gap among friends is not the whole story, but it’s a big part. It also reminded me of a story we published earlier on this subject. Both stories are incredibly revealing, so let’s get into them.

In this letter:

• #NairaLife:The Baker Who’s Tired of Living on Handouts
• 5 Nigerians On Being The ‘Broke Friend’
• #ZikokoMoneyVideo: What’s the Last Thing You Bought That Made You Happy?
• QUIZ: Only Super Rich Nigerians Can Ace This Quiz In One Minute?
• Where The Money At?!

This 29-year-old baker lost her life savings to a romance scam, dropped out of university and became homeless in one year. Over the years, she’s survived multiple depressive and suicidal episodes.

Her friends have consistently picked her up, but she wants a life where she doesn’t need to depend on them. She hopes to get there by achieving her culinary school dreams.

Read her #NairaLife here

Good morning,

While reading an early draft of this week’s Naira Life, I wondered: At what point do people who grew up in low-income families decide to leave home? Are there similarities or patterns in the event(s) that trigger this resolve?

For example, the lady in this story left home at 18. She’d realised that a few things would remain unattainable if she stayed. At the time, these were an Android phone, access to the internet, and being self-sufficient to buy all the books she wanted or afford her rent. So, she packed her bags and left. Now, all of these are within her reach. She’s worked hard for them, too.

One of the primary things she now optimises for is working even harder to ensure that her siblings can access the resources and lifeline she couldn’t get. That’s her motivation, and boy, is it as strong as they come. Let’s get into it.

In this letter:

• #NairaLife:The Sex Worker Who’s Securing Her Siblings’ Future
• 7 Nigerian Blue-Collar Workers on Their Incomes
• #ZikokoMoneyVideo: What’s the Last Thing You Bought That Made You Happy?
• QUIZ: How Much Money Do You Need Right Now?
• Where The Money At?!

The 24-year-old sex worker in this #NairaLife left home at 18 in search of a better life. She’s achieved that goal. Now as her family’s breadwinner, her new focus is building and securing an even better future for her siblings.

Read her #NairaLife here

Good morning,

Since 2021, I’ve had conversations about money with scores of people, and naturally, a couple of patterns have jumped out about [how people navigate] their finances, especially income growth. Two patterns have been the most consistent: there’s a straight line between how much someone makes and the people they know and have relationships with + the value of the information they have access to/what they know is possible.

A version of these plays out in almost every Naira Life story I’ve read and written, including this week’s flagship story. So, if you ask the guy in the story to mention what has moved the needle for him the most in the past seven years, he’ll probably say something like, “Photography and my friend who introduced me to it.”

But how did all of this happen? Let’s find the answers and explore the other stories in this week’s dispatch.

In this letter:

• #NairaLife:A Rough Patch Pushed Him Into Photography. Now, He’s Juggling It With a 9–5
• I Was Practically a Slave for 5 Years
• #ZikokoMoneyVideo: Are you Truly Surviving These Times
• QUIZ: Only Nigerians Who Love Money Can Get 9/13 on This Lyrics Quiz
• Where The Money At?!

This 27-year-old got into photography at university after his dad lost his job and could no longer pay him an allowance. Eight years later, he’s still at it. Add that to his 9-5 as a communications officer, and he earns an average monthly income of ₦1.4m. With things looking up, he’s confident about his finances hitting the next level—$10k/month—in the next four years.

Read his #NairaLife here

Zikoko has something for you, and we’re calling it Strings Attached. On Saturday, May 11, 2024, we want you outside for a day of link-ups, games, drinks and live performances at Muri Okunola Park, Lagos. Strings Attached is an opportunity for friends to reconnect, lovers to bond and individuals to make friends and build community. The best part is that it’s free.

To get a free ticket, download the Onebank by Sterling App and sign up using ZIKOKO as the referral code. You’ll get your ticket sent to your email.

Click here to get the app

If you watched Áfàméfùnà: An Nwa Boi Story, the odds are that you would be curious about the workings of the apprenticeship system across different Nigerian cultures.

Enter Tife’s Hairdresser, who trained in a system like this. She talks about her experience, especially how her two-year training period became five years and why she had to leave Lagos to start her hair salon.

Read her story here

Hertitude— Nigeria’s biggest women-only festival — is back for a third time. For those new to the scene, Zikoko brings all the girls to the yard every year to let their hair down, form bonds and celebrate what it means to be a hot babe.

It’s happening on April 20, 2024 in Lagos and will feature everything from talent shows and karaoke sessions to spa services, live music performances and an afterparty.

Click here to get tickets

Watch the video here

Hey. Happy new month.

Three things are certain in Nigeria: Death, taxes, and a circular from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The latest one is big for Nigerian banks because the CBN wants them to look for more money to remain in business.

The thing is that banks exist because the CBN wills it. A significant ask the banks have to satisfy here is something called “capital base” — think of it as the banks’ proof that they have enough money to support their operations. The CBN sets the capital requirement, and banks must meet this number to obtain a banking license. The CBN has now asked the banks to “recapitalise” — raise more capital between now and April 30, 2026.

But why is the CBN doing this? The CBN is working towards building a 1 trillion dollar economy by 2030 and wants the bank to be strong enough to support this drive. A line in the circular reads, “Bigger banks with larger capital base and capacity can underwrite larger levels of credit which is critical to lubricate and catalyze the growth of the economy.”

As it stands, the banks have three options to raise this capital: Mergers and acquisitions, “inject fresh equity capital through private placements, rights issues, and/or offers for subscription”, or downgrade to a license they can afford with their capital base.

Now, what does all of this mean for you as a customer? Not much, to be honest. The question most people will have here is about the safety of their funds. The short answer is that your deposit will remain safe and won’t be affected by this process. The CBN and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) will work together to protect your interests.

It’s time to look at this week’s stories.

In this letter:

• #NairaLife:The Researcher Who Had to Start Afresh After Getting Disowned
• 6 Nigerians Under 35 Talk About Writing Wills
• #ZikokoMoneyVideo: I hate spending my own money
• QUIZ: Only Rich Nigerians Will Get More Than 7/11 On This Naira Quiz
• Where The Money At?!

The 32-year-old customer experience researcher in this #NairaLife was forced to start afresh in 2016 due to an unplanned pregnancy that led to her father cutting her off. Eight years later, she’s now a financially stable mother of two — thanks to her ₦1.5m/month salary. How did she get here and what’s next for her?

Read her rollercoaster #NairaLife here

Ready to win big? Try your luck with ScratchMe Lottery! Dial *671*4*4*3# on your MTN Line to play via MoMo or visit any Shoprite or Jara Store in Lagos. You can also snag one from a Dot or Bankly POS agents near you. Don’t miss out on a possible chance to become a millionaire!

Find out more here

How old is “old enough” to write a will? There is no definite answer, but this article proves one thing: you cannot be too young to have a will.

We asked young people who have (or are planning to have) wills why they wrote one and what they think about the premise of wills.

This is what they said

We all have questions about how to manage money, work and career we’d like clarity on, don’t we?

This is where Aunty M. Let’s call her the experienced older sibling you can come to for answers and actionable money and career advice.

All you need to do is send your questions below, and we’ll take it from there.

Submit your questions here

Gabriel* (28) has millions of naira in savings. But he refuses to spend more than ₦20k/month, instead choosing to live on handouts from his friends.
Watch the video here

Good morning,

If you work in tech (or know someone who does), you must have noticed the differences between 2020 – 2021 and 2022 – 2023. With the former, we saw a sharp increase in hiring. Many factors contributed to this, but one of the most important is the events that followed the Covid-19 breakout. More people turned to remote work and different online activities during the pandemic’s peak, spurring tech companies to focus on hiring to meet the demand. The thinking that this surge in demand would continue.

And so it was relatively easy to get job offers. People got jobs faster than they could lose them. To put this in context, Meta nearly doubled its workforce from 48,268 in March 2020 to over 80,000 by September 2022. It was an employee market.

Then things started to slow down in 2022. Before the year ended, companies were cutting their workforce for myriad reasons due to unfavourable macroeconomic conditions. A week hardly went by without the news of a company announcing a round of layoffs. Even the Metas, Amazons, and Googles of the world weren’t left out.

The 28-year-old in this week’s NairaLife is one of the hundreds of thousands of people who have lost their jobs in the past two years. For him, it happened twice within seven months. Tough.

Luckily, his $80k safety net and other work moves offered him much-needed protection.

In this letter:

• #NairaLife:This Tech Bro Survived Two Layoffs by Working Multiple Jobs
• I’ll Never Date Someone Who Earns Less Than Me Again
• #ZikokoMoneyVideo: How much does a pepper seller make in a month?
• QUIZ: Pass This Simple Money Quiz to Prove You Don’t Deserve the Trenches
• Where The Money At?!

The 28-year-old mobile engineer in this #NairaLife has come a long way in his relationship with money. He’s gone from careless spending to building an impressive $80k safety net by living below his means. He’s now navigating the insecurity that comes with a tech career, after surviving two layoffs in seven months.

This is his #NairaLife

Ready to win big? Try your luck with ScratchMe Lottery! Dial *671*4*4*3# on your MTN Line to play via MoMo or visit any Shoprite or Jara Store in Lagos. You can also snag one from a Dot or Bankly POS agents near you. Don’t miss out on a possible chance to become a millionaire!

Find out more here

Nenye* (26) talks about her three-year relationship with her ex, the several money-related issues they had, and why that experience has turned her off dating men with less money than her.

Find the story here

We all have questions about how to manage money, work and career we’d like clarity on, don’t we?

This is where Aunty M. Let’s call her the experienced older sibling you can come to for answers and actionable money and career advice.

All you need to do is send your questions below, and we’ll take it from there.

Submit your questions here

Good morning, {$name}! 🌞

ICYMI: On February 27, the Central Bank held its first Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting since the new Governor Yemi Cardoso took office. The most talked-about action points are the new moves to protect the Naira, which has lost over 70% of its value in the last few months.

So, these are some of the decisions the Apex Bank made.

• The CBN incresed the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) from 18.75% to 22.75%. Think of the MPR as the interest rate at which the CBN lends money to the bank. The most significant effect is that it means more expensive loans — a higher interest rate typically incentivises people to reduce the frequency of taking loans and save more. This helps the CBN control the money supply in the economy and potentially mitigate inflation. In addition, higher interest rates attract foreign investment and capital inflows, which may result in a stronger Naira against the dollar.

• The CBN also increased the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) from 32.5% to 45%. The CRR is the percentage of deposits banks are mandated to deposit with the CBN. The more money banks keep with the CBN, the fewer loans they can give, reducing money circulation.

  What do all of these mean: These CBN’s moves are geared towards reducing inflation, which reached a 30-year-high in January. If these work, there will be a reduction in the cost of living as prices of essentials will come down. Who knows? Maybe the price of one kilo of Turkey will return to less than <₦3k.

  Moving on, what stories do we have for you this week?

  In this letter:

  • #NairaLife:She Endured Financial Abuse for Six Years. Now She Earns ₦700k+/Month
  • My Weirdest Gig:I Worked on a Client’s Dating Profile
  • #ZikokoMoneyVideo: How is Inflation Affecting the Car Business?
  • QUIZ: How Much Money Will You Win On A Nollywood-Themed Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
  • Where The Money At?!

In 2021, the 33-year-old admin officer in this #NairaLife was forced to leave her six-year marriage with her two children. Years of financial abuse had begun to evolve into physical abuse.

She also went from having zero income for years to juggling three jobs and then solely providing for her children on a ₦45k salary. Her life is much better now, and it started with one job change.

Read her #NairaLife here

Zikoko Naira Life has told stories of Nigerians and money for about five years. Now’s time to take it a step further and bring everyone to talk and share experiences about this money thing, wouldn’t you say? What can you expect from this event? More imporatly, when is it happening?

We’ll share this information as soon as we can. Click the link below to be the first to know.

I want to be the first to know

Amaka* is a 26-year-old freelance business writer living in Lagos, Nigeria. A typical writing gig for her involves press releases, business profiles and whitepapers.

Nothing prepared her for being paid to write a client’s dating profile.

Read Amaka’s weirdest gig here.

Guys, we’re adding a new section to this newsletter. We all have questions about money we’d like some clarity on, don’t we?

Enter Aunty M. Let’s say she’s the experienced older sibling you can come to for answers and actionable money, work and career advice.

All you need to do is send your questions below, and we’ll take it from there.

Submit your questions here

How does money move in the food delivery sector? How much do folks who make the delivery work? Find some answers in this video.

Watch the video here

Good morning, {$name}! 🌞

Last week was another hectic week for the Naira on the FX market as it plunged into new lows. There were also multiple reports of the government ordering the shutdown of cryptocurrency exchanges and EFCC officials arresting local Bureau de Change operators.

It appears the Central Bank of Nigeria has turned its attention to the BDC market in its efforts to stabilise the forex market and ensure compliance in the sector. In a 51-page circular released on Friday, the CBN highlighted new guidelines for BDC operations — which the government often blames for the FX crisis — in the country. One major thing to note is:

The CBN is kicking off a two-tier system for BDC operations.

• Tier 1 BDCs will be licensed to operate nationally. They will be required to have ₦2b minimum share capital — the minimum amount of assets a company must have — and a caution deposit of ₦200m with the CBN. In addition, there will also be an application and license fee of ₦1m and ₦5m, respectively.

• Tier 2 BDCs can only operate in one state or the FCT and must have ₦500 million minimum share capital and a caution deposit of ₦50 million. The application and license fee here is ₦250,000 and ₦2m.

  It will be interesting to see how the CBN plans to implement these new regulations and their impact on the FX market. We have one more thing to keep our fingers crossed on.

  In this letter:

  • #NairaLife:The Software Developer Picking Himself Up After Losing $500K in Seven Months
  • 7 Nigerians Talk About the Struggle to Gift Their Abroad Friends
  • #ZikokoMoneyVideo: How is Inflation Affecting the Car Business?
  • QUIZ: Only Rich People Can Score 9/12 on This Bank Slogan Quiz
  • Where The Money At?!

The 41-year-old software developer in this #NairaLife had built considerable wealth over a 10-year career and was on his way to achieving his second-passport dreams when he lost his entire life savings to a botched crypto project and cryptocurrency exchange in 2022.

Two years later, he’s rebuilding his savings and investment portfolio and chasing a $1m/month payday.

Read his #NairaLife here

Zikoko Naira Life has told stories of Nigerians and money for about five years. Now’s time to take it a step further and bring everyone to talk and share experiences about this money thing, wouldn’t you say? What can you expect from this event? More imporatly, when is it happening?

We’ll share this information as soon as we can. Click the link below to be the first to know.

I want to be the first to know

You might think your love language is gifting the people you love until they leave the country, and you now have to show your love in other ways. Why? Because while you may want to be intentional, the exchange rate, distance and logistics will force you to be creative.

We spoke with seven Nigerians who have friends and family abroad, and they talked about the struggle to send them gifts on meaningful days.

Read about their struggles here.

Guys, we’re adding a new section to this newsletter. We all have questions about money we’d like some clarity on, don’t we?

Enter Aunty M. Let’s say she’s the experienced older sibling you can come to for answers and actionable money advice. We’ve got you if it’s a personal finance or money question.

All you need to do is send your questions below, and we’ll take it from there.

Submit your questions here

If you’re wondering how much the (used) car market is responding to how quickly the naira is losing its value, this video is an excellent place to start.

Watch the video here

Good morning, {$name}! 🌞

I’ve been thinking about a question for the past couple of days. Given recent events, what’s the best way to think about income allocation?

One of my favourite approaches to budgeting is inspired by this framework I saw in an earlier Naira Life story.

One of the subjects in last week’s NairaLife mentioned a similar approach.

But the thing is, inflation wasn’t 29.90% in 2021, and it shows no signs of slowing down — at least not for now. While these frameworks still work, I feel like it might also be helpful to move a few things around. I’m still figuring out how best to execute this. So, I’m curious: what budgeting framework have you found useful recently? I’d love to hear from you.

What do I have for you this week, though?

In this letter:

• #NairaLife: The Traditional Couple Running a One-Income Household
• I Took a ₦100k Pay Cut Because I Was Miserable
• #ZikokoMoneyVideo: How Much Allowance Did These First Class Graduates Get?
• QUIZ: Can We Guess How Much Is In Your Account?
• Where The Money At?!

Phoebe* (35) and Joe* (41) have been married for 11 years now, although a money-related fight almost ended their relationship before it even started.

They run a traditional one-income household, and Joe manages the family’s finances. How did they get there, and how is this dynamic working out for them?

Read their #NairaLife here

We’re hosting a Naira Life event in 2024! What’s better than sharing stories about how Nigerians manage money? Bringing everyone together under one roof to share their experiences.

We’ll share more information as soon as we can. Click the link below to be the first to know.

I want to be the first to know

Why would anyone voluntarily take a pay cut? For Jeremiah, it was the only choice to preserve his mental health.

He talks about getting his dream job at a toxic workplace and having to leave for a demotion and pay cut.

Read his story here.

We recently talked to a couple of uni graduates and asked them questions about their finances while they were in school.

Watch the video here

Good morning, {$name}! 🌞

First, I have a PSA: We’re looking for multimedia content creators at Zikoko. If this sounds like you, we want to meet you. Chances are that you also know one or two superstars, please share this opportunity with them. You’ll find all the information you need here.

Today, I’m still thinking about the one thing that’s been on my mind for the past few weeks: Inflation. I miss when ₦5 was enough to buy a sachet of water. But will this ever happen again?

If we’re going by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor Olayemi Cardoso’s word (We’re calling him Cardi B now, by the way), the cost of things should go down in 2024. According to him, inflation might fall from 28.98% to 21.4% before the year ends. It’s undoubtedly hopeful news, but how exactly will we get here? I’m unsure, but the governor said the CBN’s “inflation-targeting policy” will drive this effort.

I have no idea what this means, but I hope he — and everyone involved — does.

So, what stories do we have for you today?

In this letter:

• The #NairaLife of a Dog Breeder Moonlighting as a Banker
• 6 Nigerians Under 35 Talk About Writing Wills
• Inflation Watch
• Quiz: How Much Money Can You Win On An “Ajepako”—Themed “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire”
• Where The Money At?!

If you ask the 28-year-old in this story what he does, he’ll tell you, “I’m a dog breeder who happens to work in a bank.” His ₦165k/month banker salary isn’t what pays the bills. He’s a self-taught dog breeder and dealer who got into the dog business by chance in 2018 and never looked back. In his best month, he makes up to ₦1m. Of course, he doesn’t think he’ll ever go broke again.

You’ll enjoy this one!

We’re hosting a Naira Life event in 2024! What’s better than sharing stories about how Nigerians manage money? Bringing everyone together under one roof to share their experiences.

We’ll share more information as soon as we can. Click the link below to be the first to know.

I want to be the first to know

6 Nigerians Under 35 Talk About Writing Wills

Let’s talk about something young people need to consider: Writing wills. There’s a superstitious belief behind why we don’t feel strongly about it, but we also assume that you must have a lot of money or assets before considering making a will. That’s not true. The best time to make a will is as soon as you become a legal adult. (Are you paying attention, Toheeb?)

We found six people under 35 who have (or are planning to have) wills and asked why they wrote one, including their general thoughts about it.

Here’s what they said.

The team is working on a report to answer a few questions about how Nigerians make and manage money, including the factors driving these behaviours. But what would you like to see in a report like this? I have an idea: Would you be open to a 10-minute call to discuss the themes you’d find valuable in a money report?

If this sounds like something you’d like to do, please click the link below.

Yes, I want in!

Inflation Watch

QUIZ: How Much Money Can You Win On An “Ajepako”—Themed “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire”

If you grew up an Ajepako, this “Who wants to be a millionaire” quiz should be a breeze.

Take the quiz here

Where The Money At?!

We can’t say we’re about the money and not actually help you find the money.

So we’ve compiled a list of job opportunities for you. Make sure you share this with anyone who might need it because in this community, we look out for each other.

Again, don’t mention. We gatchu.

• Vendor Associate – Eden Life
• Program Managerr – Mentally Aware
• Business Development Manager – Bolt
• Social Media Manager – Carbon
• Talent Acquisition Associate – Reliance Health
• Growth Marketer – Kuda

Share this newsletter

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

All good things must come to an end. But not this good thing. We’ll be back next week.

In the
meantime, keep reading Zikoko’s articles and be sure to share the love.

See you next week…

Yours cashly,

Toheeb,

Zikoko’s’OG’ Mr. Money

Did someone awesome send this to you?

Subscribe to this Newsletter

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Good morning, {$name}! 🌞

Three things are certain in life (read: Nigeria): Death, taxes, and rising inflation. Last week, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that inflation now sits at 28.92%. Two things to note: this number has risen for 12 consecutive months. The last time inflation hit this high was in 1996. That was 27 years ago.

Is the Government doing anything about this? The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will hold its first Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) meeting of 2024 next month. During these meetings, the CBN figures out ways to regulate the economy’s value, supply and cost of money. A core reason is to curb inflation. Fingers crossed. 🤞

Inflation numbers used to be mostly just numbers on a screen. Or maybe it’s just me. But this time last year, a plate of food from a restaurant I frequent was ₦1750 (including delivery fees). Now it costs me ₦2800 for the same thing. That’s something, isn’t it?

In (un) related news, I found this picture I thought about all weekend. It’s a price list of (new) Kia cars in 2015. How much do these sell for now?

Moving on to this week’s stories.

In this letter:

• The #NairaLife of a 45-Year-Old Living Her Best Life Driving Cabs
• 7 Nigerian Millennials Share Hacks for Living Through Inflation
• Money Meanings: “Assets Under Management”
• Quiz: When Will You Get Your Next Raise at Work?
• Where The Money At?!

A lot has happened since this 45-year-old lost her bank job in 2009. She started a fabrics and home decor business and navigated raising her kids on her own. She’s finally found stability in an unlikely source: Driving cabs. How’s it working out, and what does her >₦250k/week income do for her?

This is her #NairaLife!

My key learnings from this story:

• If your money moves are not serving you, it’s all right to change them. Setting up a fabric business was supposed to be this lady’s next significant move after her bank job. But she knew when to let her shop go. I think she’s better for it.
• There’s no single rule to money management. It’s best to find what works for you and stick with it. In this context, it’s how this woman saves. I like that she has a weekly ajo contribution. The frequency makes sense to me because she earns money daily and reconciles the amount weekly.
• This is just a thought: I imagine this lady lost her banking career due to the 2009 banking crisis. I wonder how the scores of others affected managed to navigate the fallout from that event.

Inflation has reached 28.92% — the highest in 27 years — and things are… hectic. We spoke to some millennials, and they shared the hacks they’re holding on to in these trying times.

Read the hacks here!

You heard it here first – we are planning a Naira Life event in 2024! What’s better than sharing stories about how Nigerian manage money? Bringing everyone together under one roof to share their experiences.

We’ll share more information as soon as we can. Click the link below to be the first to know.

Be the first to know!

We know you deserve to earn more money this year, but do your employers think so?

Let’s find out if a raise is on the horizon for you at work.

Take the quiz here.

We can’t say we’re about the money and not actually help you find the money.

So we’ve compiled a list of job opportunities for you. Make sure you share this with anyone who might need it because in this community, we look out for each other.

Again, don’t mention. We gatchu.

• Content Creators – Zikoko
• Senior Internal Auditor – Vendease
• Business Development Manager – Quidax
• Copywriter – Kuda
• Graduate Intern – Wells – ExxonMobil
• Impact Associate – Founders Factory Africa

Share this newsletter

All good things must come to an end. But not this good thing. We’ll be back next week.

In the
meantime, keep reading Zikoko’s articles and be sure to share the love.

See you next week…

Yours cashly,

Toheeb,

Zikoko’s’OG’ Mr. Money

Did someone awesome send this to you?

Subscribe to this Newsletter

Good morning, {$name}! 🌞

It’s January 15, and we’re now in the second half of the month. If you’re like me, you are thrilled that salary day is almost upon us. But I learned last week that some people don’t painfully track the days to the 25th. What do I mean?

On January 9, 2024, five Nigerian banks — First Bank, Access Bank, UBA, Guaranty Trust Bank and Zenith Bank — closed with a market capitalization of at least ₦1 Trillion each on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

The thing about market capitalization is that it represents the total worth of a company as determined by the stock market. It is calculated by multiplying the current market Price per Share by the Total Number of Outstanding Shares of a company’s stock. Here’s a simple formula to understand this: Market Capitalization = Current Market Price per Share × Total Number of Outstanding Shares.

An example: As of Friday, January 12, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) closed with 29.4 billion outstanding shares, and each share price was ₦46.30. If you multiply these numbers, you have ₦1.36 Trillion.

These five banks are now valued at about ₦6.1 Trillion. If you bank with any of them, I know what you are: a Trillionaire by association.🫵

I’ve gotten this out of the way, so let’s look at this week’s stories.

In this letter:

• #NairaLife: The #NairaLife of an Unemployed Designer Whose Retirement Plan Is Cocoa Farming
• A Very Specific Guide to Understanding How Money Works
• Money Meanings: “Assets Under Management”
• Game: #HowMuchLast
• Where The Money At?!

In February 2023, this 25-year-old UI/UX designer had three jobs. A month later, she lost two of them. She’s currently unemployed, but runs a thrift business and YouTube channel. She hopes to add cocoa farming to that list one day.

Read her #NairaLife here.

My key learnings from this story:

• It’s important to set boundaries with the people who depend on you. Undoubtedly, black tax is a big part of our financial culture. My personal take, but I think it’s a privilege to have the means to take on this responsibility. That said, I also recognise how debilitating it can get. Setting expectations comes in here. Black tax becomes a considerable problem when it affects other equally important responsibilities. Nothing good comes out of it. I wonder how the lady’s father feels about his extended family depending on him these days.
• We talk about income diversification for excellent reasons. Having multiple sources of income — if you can manage them — offsets the effect of unfortunate life events, say a job loss. This lady lost three jobs in quick succession, but having a knack for running businesses and building her capacity in that area propped her up.
• Emergency savings. It’s one of the hardest things to build the discipline for. Or maybe I’m just talking for myself. But man, all the good it does makes it worth it. It’s best practice to have three to six months of living expenses. It’s doable, yes? May the Force be with us.

Let’s say it as it is: we seem to have a numbers problem. It’s probably why we drop big figures and prices at will. No, no one’s perfume collection is worth ₦7 billion. So maybe we need a refresher on how numbers work.

This is how numbers and money work

#HowMuchLast is a game where we show you an item and you tell us (and the world) the highest amount you’d pay for it.

Some weeks will be Okin biscuit, some others will be SUVs.

It’s African Cup of Nations (AFCON) season. The Nigerian national team started their campain with a draw against Equatorial Guinea. Our next match decides if we’ll have to get the calculators out [you know, for the permutations] But I’m curious, if you had a chance to be in Côte d’Ivoire to support the Super Eagles, how much do you imagine you might spend? So, #HowMuchLast for the AFCON expereince?

What’s the most you’d pay? Tweet at us here.

We can’t say we’re about the money and not actually help you find the money.

So we’ve compiled a list of job opportunities for you. Make sure you share this with anyone who might need it because in this community, we look out for each other.

Again, don’t mention. We gatchu.

• Graduate Trainee Programme – Grand Cereals
• Senior Program Specialist (Surveillance) – US Embassy
• Jobs at MTN Nigeria
• Head of Credit Risk – Kuda
• Relationship Manager – FairMoney
• Mobile Application Developer – Credpal

Share this newsletter

All good things must come to an end. But not this good thing. We’ll be back next week.

In the
meantime, keep reading Zikoko’s articles and be sure to share the love.

See you next week…

Yours cashly,

Toheeb,

Zikoko’s’OG’ Mr. Money

Did someone awesome send this to you?

Subscribe to this Newsletter

Good morning, {$name}! 🌞

We are eight days into the new year and 50 more days before the next salary day. God abeg!

The interesting thing is almost everyone I know is pumped about 2024. It’s contagious, and I don’t hate it. It also tracks since we’ve decided that this year’s unofficial theme is “No gree for anybody.”

But this was almost tested last week. On Wednesday, there was chatter about the possibility of another fuel price increase, taking one litre of fuel to ₦1200, nearly twice the current pump price. I’ve lived in Nigeria long enough to know that news like this becomes a significant event, and for a good reason. The cost of living skyrockets when the pump price goes up. We covered the story here if you missed it.

However, we won’t be shelling out as much money for fuel yet. But knowing how this works, there might be another hike soon. Again, God abeg.

Now, let’s move on to why we’re here: What does Money by Zikoko have for you today? Let’s get into it!

In this letter:

• #NairaLife: The Academic Researcher Nursing Dreams of a Career in Comedy
• 7 Salary Earners Across Different Income Ranges Get Candid About Saving
• Money Meanings: “Liquidity”
• Game: #HowMuchLast
• Where The Money At?!

From impersonation to gambling, this 35-year-old has done several unconventional things to earn money. He’s an academic researcher now, but he dreams of earning in dollars. He’s certain that content creation will get him there.

This is his #NairaLife.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to saving money. What works for the ballers won’t always work for the hustlers, and that’s okay.

We asked 7 salary earners across different low and mid-income levels about their thoughts on savings, and they didn’t hold back on their thoughts

This is what they said

#HowMuchLast is a game where we show you an item and you tell us (and the world) the highest amount you’d pay for it.

Some weeks will be Okin biscuit, some others will be SUVs.

If you’re like most people (read: me), I imagine one of your 2024 resolutions is to hit a certain reading goal. How much do you think you might spend to make this happen? So, #HowMuchLast for building a book colection?

What’s the most you’d pay? Tweet at us here.

We can’t say we’re about the money and not actually help you find the money.

So we’ve compiled a list of job opportunities for you. Make sure you share this with anyone who might need it because in this community, we look out for each other.

Again, don’t mention. We gatchu.

• Finance Associate – Kora
• Senior Product Manager – Big Cabal Media
• Direct sales manager – Ecobank
• Procurement Associate – Vendease
• Sales Executive – Glovo
• Commercial Finance Analyst – PZ Cussons

Share this newsletter

All good things must come to an end. But not this good thing. We’ll be back next week.

In the
meantime, keep reading Zikoko’s articles and be sure to share the love.

Till next year…

Yours cashly,

Toheeb,

Zikoko’s’OG’ Mr. Money

Did someone awesome send this to you?

Subscribe to this Newsletter

Good morning, {$name}. 🌞

Thank you for staying with the Money by Zikoko squad this year. We published 51 Naira Life episodes in 2023, and it was fun sending these stories to all 40,000 of you.

It’s also a joy to see how plugged in you are with our work. Some of you wrote back to share your thoughts and learnings. Many of you read and forwarded these stories to others [See, you have good taste].

Sharing these stories with you every week was one of the things I looked forward to this year. I can’t wait to do the same next year. I hope you continue to find them useful.

To close out this year, we’re bringing back 10 Naira Life stories you loved the most. Happy re-reading!

And oh, {$name}: Merry Christmas!🎄

In this letter:

• #NairaLife: 10 of the Most-Loved Stories of 2023
• Where The Money At?!

We’ve compiled the #NairaLife stories you enjoyed reading and the ones that deserve a re-read.

I’ll tell you one thing — it’s almost impossible to pick a favourite.

Read the best of #NairaLife in 2023 🚀

We can’t say we’re about the money and not actually help you find the money.

So we’ve compiled a list of job opportunities for you. Make sure you share this with anyone who might need it because in this community, we look out for each other.

Again, don’t mention. We gatchu.

• Consultant Talent Management (6 Months Full Time Contract) – Mastercard Foundation
• Project Manager – Renmoney
• Logistics Transactional Executive – British American Tobacco
• Head.Regulatory & Compliance – 9mobile
• Senior Digital Analyst – Kingsmaker
• Brand Designer (Remote) – Code for Africa (CfA)

Share this newsletter

All good things must come to an end. But not this good thing. We’ll be back next week.

In the
meantime, keep reading Zikoko’s articles and be sure to share the love.

Till next year…

Yours cashly,

Toheeb,

Zikoko’s’OG’ Mr. Money

Did someone awesome send this to you?

Subscribe to this Newsletter

#HowMuchLast is a game where we show you an item and you tell us (and the world) the highest amount you’d pay for it.

Some weeks will be Okin biscuit, some others will be SUVs.

It’s almost December, and it’s that time people make vacation plans. I’m currently in a WhatsApp group with a few friends, and we’re planning a weekend getaway. While we all silently acknowledge that our plans may not make it out of the group, we still look forward to them. So I was wondering how much is a good price to pay for a weekend away. Or better put, what’s the most you’d pay for one of these things?

What’s the most you’d pay? Tweet at us here.

We can’t say we’re about the money and not actually help you find the money.

So we’ve compiled a list of job opportunities for you. Make sure you share this with anyone who might need it because in this community, we look out for each other.

Again, don’t mention. We gatchu.

• Graduate Management Development Scheme – Nigerian Breweries
• Product Manager – Payments – Kuda
• Project Management Associate – Big Cabal Media
• Finance Associate – Multigate

Share this newsletter

All good things must come to an end. But not this good thing. We’ll be back next week.

In the
meantime, keep reading Zikoko’s articles and be sure to share the love.

Till next week…

Yours cashly,

Toheeb,

Zikoko’s “OG” Mr. Money

Did someone awesome send this to you?

Subscribe to this Newsletter

This pilot cum businessman talks about the challenges of aviation in Nigeria, the best part of being a pilot, and the importance of friends.

An excerpt: “When you’re fresh out of aviation school in the US, the best place to fly is in Nigeria. In aviation, we rate experience with hours spent in the air. So instead of saying I have 20 years experience, you’ll say I have X number of hours. As a Nigerian, you’re at a disadvantage competing against Americans for spaces because you have neither experience [hours] nor the means to gain them. Unlike Nigeria where pilots are few, there are many pilots in America. Therefore, it’s easier to get a job and gain hours when you come back to Nigeria.

The only challenge is dealing with Nigerian factors. While my company doesn’t have the Nigerian factor, I’ve heard tales…”

What does his typical week look like?

#HowMuchLast is a game where we show you an item and you tell us (and the world) the highest amount you’d pay for it.

Some weeks will be Okin biscuit, some others will be SUVs.

With what flight tickets prices are saying, you begin to wonder if you really need to hop on that plane. But say you do, how much would you be willing to pay for a flight ticket?

What’s the most you’d pay? Tweet at us here.

We can’t say we’re about the money and not actually help you find the money.

So we’ve compiled a list of job opportunities for you. Make sure you share this with anyone who might need it because in this community, we look out for each other.

Again, don’t mention. We gatchu.

• Customer Support Team Lead -Lemfi
• Head of Data Science – M-Kopa
• Senior Accountant (Contract) – KPMG
• Regional Business Analyst – Airtel

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meantime, keep reading Zikoko’s articles and be sure to share the love.

Till next week…

Yours cashly,

Toheeb,

Zikoko’s “OG” Mr. Money

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After spending eight years on the streets, this 34-year-old oil and gas engineer finally settled down with his perfect match. While he’s a reckless spender, his wife is financially prudent. He talks about how he’s enjoying married life on his ₦2.3m monthly income.

An excerpt: “My wife is the financially prudent one, so she manages the money. When I wanted to settle down, financial responsibility was one of the key traits I looked out for in a partner. Because, if you leave me, we go enjoy all the money to the end. All my savings (around 40% of my income) goes to her, and we have a joint account she manages. She also contributes 30% of her income to our USD savings and keeps the rest of it. I tease her and call myself “big woman husband” because she get money, abeg!”

God when? Let’s find out!

#HowMuchLast is a game where we show you an item and you tell us (and the world) the highest amount you’d pay for it.

Some weeks will be Okin biscuit, some others will be SUVs.

Sometimes I’m bored and scour #SOTD Twitter to see what perfume folks are wearing. Somehow, it sparks joys. So now, I’m wondering how much you’ll be open to spending to build a perfume collection. Kindly indulge me.

What’s the most you’d pay? Tweet at us here.

We can’t say we’re about the money and not actually help you find the money.

So we’ve compiled a list of job opportunities for you. Make sure you share this with anyone who might need it because in this community, we look out for each other.

Again, don’t mention. We gatchu.

• • PMO & Strategy Manager-Smartcash PSB -Airtel
  • Treasury Manager – PZ Cussons
  • Aggregator Manager – Fairmoney
  • Product Manager – Savings – Wema Bank

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All good things must come to an end. But not this good thing. We’ll be back next week.

In the
meantime, keep reading Zikoko’s articles and be sure to share the love.

Till next week…

Yours cashly,

Toheeb,

Zikoko’s “OG” Mr. Money

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The subject of this “A Week in the Life” lives two ives. She’s a trader during the day and a pastor when she’s not trading.She talks about her decision not to be a full-time pastor, balancing a 9-5 alongside her divine calling, and the many ways she enjoys herself as a human being.

An excerpt: “God “called” me almost nine times, through people and directly, and I just let that phone ring and ring. At the time, I was certain that I was built for enjoyment alone.

However, calamity struck my perfect life. The abridged version is that the person who gave me capital to set up and run my business collected everything I had built and left me out to dry.

And so, like the prodigal son, I ended up returning to my father’s house. Ever welcoming, I was received with open hands where I enrolled into various schools under the church.

Since that experience, I learnt to put God first in all my dealings. I didn’t complain when I had to stop wearing trousers and weave on. I also accepted to live by the doctrine of the church.”

What’s it like moonlighting as a pastor?

Quick one. We want to make this newsletter more valuable for you, and you can tell us how to make this happen. So, can we ask you a few questions? It’ll only be a minute.

Please don’t air me 🥺

#HowMuchLast is a game where we show you an item and you tell us (and the world) the highest amount you’d pay for it.

Some weeks will be Okin biscuit, some others will be SUVs.

There is only a few unplanned expenses that get me in my feelings than hospita bills. Thankfully, a health insurance plan fixes that. I think you know this, too. So, tell me how much you’re willing to pay for a plan.

What’s the most you’d pay? Tweet at us here.

We can’t say we’re about the money and not actually help you find the money.

So we’ve compiled a list of job opportunities for you. Make sure you share this with anyone who might need it because in this community, we look out for each other.

Again, don’t mention. We gatchu.

• Senior Finance Manager – MainOne
• Field Operations Officer – Sabi
• Growth Data Analyst – Moniepoint
• Sales and Merchant Acquisition Specialist – LemFi

Share this newsletter

All good things must come to an end. But not this good thing. We’ll be back next week.

In the
meantime, keep reading Zikoko’s articles and be sure to share the love.

Till next week…

Yours cashly,

Toheeb,

Zikoko’s “OG” Mr. Money

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The subject of this “A Week in the Life”, originally published in 2021, is a dominatrix. She talked about juggling two identities, feeling guilty after satisfying her kinks and meeting interesting people.

An excerpt: “Being a domme is intoxicating, but coming down from that space and facing the mundaneness of real-life can be jarring. It’s a whirlwind of negative emotions that can go on for days where I’m in a weird space feeling things intensely.

I sometimes spend the whole day feeling guilty for living out my kinks, mostly because of how strange, “shameless,” and unconventional they are. Other days, I have to tell myself that what I’m doing is okay and I’m not hurting anyone…

”

What does a domme’s week look like?

Quick one. We want to make this newsletter more valuable for you, and you can tell us how to make this happen. So, can we ask you a few questions? It’ll only be a minute.

Please don’t air me 🥺

#HowMuchLast is a game where we show you an item and you tell us (and the world) the highest amount you’d pay for it.

Some weeks will be Okin biscuit, some others will be SUVs.

Word on the streets is that computer monitors are a productivity hack – something about the bigger screen. Well, there’s only one way to find out. So, tell me how much you’re willing to pay for one here.

What’s the most you’d pay? Tweet at us here.

We can’t say we’re about the money and not actually help you find the money.

So we’ve compiled a list of job opportunities for you. Make sure you share this with anyone who might need it because in this community, we look out for each other.

Again, don’t mention. We gatchu.

• Brand and Product Designer – Leadway Assurance
• Security Operations Manager – Coca Cola
• Frontend Engineer
  – App Zone
• Provider Relations Associate – Reliance Health

Share this newsletter

All good things must come to an end. But not this good thing. We’ll be back next week.

In the
meantime, keep reading Zikoko’s articles and be sure to share the love.

Till next week…

Yours cashly,

Toheeb,

Zikoko’s “OG” Mr. Money

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Bella* is living the baby girl life, with no job, heavy bills or need for savings. She talks about meeting her two current boyfriends on Instagram and having her parents as her safety net.

An excerpt: “Buying things make me happy — clothes, shoes, food. I’ve spent ₦33k on two dresses in the last two weeks. Like now, I want to change my phone, and I have about ₦250k, but if I use it, I’d have to survive on garri till like February. My boyfriend promised to send me money for a new phone, so I’ll just wait.

”

Read her #LoveCurrency

Quick one. We want to make this newsletter more valuable for you, and you can tell us how to make this happen. So, can we ask you a few questions? It’ll only be a minute.

Please don’t air me 🥺

#HowMuchLast is a game where we show you an item and you tell us (and the world) the highest amount you’d pay for it.

Some weeks will be Okin biscuit, some others will be SUVs.

You probably don’t need a professional camera, but I’m wondering how much you think is a good price for one. So, tell me how much you’re willing to pay for it here.

What’s the most you’d pay? Tweet at us here.

We can’t say we’re about the money and not actually help you find the money.

So we’ve compiled a list of job opportunities for you. Make sure you share this with anyone who might need it because in this community, we look out for each other.

Again, don’t mention. We gatchu.

• Managing Director – Deloitte
• Talent Management Specialist – Sahara Group
• Data Scientist
  – Standard Bank
• Executive Assistant – Max Drive

Share this newsletter

All good things must come to an end. But not this good thing. We’ll be back next week.

In the
meantime, keep reading Zikoko’s articles and be sure to share the love.

Till next week…

Yours cashly,

Toheeb,

Zikoko’s “OG” Mr. Money

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The subject of this “A Week In The Life” is Mr. Emeka, a Zookeeper. He talks about being friends with animals, some of the hazards that come with his job and his plans to open his own zoo.

An excerpt: “I love animals. I really do. In fact, I don’t have any human friend that I can sit to gist with for 5 minutes. I prefer animals to human beings because not only are they more reliable, but you can also predict their behaviour. You know what to expect from an animal, but with human beings, you’re always guessing. In the past, I tamed a civet cat and was taking it around like a dog. I’ve also tamed a python that I was waking up and sleeping with in my house. I used to take that python everywhere with me too. It’s sad that I had to sell both the python and cat to a zoo in Lagos.”

Read the story here

Here’s the thing: we want to make this newsletter better for you, and we’re hoping you can tell us how to make this happen. To get started, we have a few questions to ask you. It’ll only be a minute.

let’s do this!

#HowMuchLast is a game where we show you an item and you tell us (and the world) the highest amount you’d pay for it.

Some weeks will be Okin biscuit, some others will be SUVs.

This week, I’m curious about the biggest sum of money you’d shell out for a good noise cancelling headphone. So, tell me how much you’re willing to pay for it here.

What’s the most you’d pay? Tweet at us here.

We can’t say we’re about the money and not actually help you find the money.

So we’ve compiled a list of job opportunities for you. Make sure you share this with anyone who might need it because in this community, we look out for each other.

Again, don’t mention. We gatchu.

• Business Development Manager- Wema Bank
• Sales Executive – M-Kopa
• Technical Writer – AppZone
• Product Designer – Kuda

Share this newsletter

All good things must come to an end. But not this good thing. We’ll be back next week.

In the
meantime, keep reading Zikoko’s articles and be sure to share the love.

Till next week…

Yours cashly,

Toheeb,

Zikoko’s “OG” Mr. Money

Did someone awesome send this to you?

Subscribe to this Newsletter