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Fancy a Career in Social Media Influencing? Here’s What You Should Know
Every week, Zikoko will share the hustle stories of Nigerians making it big in and out of the country. With each story, we’ll ask one crucial question in several ways: “How you do am?”

Toyosi Godwin’s hustle story gave insights into how he built a community on Twitter and unlocked an income stream through social media influencing. If you’re curious about what building a career as a social media influencer involves, this guide will help you.

Image: Pexels

First off, what does a social media influencer do?

It’s pretty self-explanatory. The social media influencer’s job is to influence the decisions of their followers or community, especially purchasing decisions.

Being an influencer isn’t just a job, though. It’s a lifestyle that hinges on popularity and a committed following. Those are factors necessary to get people to do what you want them to do.

For example, you probably wouldn’t buy slimming tea from a danfo vendor, mainly because you don’t know or trust the vendor. But if your favourite influencer were to come online and swear by the product, you might have a change of heart. Why? You were influenced.

What does it take to become an influencer?

First, a committed following, and that doesn’t mean just being popular. You may go viral — and even gain followers — every two weeks by tweeting controversial takes, but fame doesn’t equal an ability to influence the decision of others. That’s done by:
- Building trust: People need to feel like they can either relate to or trust that they know you enough to listen to you.
- Having a niche: What’s that one thing you’re really good at and can talk about forever without getting tired? That’s your niche. This is important, as it helps the influencer to build authority in their field and earn a committed following. If followers know, for example, that you know all there is to know about fashion, they’re more likely to buy a fashion item just because you recommended it.
RELATED: The Grass to Grace #NairaLife of a Social Media Influencer

So, how do you become a successful influencer?

Once you’ve cracked your niche and following, a couple of skills are necessary to maintain your community.
- Storytelling and content creation: It’s important to note that it’s not only about how often you post on social media; quality also matters. How, when, and what are you posting? Are you selling the content in a way that appeals to and evokes some type of action in your audience?
A successful influencer doesn’t just post for the sake of it. You’ll need to pay attention to content strategy, the algorithm of the social media platform in use, and the specific audience.
- Social listening: This involves analysing online conversations and considering how they could affect your brand and audience. The ultimate goal is to understand the underlying sentiment on social media and respond with a marketing strategy that influences that sentiment favourably, ensuring your visibility.
- Consistency: Followers must know they can trust you to show up regularly. You might want to invest all your money in a telecom company because you’ll always need to be online.
- Search engine optimisation: Before you ask, isn’t it just social media? It’s not. You want considerable views on every content you put out, and a knowledge of SEO will ensure you explore the right keyword and push out content that keeps you at the top of people’s minds.
- Community engagement: A large part of social media influencing is trust, and that’s gotten through engaging with your followers. Don’t just post and go. You’re not Beyoncé.
How do you make money as an influencer?

This is typically done through:
- Brand endorsements: One common denominator for influencers is that they have many loyal fans who trust them. Brands use this leverage to make their products appealing by paying these influencers to sign on as ambassadors.
- Affiliate marketing: You know how Instagram skit makers include referral codes in their videos for a particular product or service? That’s affiliate marketing. When people buy the product/service with a referral code, the influencer gets a commission.
- Sponsored advertisements: This typically involves written or video content by an influencer directly marketing a product or service. In this method, the brand pays the influencer an agreed amount — usually determined by the influencer’s rate card — for the sponsored post.
Usually, the number of followers and social media reach an influencer has determines how much they can charge brands for ads.

Maintain the trajectory

An influencer’s work is never done. Social media algorithms and rules change, so it’s important to stay updated and constantly reinvent yourself to remain visible and relevant. It’s also helpful to follow other influencers to learn from them and possibly form partnerships that help your visibility even more.

NEXT READ: Mechanics Can Also Be Ballers. Here’s How You Can Become One

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Tife Oni

July 4, 2023

Hustleprint, Money

get paid, hustle, make money online, Nigerians, Social media, social media influencer, twitter influencer
“Nobody Can Call Me a Burden” — Nigerian Women on Going 50/50 Financially With Their Spouses

Recently, American actress Gabrielle Union and her husband became the subject of multiple internet think pieces after she revealed they take a 50/50 approach to their finances as a married couple.

Considering Nigeria’s mainly patriarchial society that still pushes the male-head-of-household mantra, I reached out to married Nigerian women to confirm whether there are Nigerian homes that employ the 50/50 approach to finances, too. It turns out, there are.

“At least, nobody can call me a burden” — Tola*, 33

I got married immediately after graduating from the university in 2015. I didn’t have a job, but he made enough money for both of us. He never complained about it, and I didn’t think getting a job was necessary. When we had twins in 2017, he began to murmur about expenses. One day, I asked him for money for a friend’s asoebi, and he said, “Do you want to kill me with demands?” I reported him to an older friend who told me to get something to do if I didn’t want my husband to develop hypertension.

When my children turned six months, I told my husband I wanted to find a job. He agreed, and luckily, I found a job quickly and got my sister to live with us and help out with the kids. Now, I give him half of my salary immediately it enters and still buy things in the house. My family usually says, “Isn’t your husband supposed to be taking care of you?” I don’t care. At least nobody can call me a burden.

“It just works” — Precious*, 29

My husband and I have a joint account, (separate from our personal accounts), where we send half of our salaries at the end of every month. It’s money from this account we use to sort out household expenses. We’ve done that for two years now, and it works for us. When money in the joint account isn’t sufficient for a particular expense, my husband makes up the difference.

“It’s my way of showing support” — Lolade*, 27

My husband and I have always gone 50/50, even before marriage. We’d go 50/50 for major dates and did the same for our wedding. Now, he handles household expenses like rent, fuel and major home repairs, while I handle groceries, data and Netflix bills, and little needs. When we have kids, we’ll also figure out a way to split. I earn more than he does, so it’s my way of showing support.

“It’s quite tough” — Mimi*, 36

My husband is really conservative. If not for the state of the nation, he wouldn’t even allow me to work at all. He got me a clothes retail shop some years ago on the condition that I’d use my income to support the home. It started out well, but recently, I’ve had to take up almost 70% of the household expenses, including the children’s school fees. He’s usually owed salaries at his workplace, so most times, we have to borrow from my business. This money hardly gets refunded. It’s quite tough because I have zero savings, and I can’t even complain because it’d seem like I’m being disrespectful.

RELATED: “My Take-Home Salary Doesn’t Take Me Home” – 7 Nigerian Blue-Collar Workers on Their Incomes

“We only go 50/50 on rent” — Nana*, 28

When we decided to move to Lekki to be closer to work in 2021, we agreed that we’d have to split the ₦3m rent because neither of us could afford it alone. That’s the only thing we split 50/50. For other household expenses, we just attend to them as they come. He can buy foodstuff at the supermarket on his way home today, and I can remember we need engine oil when I step out tomorrow and just buy it.

“It’s not a rigid arrangement” — Chinny*, 30

My husband and I each earn below ₦100k per month, and we know it’s impossible to have an average standard of living if we rely on only one person’s salary. So, we pool half of our resources together to settle the bills and school fees of our two kids. It’s not a rigid arrangement. Some months, I may take up 70% of the expenses, and other times it’s 40%. We just do whatever we can to survive.

“It sometimes feels unfair” — Glory*, 31

My husband and I decided to go 50/50 when I got a job that paid more than his in 2021, but it sometimes feels unfair. I only agreed to go 50/50 when money started being an issue in the house. He felt I had money but was comfortable with him being broke, so I agreed to the arrangement to let peace reign. His idea of 50/50 doesn’t apply to household chores. I still do everything in the home. I’ve brought this up a number of times, but he takes it to mean I want to start ordering him around because I have money. If I can support him with the finances, why can’t he support me with chores?

*Names have been changed for the sake of anonymity.

NEXT READ: 6 Women on the Burden of Being Breadwinners in Their Families

Tife Oni

June 21, 2023

Her, Money

50/50, Finances, hustle, marriage, money, personal finance, relationships
Mechanics Can Also Be Ballers. Here’s How You Can Become One

Every week, Zikoko will share the hustle stories of Nigerians making it big in and out of the country. With each story, we’ll ask one crucial question in several ways: “How you do am?”

Ismail Tobi’s hustle story took us through his journey to becoming a mechanic while studying for a civil engineering degree. If you’ve ever been curious about what it takes to become a mechanic in Nigeria, this guide will help you.

Image: Freepik

Who is a mechanic?

When you think of a “mechanic” in Nigeria, you think of someone who repairs and maintains cars. That’s correct, but that just describes an automotive or car mechanic. These mechanics are responsible for diagnostic testing and inspection of cars and small trucks. You might even find a car mechanic who specialises in a particular car brand or a specific area of auto service, like the chassis system.

Mechanics, in general, are skilled workers who use specialised tools to build, maintain or repair machinery like vehicle engines, motorcycles and even refrigerators.

What are the requirements for becoming a mechanic?

Training is an important requirement for mechanics, as it’s a very skill-centric profession. You can train to become a mechanic through two routes: studying a mechanical/automotive engineering degree in school or going through an apprenticeship system.

If the goal is to become a car mechanic, a mechanical engineering degree may not be the best bet, as they focus more on research and development of new designs for all types of machinery, not just cars.

Automotive engineering is a mechanical engineering speciality, and it focuses on all things related to the automobile industry, including testing and maintenance — the typical duties of a car mechanic. Several Nigerian universities offer automotive engineering courses, including Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Bayero University, Kano and many more.

To go through the apprenticeship route, you’d need to undergo training at a mechanic’s workshop for a stipulated period of time This option is used more in Nigeria, as it allows the trainee to get practical hands-on experience.

Where can I learn to become a mechanic?

Some automotive workshops in Nigeria that offer training include AutoMedics, AutoFix, Smiles Autos, and D.T AutoCafe. There are also several specialised institutes that offer mechanic training, like the Bola Ige Mechatronics Institute.

Like Tobi, you can also reach out to a nearby mechanic workshop and confirm that they offer training services. Be careful to seek out one who knows what they’re doing, though.

You don’t want this

How long does it take to become a mechanic?

Studying at the university usually involves a 4-5 year study period. In many cases, degree holders also have to go through internship periods at workshops to get practical experience. For mechanic apprentices, training duration usually depends on the workshop, but it typically takes a 2-5 year training period.

What is the average mechanic’s salary?

Many mechanics in Nigeria prefer to run their workshops, so their income is determined by their client base and frequency of jobs. These factors also come to play in mechanics who are employed to work in other people’s workshops, but an average mechanic can earn between ₦80k – ₦200k per month.

What skills are needed to succeed as a mechanic?

There are many mechanics in Nigeria; how do you stand out? An important step is staying in tune with new moves in your chosen industry. Are there new technologies you need to be aware of? How do you tell the difference between substandard and quality vehicle parts? These are some of the questions a mechanic needs to consider if they hope to stay successful at their craft.

NEXT READ: A Complete Guide to Becoming a Pilot in Nigeria

Tife Oni

June 20, 2023

Hustleprint, Money

Auto workshops, Car mechanic, hustle, Mechanic, Nigerian mechanics, Nigerians
A Case for Doing the Barest Minimum at Work

Capitalism will try to make you believe success only comes to those who work hard. We beg to differ. Sometimes, doing the barest minimum brings the best results, especially at work. Here’s why.

More work? Not your problem

You know how they say the reward for hard work is more work? That won’t be your problem. Your employer and colleagues will be satisfied with the fact that you actually completed your work without procrastinating.

Your boss won’t remember you for volunteer work

As long you dead every idea of volunteering for extra work and focus only on the work you’re paid for, no one will remember to call you when they need someone to work after hours or take meeting notes.

…but they’ll notice when you go above and beyond

Since everyone knows you only do what you’re paid to do, the day you decide to go above and beyond on a task, it won’t go unnoticed. Meaning you’re more likely to win “Staff of the Week” than Yetunde, who quietly does two people’s jobs every day.

You’ll have great work-life balance

Since you aren’t spending all your waking hours thinking about work, you’ll have time to do meaningful things, like find a boo and leave the streets.

Also, more time for side gigs

It’s not like your salary lasts more than one week anyway. Now, you’ll have time to pursue other things that’ll bring money into your account.

Your employer doesn’t give a shit about you

Whether you do the bare minimum or not, you can still get laid off if the company hits a rough patch. Plus, they only care about hitting their targets, not you as a person. Say no to capitalism.

Nigeria doesn’t respect hard work

If it did, politicians would be riding keke to work. But it is what it is.

You’ll have more time for eye service

Because we all know that is what typical Nigerian bosses really want.

You’ll be the mysterious colleague

Your own is to do your work and go. Office gossip? You’ll never be there.

NEXT READ: Corporate Idan 101: How to Make Sure Your Colleagues Know Not to Try You

Tife Oni

June 19, 2023

Money

9-5ers, capitalism, Funny, hustle, Nigerians, work
How to Finesse a Job Interview, According to a Recruiter

Whether you feel prepared or not, job interviews can be unpredictable. There are many opinions about interview dos and don’ts, but who really ever prepares for questions like, “If you were an animal, which would you be?” Yes, recruiters have been known to ask such unusual questions during interviews.

So, what do you do when you’re unsure of the right answer or don’t even know what to say? You finesse it, and here’s how you do that, according to Wande*, a recruiter in Lagos.

Project confidence, even if you don’t feel it

Look the recruiter in the eye, and don’t let any anxiety show. They can’t beat you. Build confidence — and let it show in your voice — even before the interview starts. It will save you from feeling like you’ve hit a block the moment you’re asked an unexpected question. From personal experience, I always conclude that confident people know what they’re saying until they say something that proves otherwise.

Reword and repeat the question

You’ve been asked something, you don’t know the answer, so you need to buy time. Imagine you’re asked, “How many apples fall from the tree yearly?” You can respond with something like, “That’s an interesting question. So that I understand exactly what you’re asking, do you mean both red and green apples?” More often than not, the recruiter will explain the question again with more detail which means more time for you to find an answer.

Remember the question’s purpose

Whether they’re asking you what animal you’d like to be or what superpower you’d like, the general purpose of any interview question is to confirm you fit the role requirements. You can’t be interviewing for a job that involves handling money, and you say the animal you’d like to be is a snake — an animal known to be sneaky and dishonest. As how?

Admit you don’t know, but don’t leave it at that

It’s alright to admit you don’t know the answer to a question because the worst thing you can do is lie. But instead of saying, “I don’t know”, try something like, “I’m so glad you asked this. I’ve always wanted to know more about XYZ, which is why I’ve tried looking up [insert any vaguely similar concept]”. This presents you as someone who isn’t scared of not knowing but is also in tune with their professional growth.

RELATED: How Long Should You Stay at a Job? — We Asked 7 Nigerians

Use personal examples

You can also redirect the topic to a similar professional situation where you weren’t sure of the right approach to take, but you were able to identify the best resources needed to get the job done. The idea is to show you’re a collaborator who knows how to work through challenges. No one knows everything, and unless the recruiter is a bad belle, they know it too.

For the love of God, don’t ramble

Keep your answers brief and to the point. Rambling will show your nerves, and remember you’re acting like you know what you’re doing. Recruiters don’t want to hear long stories. Not with about 3,000 more interviews in one workday. No one is paid enough for that.

Redirect attention to your qualifications

In cases where you have absolutely no idea, admit it but don’t just go, “I have no idea.” Instead, go, “I’m not very familiar with this concept, but I’m up to date with XYZ, and I think it also ties into ABC”.

Remember, the recruiter is often under pressure too

Don’t think you’re the only one on the hot seat. The recruiter is also under pressure to deliver. Unless they’re your village people personified, they want to hire the best for the role and get it over with.

*Names have been changed for the sake of anonymity.

Take the survey HERE

NEXT READ: The Nigerian Millennial’s Guide to Earning What You Deserve

Tife Oni

June 15, 2023

Money

hustle, Job Interview, job interview questions, job seeker, Jobs, Nigerian recruiters, Nigerians
A Complete Guide to Becoming a Pilot in Nigeria
Every week, Zikoko will share the hustle stories of Nigerians making it big in and out of the country. With each story, we’ll ask one crucial question in several ways: “How you do am?”

Lawrence’s hustle story took us through his surprising transition from civil engineering to flight school, eventually becoming a pilot. Fancy a career in the sky too? This guide will help you.

Image: Pexels

Firstly, what kind of pilot can you be?

You know how every doctor studies medicine but can specialise in different aspects of medicine? The aviation industry works almost the same way. You can be one of three types of pilot: commercial, private or military.

A commercial pilot is qualified to fly a wide variety of aircraft, including passenger and cargo planes. If you’ve ever travelled by air, you were most likely flown by a commercial pilot.

Private pilots, on the other hand, are only qualified to fly small single-engine aircraft like some private jets.

While the army specifically trains military pilots for combat missions and to covertly gather intelligence.

Not to be confused with the type our village people use, though:

Where do you study to become a pilot in Nigeria?

Numerous aviation schools in Nigeria offer flight training courses and licensing, and the most popular is the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria. It’s a government-owned institution and a parastatal of the Ministry of Aviation, plus it’s widely regarded to be one of the best aviation schools in the nation.

Other aviation schools that offer flight training include:
- Universal School of Aviation: This is in Lagos and also provides training for other professions in the aviation industry, such as flight dispatch, flight attendants and customer service.
- International Aviation College: The state-owned institute is in Ilorin, Kwara state and offers various flight training.
- Dhaewood Aviation Business School (DABS): Also based in Lagos, the school offers both private and commercial pilot training, and other aviation courses such as aircraft maintenance and air traffic control.
- BlueSky Aviation-Helicopter Pilot Training Academy: The academy offers helicopter pilot training and is based in Lagos. Other courses include Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), and Instrument Rating (IR).
RELATED: Hustleprint: He Started His Career in Civil Engineering. Now He’s a Pilot

How long does flight school take?

Flight school in Nigeria typically involves a two-year training program, consisting of a six-month training for the Private Pilot License (PPL) and 18 months for the Commercial Pilot License (CPL). This is the standard for most commercial pilots, and while admission requirements vary between institutions, the minimum qualification required is a secondary school certificate.

How much does it cost to be a pilot?

Two words: A lot.

Depending on the flight school, tuition fees for a standard piloting course typically range between ₦7.5 million and ₦8.9 million. In March 2023, it was reported that the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) had raised its fees to ₦12.83 million (excluding accommodation and feeding) for its two-year course, citing the dollar-denominated aviation industry as a major factor.

How much do pilots earn in Nigeria?

Training is really expensive, but it’s expected that you make what you spent back when you start flying. A pilot’s salary depends on the aircraft they’re rated on (or “type rating”) — this is another certification pilots need to acquire after earning the pilot license — as well as their flying (or flight) hours. “Flight hours” simply refer to the number of hours the pilot has spent in the air.

The flight hours determine the pilot’s experience level, and their rank. A new pilot enters the industry as a Second Officer, then a First Officer (or copilot), Senior First Officer and finally Captain.

To become Captain, the pilot must have attained a minimum of 4,000 flight hours and a spotless record.

The pilot’s pay also depends on the airline they work with. Second Officers can earn between ₦1-₦1.3 million monthly, and this figure typically increases with type rating, flight hours and the airline. Usually, the more type ratings the pilot has, the more aircraft they’re cleared to fly, and the higher their earning potential is.

In summary

Research is fundamental in pursuing a piloting career. Knowing the path you want to take determines the relevant courses and certifications you’ll need to acquire. An aviation career is rewarding but also very intentional.

NEXT READ: How to Get Into Product Marketing as a Newbie
Tife Oni

June 6, 2023

Hustleprint

commercial pilot, hustle, Nigeria, pilot in nigeria, pilots
How Has the Fuel Price Hike Affected Transportation Costs in Major Cities?

Following newly inaugurated President Bola Tinubu’s (in)famous “subsidy is gone” declaration on May 29, 2023, Nigerians have been thrown into yet another cycle of fuel scarcity. But this time, it’s come with an almost doubled cost of fuel.

As expected, this has resulted in an increase in the cost of transportation and unusually empty roads, as many transport operators are either on the hunt for fuel, or simply parked their vehicles at home due to an inability to afford the new prices.

We talked to seven young Nigerians in different Nigerian cities, and they shared how the subsidy removal has affected their transportation budgets and overall quality of life.

“My transport spend will go from ₦5k/month to about ₦22k/month” — Mercy, 29. Kaduna

I use buses and keke napeps a lot because those are the easiest forms of transportation in Kaduna. I work five days a week, and I move around during the weekend too. I don’t have a car, so you’ll most likely see me in a keke.

Before the new fuel prices came into effect, my daily commute to work was ₦500: my house to the bus stop was ₦50, and then I’d take another keke and bike to get to my office, which cost ₦100 each—making ₦250 in the morning, and same amount when returning home.

Now, the keke from my house to the bus stop costs ₦100, and the other two stops now cost ₦200 and ₦150 respectively. I now spend ₦900 in transportation costs on a good day. It sometimes gets higher.

Apart from the increase, it’s now difficult for people to get buses. It’s easier for me because I live close to the junction, and I only have to be at work by 10 or 11 a.m. Kaduna is a typically busy city, but now the cars on the road are scanty, and people who have to be at work by 8 a.m. have a really difficult time.

This whole thing has changed my plans. I typically spend ₦5k on transport in a month, but now, this number will go up to roughly ₦20k-₦22k in a month. What will I now be eating? I need a raise or I’m die.

“I paid ₦1k for a fare that usually costs ₦300” — Ebube, 26. Lagos (Public transport user)

I often use public transport because I have to report physically to the office. My regular route is Iyana Oworo to Ikoyi, which is approximately a 45-minute journey on a good Lagos traffic day. On bad days, the sky is the limit.

It typically costs me ₦300 to go in the morning and ₦400 to return home, making ₦700 in total. It may even be ₦800 at times. However, since Monday, the price has been all over the place. On Tuesday, I spent ₦400 in the morning; on Wednesday, it was ₦1k and on Thursday, it was ₦500. Luckily for me, my colleague — whose fuel God has to keep replenishing —has been dropping me at home in the evenings.

The price increase isn’t even the only thing; it’s now a struggle to get one of the few buses available. I just want to be a soft girl, but imagine me, a whole lawyer trekking under Lagos sun and behaving like a conductor. My productivity is hanging by a thread because I’m less motivated to work. Also, I’m a lot more irritable these days, and I hate how it’s turning me into a nag. I just hope my colleagues understand.

“I had to pay ₦13k for a ride that should’ve cost ₦7k” — Busayo, 28. Lagos (Private ride-hailing app user)

I don’t have a car, and I don’t use public transport, so I pretty much go everywhere with an Uber or Bolt.

I do hospital trips from Ipaja to Lekki at least twice a month. Before the price hike, it typically costs ₦7k for this distance. If I was going to Surulere, it’d cost around ₦4k.

On Thursday, I did ₦13k to Lekki, and that was the best price. It wasn’t difficult to get a ride, but the first driver the app matched me with was trying to charge more. Uber suggested ₦8,800, but the driver and I did a 20-minute negotiation chat where he insisted he couldn’t go at that price and asked to be paid double whatever the price came to at my destination. That would’ve been around ₦18k or more. I eventually found a Bolt driver who didn’t haggle and drove me at the price Bolt suggested.

The inconvenience is just the additional cost for now, but I suspect there’ll be a real problem when my generator runs out of fuel.

RELATED: Fuel Subsidy: Tinubu Went off Script, and Nigerians Are Facing the Brunt

“I’ve spent half my usual weekly transportation budget in two days” — Nnenna, 26. Abuja

I stay at Kubwa and work at Maitama — a 30-40 minute cab ride — which costs about ₦400 in the morning, and ₦600 in the evening, totalling ₦1k. Now, I spend ₦700 in the morning and between ₦950-₦1k when I’m returning home. That’s about ₦1,700 in one day. It’s crazy. My transport budget was ₦10k weekly — including the occasional cost of food at work —but I’ve already spent ₦5k in two days.

Even with the increased cost, getting cabs in the morning is difficult. Most drivers have parked their cars at home, and the road is so free in the mornings now, though the usual evening traffic is still the same. The few drivers available are aggressive. At least, it’s just transport costs affected at the moment. I use a solar panel at home, so I don’t have to worry about fuel to power a generator. It’s saved me a lot.

“Short distances are now almost double the price” — Queeneth, 25. Port Harcourt

I use public transport when I have errands to run, and ride-hailing apps like Bolt when I go out to chill or visit someone. Since subsidy removal, I’ve used public transport a few times, and Bolt once.

After the first fuel price increase earlier this year, kekes went from ₦50 to ₦100 for short distances. Now, it’s been increased to ₦150-₦200. A two-minute ride from one junction to the next is still ₦150 or ₦200, and it’s the same price if you drop at the last bus stop. It’s the same with buses and local taxis. They’ve all added around ₦100 or ₦200 to the base fare.

The Bolt I took on Tuesday also charged ₦1,300 for a 7-minute ride that cost ₦700 before subsidy removal. It seems that’s the new base price because I just checked the app for another close-by location, and the fare was also ₦1,300.

The only way this situation has helped is that there’s barely any traffic on the road. My junction is typically filled with vehicles, but now there’s no one there. However, it also means you have to wait for about eight minutes before you find a vehicle, and most are already filled up. Some drivers have also stopped working, or are in queues somewhere looking for fuel. Even fuel stations don’t want to sell fuel. Thankfully, NEPA is pretty stable here, so I don’t buy fuel.

“Okada fares have increased by 100%” — Dare, 22. Ado-Ekiti

Everyone who doesn’t have a car in Ado has to use okadas. There are no two ways about it. The small buses are usually for long distances and don’t enter the streets. I go out every day for work, and since the Monday announcement, it’s been tough.

Before, I could easily find okadas when I walked to my junction, but now I have to wait a while or even trek. The few ones available charge 100% more, and it’s honestly not their fault. Fuel is now ₦500 per litre here. The fuel station queues are so long that you’ll see people lining up five minutes before you even get to the fuel station.

I only turn on my generator once a day now, and only when absolutely necessary, because even if I can afford the new price, it’ll probably take me hours to even buy it.

It’s just a matter of time before food prices will follow suit. I’m tired and frustrated. It’s always one thing in this country. Just a few weeks ago, it was cash scarcity, now this. I’m fed up, and I know I didn’t vote for this.

“I now rely on okada” — Tayo, 25, Ibadan

I work remotely, and only leave home when I have an outing. When I do go out, I use Uber. But since subsidy removal, I now rely on okadas. Two days ago, I tried to order an Uber. The app said ₦1,500, but the driver said he wouldn’t go unless I paid him ₦3k. I just gently cancelled it and went to look for okada. Even the okadas have increased by around ₦100 or ₦20, depending on the distance.

The major downside for me is fueling my generator because I’ll always need it to work. On Tuesday, I purchased 16 litres of fuel for ₦16k, and my chest is still paining me.

NEXT READ: To Japa or Not to Japa? Seven Over-30 Nigerians Reflect on Their Choices

Tife Oni

June 2, 2023

Money

Fuel Price Hike, fuel price in Nigeria, fuel scarcity, Fuel Subsidy, Fuel Subsidy Removal, hustle, Nigerians, transportation costs
A Day in the Life of a Frustrated Job Seeker

For this “A Day in the Life”, we’re chronicling what it means to hustle in Nigeria as someone who’s still trying to find a hustle. Daniel rants about his experiences and tells us why “unemployed” isn’t the right adjective for him.

6:00 a.m.

I woke up early today, as usual. No, I’m not a “go-getter” who wakes up on Monday mornings to watch motivational videos and start grinding. I’ve just realised it’s easier if my mum doesn’t wake up before me. Who wants to start their day with lectures of, “How are you going to find a job if you’re always sleeping?” In this house, we avoid wahala.

The first thing I do is check my emails. I must have applied to at least 15 jobs in the past week, and it’s still radio silence. I’ve been actively job-seeking since I got laid off seven months ago, and a lot has changed. Before, I wouldn’t apply to jobs that didn’t state the salary in the job description, but now, let’s just say I’ve learned. But what’s with recruiters and not stating the salary? What does “competitive salary” even mean?

They need to know that the salary is no longer competing with anything. Do they know how much data and transportation alone cost these days? Ask Twitter people, and they’ll tell you that ₦400k doesn’t do anything in the streets anymore. Is it until I apply for a job and go through one million interviews that I’ll know the budget for the role is ₦80k? You people should pity somebody.

12:00 p.m.

I think there should be a level between employed and unemployed. I fall under the unemployed, but it feels like I’ve never worked so hard in my life. Job-searching is a full-time job. I just finished updating my CV and cover letter for the umpteenth time, and I’m wondering who had the bright idea to invent cover letters in the first place.

It’s always, “Update your CV” or “Don’t use the same CV and cover letter to apply to every job so it’s tailored to the role”. Do I want to use my whole life to write CVs? Don’t I have other things I’m thinking about?

If it’s not about updating it, it’s about how different people have what they think a good CV should look like. One said I should add a link to my LinkedIn profile. Another one said adding links in CVs isn’t good. One will say I should add my gender, and another one will say it’s not necessary. I think we all need to come together and just create a Nigerian CV constitution because it’s not me you people will confuse.

4:00 p.m.

I just found an interview invite in my email, and I don’t know whether to be happy or not because I don’t even remember applying there. First, it’s in Ikeja, and we know what that could mean. It’s one of three options: It’s legit, it’s a scam, or they want to relieve me of my body parts. The other two seem more likely. But at this rate, I’ll most likely go. One thing must kill a man.

8:00 p.m.

Can we talk about crazy job expectations? Because I just saw one that’s doing my head in. How can you say you’re looking for a virtual assistant but require advanced software administration skills?

Another one I saw even asked applicants to write a 500-word letter. As per school essay?

One day, we’ll find these companies and recruiters and show them just half the shege they’ve shown us. But till then, we keep looking. This money must be made.

NEXT READ: A Day in the Life of Capitalism

Don’t leave without getting your ticket to HERtitude 2023!

Tife Oni

May 22, 2023

Money

Funny, hustle, job seeker, Jobs, Nigerians, work
7 Nigerians on the Nicest Things a Boss Has Done for Them

It’s no secret that Nigerian bosses can be problematic. If they’re not taking credit for your work, they’re giving heavy do-as-I-say energy.

But, so it’s not like we’re pushing a “horrible bosses” agenda, we decided to ask Nigerian employees to share the nicest things a boss has ever done for them too, and seven of them had this to say:

“He paid for my international passport” — Kitan*, 26

My boss is a very chill and generous person. However, I still can’t believe he paid for my international passport out of his pocket.

I’m his personal assistant, so when he started planning a family vacation sometime in 2021, I was in charge of making the visa appointments. He made a comment about me going on holiday while he was away, and I joked about not even having a passport. He was genuinely shocked and said he’d make sure I got one. According to him, “What if an opportunity to attend a conference abroad comes up?”

I thought he was joking until he told me to set up an appointment. He paid for the whole thing and acted like it wasn’t a big deal.

“She believed in me even more than I believed in myself” — Isaac*, 27

My former team lead was the best boss I’ve ever had. She believed in me even more than I believed in myself.

I work in operations, so my work spans several teams. This woman would give me ideas to implement and champion like I was the brain behind it. Because of that, I always wanted to go above and beyond. Countless times, she’d blow my trumpet in front of the entire organisation. I was a star because she made me a star. I’ll never forget her.

“She helped me land a multinational job” — Maria*, 27

My former supervisor is the reason I work in a multinational today. I was already tired of my old job; she noticed and called me aside to talk about it. She advised me not to spoil the reputation I’d worked hard to build just because of burnout.

A few weeks after that talk, she shared the multinational job vacancy with me and encouraged me to apply. When the company contacted her for a reference, she gave a glowing recommendation, and I got the job. Funny enough, I always thought she was overly strict. I never imagined she’d do that for me.

“He supported me during my dad’s burial” — Tobi*, 27

I was a mess when I lost my dad in 2020. My company only allows a one-week compassionate leave for a family member’s death, but after the one week off, my boss took one look at me and sent me back home. I eventually took two weeks and three days off.

By the time the burial came around, my boss released three company vehicles to help transport food and family members to the grave site without my having to ask. He also supported me financially. No employer has ever shown me such a level of care and support before.

“His family took me in” — Diana*, 25

I had some issues with my rented apartment in 2021, so I had to move back home — which I hated because of the distance to work and my touchy relationship with my parents.

My boss noticed I was constantly unhappy and arriving at the office much later than usual. He asked, and I explained my new living situation. Within a few hours, he called me back into his office and offered that I come to stay in an empty room in his house. I was sceptical at first because I thought he was hitting on me, so I tried to refuse, but he told me his wife was in agreement.

I moved in within the week, and his family was so welcoming. I moved out a month later when I got my own place, but it’s still the nicest thing anyone has done for me in a while.

“He gave me a salary advance in my first month” — Moses*, 31

Two weeks after starting my new job, my wife delivered twins via an unplanned caesarean section. I had no money and couldn’t get a quick loan from friends. I had to reluctantly approach my boss for a salary advance, and surprisingly, he approved it without asking for long explanations. He even sent gifts for my wife and babies.

“She gave me clothes and perfume” — Sarah*, 22

I interned at a company on the island in 2019, and my supervisor was the kindest woman ever. I couldn’t really afford clothes, so I repeated the few corporate outfits I had many times. One day, this woman came to the office with a full bag of clothes and handed it to me. She said she was decluttering her wardrobe, but the clothes were practically new.

Another time, I had a brief body odour problem I was very self-conscious about. Then she got me a really expensive perfume without saying a word. I really wish I get to meet her again one day.

*Names have been changed for the sake of anonymity.

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NEXT READ: How Long Should You Stay at a Job? — We Asked 7 Nigerians

Tife Oni

May 3, 2023

Money

9-5ers, bosses, good bosses, hustle, Nigerian Employers, Nigerians, workplaces
How to Get Into Product Marketing as a Newbie
Every week, Zikoko will share the hustle stories of Nigerians making it big in and out of the country. With each story, we’ll ask one crucial question in several ways: “How you do am?”

Daniel Orubo’s hustle story took us through his transition from the media industry to tech product marketing, but how do you start a product marketing career as a JJC? That’s why we’ve made this guide.

Image: Pexels

Who is a product marketer?

From the title, product marketers are responsible for selling and promoting the features of a particular product to a target audience. They use processes such as product positioning, messaging, pricing and go-to-market roadmaps to drive the demand and usage of the product.

To put it simply, their job is to carry their products on their head.

What do they do?

So, we already know that the core of the product marketer’s job is to sell their product, but how exactly does this happen? Every organisation worth its salt knows product marketers are critical to the business’s goals, and they do this via:
- Product messaging and positioning: Product marketers are necessary before, during and after a product’s launch. They analyse the customer’s needs — basically serving as the customer’s voice — and determine gaps to ensure the product’s features take the customer’s needs and feedback into account when releasing product updates and improvements.
- Managing product launches: The product marketer also uses insights they get from customer and market research, as well as competitor analysis, to capture the best strategy and work required to successfully launch the product.
- Product roadmap planning: Throughout the product’s lifespan, the product marketer will need to consider a number of questions, such as:
1. What are the tasks required to ensure the product launches on the decided date?
1. What are the content marketing and storytelling tactics required to properly position the product before, during and after the launch? What are the sales and revenues goals?
1. How are customers going to be onboarded?
In summary, everything related to making the product a success is the product marketer’s top priority.
- Liaising with other members of the product team: The product marketer doesn’t work alone. More often than not, they work in tandem with the sales, marketing and product development team — including tech, if applicable. Imagine the product marketer promising the customer one thing and the tech team doing something entirely different. That’s why alignment is key.
No one:

Other members of the product team:

Yeah, we don’t want that.

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What skills do product marketers need?

A degree in marketing is beneficial, but many product marketers do without. However, you’d need to take relevant product marketing courses like Daniel did, to learn about the various tactics, strategies and research skills needed to succeed in this role.

Some major hard skills necessary for this career path include writing, presentation, well-honed marketing skills and an understanding of business basics, as you’ll need to understand revenue projections, business metrics and a bit of financial planning.

In the soft skills aspect, strategic thinking ranks high. Product marketers are always thinking about strategies, roadmaps and the market in general, so you’d need to know how to think logically.

Other important soft skills include creativity, an ability to prioritise, communication, advocacy, and a passion for solving customers’ problems.

Are they like normal marketers?

Not really. While traditional marketing focuses on driving demand and creating brand awareness, product marketing doesn’t end at acquisition, or “the sale”. Product marketing also includes product positioning, customer onboarding and ensuring retention.

For example, a marketer can rent a billboard to tell you that ponmo is available, and you need to come and buy. But a product marketer goes forward to add you to ponmo support group, get your feedback on the ponmo, create new ponmo dishes and basically make you see why you should keep eating ponmo, and possibly upgrade to the special ponmo dishes.

So, where can product marketers work?

At the risk of sounding like a Nigerian lecturer, product marketers can work in any organisation that has a product to sell, especially in tech, banking, and media. You just need to know as much as possible about the product, target customers and the general market.

How organisations will look at you

How much do product marketers earn?

Earning power in this field depends on several factors like experience, industry and organisation, but a product marketer can earn an average of ₦400k per month.

For newbies, it’s advisable to join product marketing communities to get a good grasp of what other professionals earn, find mentorship opportunities, and grow professionally.

NEXT READ: How to Secure Your Tech Bag as a Software Engineer
Tife Oni

May 2, 2023

Hustleprint, Money

hustle, hustleprint, money, product marketer, Product marketing, tech, tech jobs