Top 5 Worst Jobs to Have in Nigeria

Some of the worst jobs in Nigeria are below the approved minimum wage of N30,000. According to an analysis by Picodi, an international e-commerce firm, Nigeria’s minimum wage cannot meet the necessary nutritional needs of one adult person in a month. 

From the analysis, the cost of essential food at the start of 2022 for an adult for a month’s healthy living in Nigeria was N40,980, which is greater than the N30,000 minimum wage. Compared to the start of 2021, this is a 15.89% increase.

With the ever-increasing cost of living, a decent life for these individuals is therefore not feasible and thus results in a high level of poverty in the country. Also, some of these worst jobs are done by graduates, thus indicating the worthlessness of a University degree in Nigeria.

Teaching

The statement that teachers rewards are in heaven is factual in Nigeria. Teachers’ pay in Nigeria is low compared to some professions and the amount of effort they put in. The pay structure for teachers in Nigeria varies depending on whether they work for the federal government, the state, or private institutions.

The federal government pays its employees between N40,000 and N66,000 per month on average. On the other hand, the state pays between N20,000 and N50,0000 every month. The private schools are as little as N10,000 or as much as N250,000, depending on the school’s standard.

LASTMA

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) ensures smooth traffic flow on state and federal roads and enforces traffic rules. It is owned and operated by the Lagos State government and under the Federal Ministry of Transport.

The salary of LASTMA officials ranges between ₦54,000 to ₦60,000 monthly, after which taxes and other expenses must have been deducted. With how expensive the cost of living is in Nigeria, it is not surprising the length some officers go to survive.

Police

The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) is a component of the executive arm of government tasked with protecting people’s lives and property. They are also in charge of implementing Nigerian laws and ordinances and calming public disturbances. They safeguard human rights and freedoms, combat crime, maintain public law and order, and guarantee public safety.

It is ironic that as weighty as their job role is, they are paid peanuts. No wonder the constables and corporals are committed to their N20 naira tips more than their jobs as tiny drops make a thousand for them, if not millions. 

Here is a breakdown of their salaries: Constable- N46,000- N47000, Corporal-N52,000-N53,000, Sergeant- N62,000-N63,000, Unconfirmed 1 bar-N78,000, Confirmed Inspector -2 bars – N123,000, One star-ASP- N132,000- N134,000, Confirmed ASP N139,000, and DSP N142,000-N143,000.

LAWMA

According to the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), there are about 15,498 street sweepers in Lagos. The average salary was increased from N12,000 to N18,500 during former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. 

Based on the standard salary structure by LAWMA, the street sweeper is paid N25,000 per month, while a supervisor is paid N40,000 per month. However, it was revealed that many of the contractors defrauded their employees by failing to pay the street sweepers and supervisors the agreed-upon wages.

From one of them, the salary is not paid as when due, and with the current economic situation, these people live from hand to mouth. The salary is also not enough to cater for their health care.

Security Guard

They patrol, examine, and protect people, assets, money, and property from fire, theft, and criminal activities. However, the job description differs depending on the company. Essentially, they are quick thinkers who put their lives on the line to defend others. Regrettably, this is one of the worst jobs in Nigeria with the lowest-paid workers. The starting salary of a security guard is between ₦26,000 and ₦30,000.

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