Let’s Tell Ourselves the Truth.
We speak of money in this country like it’s everywhere.
Like the money is circulating well, but that’s not true. And deep down, we know.
Nigeria is home to over 210 million people. Yet, only 2.4%, about 4.7 million people earn more than ₦200k in a month. Think about it. That means over 205 million people are earning less.
Even many of those in that 2.4% bracket are just barely crossing the ₦200k line. They’re not balling, they’re surviving.
And yes, some remote workers earning in dollars may not have been captured but how many are they, really? Maybe 1.5 – 2 million. Still a drop in our ocean.
Now let’s come back home.
The new minimum wage? ₦70k or ₦77k that was recently approved. And not all states have agreed to pay ooo.
A fresh graduate assistant earns between ₦100k and ₦140k.
Master’s degree holder? Maybe ₦150k to ₦230k.
PhD holders? Somewhere around ₦230k to ₦350k. (My estimated guess).
Yet, somehow, we forget.
We forget how hard it is to climb this economic ladder.
We judge others too quickly.
We speak from our tiny bubbles of comfort, disconnected from the average Nigerian’s daily struggle.
Let’s do better.
When next you speak, write, or advise, pause. Ask yourself: “Am I speaking from understanding or from privilege?”
Because wisdom isn’t loud. It is kind. It listens.
Again, Achalugo and Odogwu, do not settle for less.
Go for the big bag. The real one.
Dream big, plan well, and move with sense.
But never look down on those still finding their path.
Dalu nu.
