Is the 9-to-5 Job Enough for the Nigerian Dream?

The traditional 9-to-5 job, once viewed as a pathway to a better life in Nigeria, is becoming less effective due to rising living costs. The National Bureau of Statistics reports headline inflation at 15.43% and food inflation at 20.31%.

The national minimum wage, set at ₦70,000 by the Federal Government in 2024, is under review every three years. Many Nigerians are now seeking additional income through side hustles, with a 2025 BusinessDay report indicating a trend of combining full-time jobs with freelancing and other ventures.

A poll from BusinessDay found that 71.1% of Gen Z respondents still rely on traditional jobs, while 62.2% view them as a stepping stone to entrepreneurship. However, the advice to pursue side hustles does not apply to everyone, as many workers already endure long hours and struggle to meet basic expenses.

Informal employment remains high at about 93%, indicating that the Nigerian dream cannot solely rely on better office jobs but also on creating productive work and improving incomes.