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Men in the Nigerian Workforce: Challenges, Realities, and Chances ┃ Ask Nigeria Insight! View exclusively on social media, join us for accurate and in depth reports about issues shaping Nigeria. 📰🇳🇬


Today we’re diving into an issue that touches every Nigerian man: the workforce.
From your first job to climbing the career ladder, men face unique challenges in Nigeria’s employment landscape. Let’s start with where men work. Nigeria’s workforce is still heavily gender-segregated. Sectors like construction, oil and gas, transport, and security are dominated by men. Meanwhile, fields like nursing, teaching, and caregiving are often seen as “women’s jobs.” This segregation limits opportunities for men in some growing sectors and reinforces stereotypes about masculinity and work. Now, here’s an interesting twist. While men are often perceived as earning more, recent statistics tell a more complex story. Unemployment and underemployment hit young men hard, especially in rural areas and in informal sectors. Even when employed, many men face inconsistent wages, delayed salaries, or underpayment relative to the work they do.
With societal expectations to provide, these economic pressures can be overwhelming and affect mental health. Let’s talk about something often overlooked: workplace harassment. Yes, harassment isn’t just a woman issue. Men experience bullying, intimidation, and unsafe work environments, especially in male-dominated industries.
Long hours, poor protective gear, and unsafe conditions in factories, mines, and construction sites are common. And the cultural expectation to “man up” often stops men from seeking or speaking out for help. Historically, men in Nigeria were expected to be the breadwinners to provide, and to be a protector. This roles often extended into the workplace, creating pressure to accept unsafe or low-paying jobs just to meet social expectations. Over time, globalization, technology, and economic changes have created both opportunities and uncertainties.
Now, men must navigate careers that were not designed with their safety, mental health, or fair pay in mind. Nigeria has labour laws and workplace safety regulations. However, enforcement is often weak, and many men work in the informal sector where protections are limited. Government programs like the National Social Investment Program (NSIP) and some vocational training initiatives aim to empower young men economically, but coverage is unseen. Civil society organizations are also stepping in to raise awareness about fair treatment, pay, and workplace rights. Some argue men naturally dominate high-paying sectors and therefore enjoy privileges.
But the reality is: men in Nigeria face unique pressures, unstable employment, and limited access to protective measures in high-risk jobs. Ignoring these issues reinforce inequalities and perpetuates unsafe work environments. Have you faced challenges like unsafe workplaces, wage delays, or harassment? Drop your thoughts, share your story, and let’s start this conversation.