Understanding Perceptions of Diaspora Nigerians

A recent post I shared sparked discussions around how some talented individuals in Nigeria view their interactions with Nigerians living abroad. There seems to be a prevailing negative perception regarding this relationship.

Nevertheless, I don't believe that Nigerians abroad are inherently bad people intent on exploiting the enthusiastic young professionals working with them back home.

Reflecting on my experiences, I've shared moments when I secured significant clients and generated revenue for my business, Dijitol. However, the behind-the-scenes reality is often overlooked. To maintain enough profit to support my growing family, I had to gradually reduce the number of projects I managed with my team. This led to the difficult decision of parting ways with a reliable part-time staff member just before their wedding, as I couldn't afford to keep them on anymore.

At times, it’s necessary to conclude business projects with dignity. I found myself overwhelmed with research responsibilities while trying to lead my team effectively. This imbalance ultimately resulted in setbacks in both areas, prompting me to rebuild my approach from the ground up.

Taking calculated risks has been part of my journey, and I have always ensured my team received compensation for their contributions, even when faced with challenges. Initially, we agreed to work on a project-by-project basis, which involved payments ranging from N50,000 to N400,000 monthly over two years. The only team member who consistently engaged in activities beyond project work was the part-time member, and I always adjusted my expectations accordingly.

Throughout our collaboration, I focused on training, mentoring, and providing recommendations for my team members. We operated entirely remotely, convening for meetings only when absolutely necessary, recording sessions for those unable to attend.

The part-time staff member played a crucial role in facilitating communication within the team, ensuring everyone was informed about ongoing matters. I would share project briefs, and only those interested and available would respond. If no one else was available, I would take on the task myself.

We maintained a collaborative spreadsheet where team members could work together in real time and report their monthly contributions, ensuring fair compensation for their efforts.

Additionally, I lead another team called Itanile, where we allocate substantial funds annually for awards to African writers and mentors, with only about 10% of our budget dedicated to operational costs. We prioritize treating everyone with respect for their dedication.

I take pride in what we have built and how each team member has conducted themselves while learning from me. Although mistakes have occurred, and disagreements have arisen, I’m grateful that our environment remained constructive.

I aspire to scale this model further and share my experiences for others to potentially learn from. I continue to build my endeavors and stay connected with these remarkable individuals.

It's important to recognize that many Nigerians work tirelessly to achieve a degree of comfort, regardless of where they are in life. Unfortunately, there are no clear benchmarks regarding fair compensation, which fuels ongoing debates about minimum wage in Nigeria.

Moreover, the lack of stringent labor rights enforcement creates a scenario where employers may not seem cruel in the absence of established standards.

However, the absence of regulations does not negate the existence of a moral compass regarding expected treatment and fairness.

My extensive experience working with clients both at home and abroad has led me to ponder a better path forward.

Some may argue that my business hasn't grown exponentially because I avoided a more ruthless approach. Many Nigerians seem to have a penchant for harshness. Yet, that’s not the kind of world I want for myself or my child. I take comfort in knowing that I’ve achieved a degree of success without compromising my values.

I manage to cover my rent, own a modest car, provide for my family, and engage in small acts of kindness—all while sleeping soundly at night, knowing I’ve made a meaningful impact.

Chapter 1: The Reality of Diaspora Employment

Mistakes Nigerians in Diaspora Must Avoid Before Retirement

This video discusses common pitfalls that Nigerians living abroad should steer clear of as they approach retirement, offering insights to ensure a secure future.

Chapter 2: Building Brands Abroad

Nigerians in Diaspora Who Have Successfully Built Their Brands

This video showcases inspiring stories of Nigerians abroad who have established successful brands, highlighting their journeys and the lessons learned along the way.