At least 6,000 Nigerians lost their jobs in 2023 as a result of the exit of five multinationals, according to the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN). This number adds to Nigeria’s unemployment data which currently stands at about 5% according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic ended, successive rounds of workforce downsizing have occurred across various industries — media, tech, manufacturing, and entertainment with an impact on those caught in its wake. Amid the economic uncertainties and other organizational hurdles, a myriad of repercussions have followed, laying bare the challenges faced by those affected. In today’s Nigerian Lives, six Nigerians talked to us about the impact of this job loss on their lives, coping strategies, and impassioned appeals for solidarity, painting a vivid picture of the diverse experiences that unfold in the aftermath of these workforce contractions.
Kunle, Digital marketer
I worked in a tech startup until November 2023. The company had secured funding but hadn’t started generating revenue yet; hence, layoffs began immediately after the company ran out of funds. Marketing was the first department to be hit with layoffs. I wasn’t surprised, though, as marketing tends to be the first to face downsizing in many companies.
My layoff affected me deeply. That job came after almost a year of searching for employment. I experienced depression for months, and navigating that period was challenging. I questioned my capabilities and skills multiple times. However, I have moved on from that phase, dusted myself off, and am now hoping for the best.
Ify, Relationship Manager
I woke up that fateful Wednesday morning, attempted to sign in to my company email, and discovered that I had been signed out by the admin. I was aghast. I didn’t even get to see my termination email before my email access was revoked. It was my colleague who delivered the news to me; I was among the 16 people laid off by the company. I felt really bad because I had given my all to the company. I did my best and offered the company my utmost dedication.
Despite the setback, I didn’t beat myself up too much because I knew I excelled at what I did. I took a month off from paid employment, but the bills kept rolling in, forcing me to seek new opportunities. Fortunately, I secured another job after barely two weeks of searching. This time, I’m not going above and beyond the required tasks; I’m simply doing my job.
Susan, Product designer
I began the year with a layoff email. The message I received did not provide any reasons from the HR department. While I have received my severance pay, I reached out to the business manager in an attempt to understand the cause of my layoff, but I haven’t received any explanation. I have often questioned myself and shed tears because I am unaware of the reasons behind my layoff. I can’t identify anything I did wrong, and the lack of clarity has been emotionally draining.
I am exhausted from self-reflection, yet I yearn for closure to move forward, especially considering I enjoyed working there. On certain days, I still revisit my termination letter, hoping to uncover any clues that might explain the rationale behind my layoff.
Seun, Senior Backend Engineer
The company I was employed with was acquired by another company in 2022, resulting in a significant workforce reduction. Unfortunately, I found myself among the nearly 60 employees who were laid off. This event was particularly emotional for me, given that I had dedicated five years to the company. Rather than dwelling on the layoff, I viewed it as an opportunity to explore new avenues. Inspired by the spirit of entrepreneurship, I founded a logistics company. While the initial progress was slow, I put in considerable effort to make it flourish. Seeking further diversification, I ventured into agriculture. Regrettably, my agricultural investment fell victim to bandit attacks, resulting in substantial losses.
Acknowledging the challenges, I’ve decided to step back from entrepreneurship. I’ve packed my bags and left entrepreneurship for those better suited for it, recognizing that it might not align with my strengths at this time.
Ben, Content writer
In early January, the company where I was interning abruptly terminated my employment, citing an “inability to fit in” as the reason. Rather than allowing this development to overshadow the beginning of my new year, I chose to read the email notification and promptly delete it. I was determined not to let it mar the fresh start of the year.
I took a much-needed break, dedicating my time to rest, refining my CV, catching up on reading, and binge-watching all the shows I had missed due to the demanding nature of my previous job. The role had been exceptionally stressful, and I often eagerly anticipated weekends to escape the weekday hustle. My aversion to stress contributed to my perceived inability to assimilate into the company’s culture.
As I embark on a job hunt once again, I’ve approached it with a certain level of nonchalance. While I’ve initiated job applications and have a few interviews lined up, I maintain an indifferent attitude, possibly influenced by the desire to avoid replicating the stressful experiences of my last job.
Victor, SEO Specialist
I experienced a sudden layoff shortly at the end of the pandemic, catching me off guard, especially considering that I started the year fervently praying for job security. Witnessing the global wave of layoffs, my church conducted a special prayer session for our job protection. However, when the layoff notification appeared on my screen, disbelief washed over me.
Confronted with the reality of unemployment, I struggled to comprehend the reason behind my job loss. The days that followed were marked by a descent into depression. As a coping mechanism, I resorted to drinking and womanizing, but eventually, the financial toll on my savings became evident. Navigating this challenging period proved confusing, compounded by the fact that my remote job isolated me from my physical environment and friends.
Despite the absence of a robust support system, my job had been a source of fulfillment. However, this changed when a friend discovered my job loss and intervened to address the concerning aspects of my life. His support became the lifeline I desperately needed during that low point.
Since 2021, I have transitioned through three different jobs, and I find myself in a better place today, both professionally and personally.