Musings on Nigerians’ resourcefulness and resilience in finding creative ways to surviveIf there’s one thing
Nigerians are renowned for, it’s our hustle — whether it’s on the bustling streets of Lagos or Kano, within the hallowed halls of Aso Rock, or simply in the daily quest for fuel, food, or basic survival. Nigerians have mastered the art of hustling, adapting to their environment with remarkable creativity and determination. However, as with all things, hustling has both light and dark sides. While some hustle in productive and inspiring ways, others pursue less honourable paths, driven by the same relentless spirit for survival. The question is, how do we separate the positive from the negative?
In Nigeria, hustle is synonymous with hard work, creativity, and resilience. Whether it’s a young entrepreneur selling clothes on social media, a tech-savvy youth launching the next big app, or someone reselling plastic bottles collected from the streets, Nigerians never hesitate to find new ways to make a living. There’s a sense of pride in the hustle, especially when it leads to growth and contributes positively to society.
Take the street hawkers, for instance. These vendors have become an integral part of the Nigerian road experience, offering everything from snacks to curtains and even a full-body car wash while you’re stuck in Lagos traffic. They are entrepreneurs in their own right, adapting to the slow movement of cars to sell their goods. Some even go beyond accepting cash payments and use mobile payment solutions to stay relevant in this digital age. These individuals reflect the drive and determination that keeps Nigeria’s informal economy thriving.
Similarly, Nigerian youths are making waves in various sectors, especially entertainment, media, tech and innovation. Nollywood, Nigeria’s entertainment industry is teeming with youths who have found expression on production sets as not just actors but also production assistants, directors, producers, makeup artists, sound engineers, etc. The skit making industry has notably become a comfort zone for many youth. Startups in Lagos are gaining international recognition, and entrepreneurs are solving real-world problems with local solutions. From fintech apps to e-commerce platforms, Nigeria’s digital hustlers are turning problems into opportunities, leveraging technology to scale their businesses. These are the kinds of hustles that inspire hope for the future.
Then there’s the informal labour force — the street sweepers, recyclers, and artisans — who wake up before dawn to make ends meet. These are honest, hardworking Nigerians whose hustle drives the country’s everyday economy. They may not have the glamour of tech startups, but their hustle is essential to keeping the nation running.
Unfortunately, not all hustle is positive. Some take advantage of the system and others are driven by desperation or greed. From the notorious “area boys” to fraudulent schemes, and hookup babes, some Nigerians resort to illegal, harmful, less dignifying, and destructive means to survive.
“Area boys” are often a nuisance in major cities like Lagos. These groups of young men loiter in public spaces, demanding money from passersby or motorists in exchange for “protection” or “parking assistance.” Their activities, though seemingly petty, can quickly escalate into violence, especially when they feel disrespected or ignored. I will admit that even though they can be an absolute nuisance or terror depending on how and where you encounter them, some have been known to have their useful days.
Online fraud, or “Yahoo Yahoo,” as it’s popularly known, is another manifestation of negative hustling. These scammers target unsuspecting victims, often abroad, with elaborate schemes that can drain them of their life savings. While this type of hustle may seem lucrative in the short term, it has long-lasting consequences. It tarnishes Nigeria’s international reputation and perpetuates stereotypes about Nigerians being dishonest or corrupt. It also limits the skills and future potential of people who engage in these things.
Then there’s the more subtle form of hustling that takes place in markets or on the streets. Some market vendors have mastered the art of deception, selling less than advertised or swapping items after a customer has paid. These small acts of dishonesty are part of the daily grind for some, but they erode trust and contribute to a culture of cutting corners.
The hustle also finds its way into government and public service, where some officials exploit their positions to extort money from citizens. Whether it’s a traffic officer demanding a bribe or a government worker delaying processes for a “token,” this type of negative hustle affects the efficiency of institutions and creates a cycle of corruption that is difficult to break.
Even the private sector isn’t exempt. One would assume that people would be more circumspect in such environments but sadly, the reality is not the case. If it isn’t someone running their own business on their employers’ time, it is someone cutting deals with a vendor to approve a contract for an upfront fee. Some will say they are being smart but are they really? Their actions affect their employers directly and indirectly.
Despite the negatives, the Nigerian hustle remains a force to be reckoned with. It is a driving spirit that has enabled individuals to overcome challenges and find creative solutions to seemingly impossible problems. Whether during a fuel scarcity or a cash crunch, we know how to figure things out. We hustle to survive, and in doing so, we exhibit unparalleled resourcefulness. We know that we cannot be found wanting at any time. We must always be on our toes because if we snooze, we lose.
Everyone is constantly on high alert, either thinking about how to hustle their way through the day or how to avoid getting hustled.But here’s the thing: what if we could collectively harness this hustling spirit for national development? What if the same energy expended on illegal hustles could be redirected towards building the nation? Imagine if every Nigerian’s hustle was focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and societal improvement. We could become a global superpower, not because of our oil wealth, but because of our people’s sheer determination and ingenuity.
The Nigerian hustle is not inherently good or bad — it’s a tool. How it’s used depends on the individual. We can continue to hustle in ways that harm ourselves and others, or we can choose to channel our efforts into pursuits that benefit the entire society. It’s time for us to sit down as a nation and figure out how to positively exploit our hustling spirit for the common good.In Nigeria, hustle isn’t just a way of life; it’s a superpower.
Whether it’s selling goods in traffic, developing tech solutions, or navigating government bureaucracy, Nigerians have shown that they can thrive in the most challenging environments. Yet, as much as we celebrate this spirit, we must also acknowledge the dangers of negative hustling. It’s up to us to steer this powerful force in the right direction — toward legal, ethical, and constructive pursuits that will propel Nigeria forward. Because if there’s one thing we know for sure, “Naija no dey carry last.” This is the way I see things today.