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How to handle toxic bosses and ageism in Nigerian workplaces? Survival Guide

To handle a toxic boss in Nigeria, you must master the art of "Managing Up"—documenting every instruction to protect yourself while remaining outwardl

A dramatic but professional office scene.

Surviving the "Oga" Culture: How to Handle Toxic Bosses, Ageism, and Harassment in Nigeria


To handle a toxic boss in Nigeria, you must master the art of "Managing Up"—documenting every instruction to protect yourself while remaining outwardly respectful. For Ageism (e.g., the "Under 26" rule), you can bypass age limits by gaining specialized certifications (like ICAN or CIPM) that make your age irrelevant. For Harassment, your strongest weapon is a "Paper Trail"—save emails, record dates, and report to HR or external bodies like the National Industrial Court if necessary.

The "Oga/Madam" Syndrome: A Nigerian Reality

In many Nigerian offices, respect often crosses the line into fear. A "Toxic Boss" isn't just strict; they are manipulative, abusive, and refuse to take accountability.

How to Survive Without Quitting:

  1. The "Email Receipt" Strategy: If your boss gives you a verbal instruction that sounds risky or wrong, immediately send them an email: "Dear Sir, just to recap our conversation, you asked me to do X, Y, Z. I will proceed immediately." This creates evidence if things go wrong.

  2. Don't Gossip: In a toxic office, there are always spies. Vent to your friends outside work, never to your colleagues.

  3. Set Boundaries (Politely): You can say "No" without being rude. "Sir, I can do this task, but it means the Report you asked for will be delayed until tomorrow. Which one should I prioritize?".


Dealing with Ageism: "Must be 26 Years or Below"

This is the nightmare of every Nigerian graduate who spent years at home due to ASUU strikes.

  • The Problem: Banks and Consulting firms often set strict age limits (usually 24-26) for entry-level roles.

  • The Solution: If you have "aged out" of the Graduate Trainee programs, you must switch tactics.

    • Get Certified: A 28-year-old with a PMP or ACCA is hired as an "Experienced Hire," bypassing the age limit for trainees.

    • Target Startups: Tech startups in Yaba or Lekki rarely care about your age; they care about your portfolio.


Harassment: Drawing the Line

Whether it’s verbal abuse or unwanted sexual advances, harassment is illegal, even if the laws are slow to enforce.

  • Sexual Harassment: If a superior demands favors for promotion, do not just ignore it. Keep a log of dates, times, and witnesses.

  • Reporting: If your company's HR is compromised (which happens often), you can report to NGOs like Stand to End Rape (STER) or seek legal redress through the National Industrial Court.

  • The "Soft" Exit: If the environment is dangerous to your mental or physical safety, no salary is worth it. Plan your exit quietly and leave.

conclusion

Your mental health is your biggest asset. A toxic job can destroy your confidence, making it harder to get the next job. If you are in a toxic place, use your evenings to upskill and apply elsewhere. You are not a tree—you can move.

Need legal advice? Check our list of "Employee Rights NGOs" in the Resources section!


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