If you’ve ever had to shout “Hello? Hello? Can you hear me?” Into your laptop while your neighbor’s generator competes for attention, you know the unique joys of remote work in Nigeria. Whether you’re a tech bro in Yaba, a content creator in Abuja, or a banking professional anywhere with a laptop, let’s talk about making remote work actually work for you.
The Power (or Lack Thereof) Struggle
First things first – let’s address our constant companion, NEPA’s mood swings. Invest in a good UPS or small inverter if you can’t afford a generator. Have a backup workspace mapped out – that cafe with reliable power and WiFi, or that coworking space that won’t cost you both arms and legs.
Pro tip: Always keep your devices charged like you’re expecting NEPA to test your faith at any moment.
Internet: The Good, The Bad, and The “Please Wait…”
Don’t put all your data eggs in one network basket. Have at least two internet options – maybe your fiber connection and a mobile hotspot from a different provider. When that important meeting is about to start, no one wants to hear “my network is bad” for the fifth time this week. And yes, buying data in bulk is usually cheaper – thank us later.
Creating Your Workspace
No, your bed is not an office, no matter how tempting it looks. Create a dedicated workspace, even if it’s just a corner of your room. Your back will thank you for investing in a good chair – those plastic chairs we normally manage are not meant for 8-hour Zoom marathons. And please, position yourself so people don’t see your neighbor’s underwear on the drying line during video calls.
Time Management
Learn to structure your day around peak productivity hours and power availability. If you know your area gets better electricity in the morning, front-load your heavy-duty tasks then. And no, watching TikTok videos during work hours is not “taking a break” – set actual break times and stick to them.
Communication is Key
Over-communicate with your team, but don’t be that person who sends “Good morning” messages at 5 AM. Use status updates on Slack or Teams to let people know when you’re actually working versus when you’re stuck in Lagos traffic trying to find fuel. And yes, it’s okay to turn off notifications after work hours – you’re remote, not a robot.
The Family Factor
Help your family understand that working from home doesn’t mean you’re available for errands. No, you can’t quickly help price foodstuff in the market during lunch break or pick up Aunt Ada from the park during a crucial meeting. Set boundaries
Mental Health Matters
Remote work can get lonely faster than Detty December ends. Schedule actual human interaction – maybe join a coworking space occasionally, meet colleagues for lunch, or just work from a cafe sometimes. Your mental health is as important as that deadline.
The Bottom Line
Remote work in Nigeria comes with its unique challenges, but with the right setup and mindset, you can make it work smoothly for you. Remember, the goal is progress, not perfection. And if all else fails, there’s always that prayer for “stable electricity and network” that we should probably add to our morning devotion. LOL!
Stay productive, stay sane, and remember – even if your video is freezing during that team meeting, your career doesn’t have to.
