Thriving Abroad: The Truth About the Nigerian Work Ethic in UK, US & Beyond

 

Thriving Abroad: The Truth About the Nigerian Work Ethic in UK, US & Beyond

By Civic Vibe NG | July 15, 2025

The Nigerian work ethic has long been admired globally. Whether you’re speaking with employers in London, supervisors in New York, or HR professionals in Berlin, there’s one thing many agree on: Nigerians are diligent, reliable, and driven. But behind this glowing reputation is a deeper story of cultural transformation, adaptation, and silent strength.

For Nigerians living and working in the diaspora, especially in Western countries like the UK, US, Canada, and Germany, daily professional life is filled with both opportunities and challenges that demand more than just hard work—they demand change.

From Respect to Reform: The Shift in Work Culture

Back home in Nigeria, workplace culture is often built on hierarchy. Elders and bosses are revered and addressed with titles like “sir” or “ma.” Questioning authority or challenging ideas is rarely encouraged. But in many Western workplaces, things are different.

In the UK, US, and much of Europe, the office environment is typically flat and informal. You might walk into a meeting and hear someone casually say, “Hi John,” even if John is the CEO. This flattening of hierarchy is meant to encourage openness, innovation, and collaboration. Team members are expected to contribute their opinions, question strategies, and challenge decisions respectfully.

For many Nigerian immigrants, this cultural difference can be both exciting and intimidating. Being asked “What do you think?” in a meeting might sound like a trap, when in fact it’s a genuine invitation to speak up.

The Hustle is in Our DNA

From Lagos to London, Port Harcourt to Philadelphia, one thing remains consistent—Nigerians hustle. We are known for working multiple jobs, volunteering for extra shifts, and staying on task long after others have clocked out.

In Nigeria, this dedication is a survival tactic. Long hours and multiple gigs are a way of life. It’s how many support families, save for the future, and climb social ladders.

However, in places like the UK or Germany, the rules are different. Work-life balance isn’t just a concept—it’s enforced. Employees are encouraged to take breaks, decline unreasonable overtime, and use vacation days. Saying “no” doesn’t mean you’re lazy; it means you value your health and time.

This shift is difficult for many Nigerians. We are conditioned to keep pushing even when exhausted. As a result, many Nigerians in the diaspora silently suffer from burnout, afraid of being perceived as weak. But there is a growing awareness now: rest is not laziness—it’s necessary.

Time Is Truly of the Essence

Punctuality is more than a courtesy abroad—it’s a professional expectation. While “African time” might be tolerated back home, arriving late to work, meetings, or even Zoom calls in the West can seriously damage one’s reputation.

Nigerians in the diaspora are quickly learning that consistency and timeliness are key ingredients to earning trust at work. You could be the most talented on the team, but if you show up late, it reflects poorly.

Understanding the Unspoken Rules

Beyond contracts and handbooks, every workplace has its unwritten rules—especially in the West. From casual small talk and shared lunches to inside jokes and “banter,” these social rituals are subtle ways teams bond.

For newcomers from Nigeria, this aspect of work can feel awkward or unnecessary. But learning to engage, share a laugh, or even just talk about the weekend can make a difference in how welcomed one feels.

Even more critical is understanding HR policies, workers’ rights, and how to handle discrimination or harassment. Many Nigerian immigrants tend to “endure” unfair treatment silently. But Western workplaces often have systems in place to protect employees, and it’s essential to use those channels when needed.

Rising to the Top – One Industry at a Time

Despite the adjustments, Nigerians abroad are thriving across multiple sectors—healthcare, education, logistics, banking, hospitality, construction, and tech.

In the UK, Nigerians make up a significant percentage of care workers, nurses, and medical doctors. In the US, you’ll find Nigerians running successful businesses, teaching in universities, or working as engineers and IT professionals.

There are also those quietly holding the economy together—cleaners, Uber drivers, warehouse staff—showing up every day with commitment and pride.

Our voices might carry accents, but our competence is universal. Our degrees may be foreign, but our determination is familiar. We may face obstacles, but our resilience keeps us moving forward.

Evolving, Not Changing

The Nigerian work ethic doesn’t disappear in the diaspora—it evolves. It learns. It adapts. It becomes more strategic and sustainable.

Where once we defined professionalism by how late we stayed in the office, we now understand the value of productivity, wellness, and boundaries. Where once we feared speaking up, we now embrace feedback, collaboration, and shared decision-making.

This evolution is helping shape a new generation of Nigerian professionals abroad—one that is mentally healthier, more informed, and globally competitive.

A Legacy in Progress

Nigerians in the diaspora are not just making money. We are changing perceptions. We are rewriting the African narrative. Every professional breakthrough, every recognition, every promotion adds another brick to the bridge we’re building for future generations.

Yes, we still call our managers “sir” sometimes. Yes, we still grind hard and send money home. But we’re also learning to rest, to laugh, to speak up, and to thrive.

📸  Christina @ wocintechchat.com

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