A young Nigerian man shares his experience working as a factory worker and how Nigerian supervisors advised a Lebanese boss to reduce wages.
This story emerged after a Nigerian YouTuber named Emdee Tiamiyu gave an interview to the BBC, stating that Nigerians often use student visa routes for opportunities rather than solely for education purposes.
According to a Twitter user identified as @CRawkeen, the supervisors at the factory where he worked convinced the Lebanese management to slash their wages from 8,000 Naira per week to 4,000 Naira, claiming that the original pay was too high.
In his own words: "When I finished secondary school and was awaiting admission, I worked at a Lebanese company. They were paying about 8,000 Naira per week or thereabouts. One Nigerian supervisor went to the Lebanese bosses and argued that since all of us workers still lived with our parents, the wage was too much. Weeks later, the Lebanese reduced the wage to, I think, 4,000 Naira every two weeks, which amounted to 8,000 Naira per month. The supervisors, however, had their salaries increased. It was quite amusing at the time."
The Nigerian supervisors, who were supposed to support their fellow countrymen, ended up joining the Lebanese employers in exploiting the Nigerian workers. The Twitter user describes them as a "Lumpenbourgeoisie" or "comprador bourgeoisie," using Marxist terms to highlight their collaboration with the bourgeoisie at the expense of their fellow Nigerians.
The supervisors' actions not only perpetuate exploitation but also earn them favor from the Lebanese employers, leading to higher bonuses, recommendations for better positions, and similar benefits. The Twitter user points out the connection between the supervisors' behavior and Emdee Tiamiyu's statement, suggesting that if given power, certain Nigerians might hinder opportunities for their own compatriots, as seen in this example.
The story serves as a reminder that despite the greatness and potential of the Nigerian people, there are unfortunate individuals among them who contribute to the exploitation and blocking of opportunities for their fellow citizens.
When I finished secondary school and awaiting admission, I was working at one Lebanese company. They were paying about 8k per week or thereabout. One supervisor, a Nigerian man went to tell the Lebanese guys that all of us still live with our parents and the wage was too much.
— Babájídé B𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁 (@CRawkeen) May 24, 2023
