Top 5 Most Stressful Jobs Nigerians Do to Survive
Wafricnews - June 19, 2025
In a country where the hustle never sleeps and the economy demands more than it gives, many Nigerians are taking on jobs that push them to their physical and mental limits—just to make ends meet.
From dawn till dusk, millions are trapped in cycles of labour that barely provide enough for daily survival. These aren’t just jobs—they're lifelines, often riddled with exhaustion, uncertainty, and little reward.
Here are the Top 5 Most Stressful Jobs Nigerians Are Doing for Survival, as compiled by Wafricnews:
1. Commercial Bus Drivers (Danfo & Keke Riders)
Navigating chaotic traffic, dodging LASTMA officials, and managing impatient passengers—Lagos drivers know no peace. With long hours, poor vehicle conditions, and constant road stress, commercial driving ranks high on the stress scale.
“From 4 a.m. to 10 p.m., I dey road. No rest, no break,” one driver in Ojuelegba told Wafricnews.
2. Teachers in Underfunded Public Schools
Despite shaping the nation’s future, many public school teachers earn meagre salaries and work with overcrowded classrooms and little to no resources. They’re stretched thin, emotionally drained, and often unpaid for months.
“Sometimes, we teach with our own printed materials and buy chalk from our pocket,” a primary school teacher in Benue State revealed.
3. Healthcare Workers in Government Hospitals
From overpopulated wards to inadequate facilities, Nigerian doctors and nurses are overwhelmed. Many treat hundreds of patients daily, with limited equipment and delayed salaries—yet they're expected to perform miracles.
“One nurse to 50 patients. That’s the reality,” said a nurse at a general hospital in Port Harcourt.
4. Online Vendors & Delivery Riders
E-commerce is booming, but it comes at a price. Online vendors face unpredictable customer behaviour, financial risks, and courier delays. Meanwhile, delivery riders spend hours navigating the city under sun and rain, often underpaid and overworked.
“Customer no go pay finish, but go expect VIP service,” an online vendor in Abuja lamented.
5. Security Guards
From night shifts with little sleep to guarding estates, offices, and stores for long hours—often on minimum wage—security guards endure mental and physical fatigue daily, with minimal protection or recognition.
“We protect lives and property, but who dey protect us?” a guard in Ibadan asked.
These jobs might keep food on the table, but they come with intense pressure. For many Nigerians, survival means sacrifice—and often, stress is the cost.
By Wafricnews Desk.
By Wafricnews Desk.
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