Have you seen how Nigerians are killing it on the global scene right now?
Just recently Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was named Harper’s Bazaar España’s “Woman of the Year” in Literature. Or consider Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who became the first woman and the first African to serve as Director-General of the World Trade Organization and was renewed for a second term last year. It’s evident that there is something about the average Nigerian that makes them excel wherever they find themselves.
But these traits aren’t only found in the global icons. They are deeply rooted in the average Nigerian—something Arwana has witnessed firsthand. As a company that helps businesses in the UK hire offshore employees in Nigeria, clients often ask, “Why Nigerians?” It is a question the team is always excited to answer because the response is as inspiring as it is simple.
Nigerian employees stand out for many reasons, with their resilience being the most prominent. Like a cactus blooming in the desert, Nigerians have mastered the art of fighting against all odds. They bring this spirit into the workplace, showing remarkable determination, and a relentless drive to succeed.
Companies in the United Kingdom can tap into the Nigerian talent pool and benefit from a workforce that not only meets expectations but diligently works to exceed them.
In this article, we’ll explore the qualities that make Nigerian workers exceptional and why they’re the ideal choice for companies looking to hire offshore talent.
Resourcefulness
Growing up in a country like Nigeria forces you to be resourceful if you want to achieve anything. Over time, people learn how to use what they have to get results and accomplish their goals, no matter how little their resources are.
In the workplace, this resourcefulness translates into navigating obstacles or curveballs, solving problems, thinking outside the box and more.
If your industry is one that requires highly resourceful employees, you need a Nigerian!
Great work ethic
Another standout quality our clients at Arwana often praise Nigerian employees for is their remarkable work ethic. Time and time again, businesses have highlighted how Nigerian talent consistently demonstrates a great willingness to work.
This isn’t surprising, as from a young age, Nigerians are taught the importance of hard work and excellence. It’s a cultural value that is deeply ingrained in the people. To be excellent, one must have a great work ethic, and this is a principle that many Nigerians carry into their professional lives
In the workplace, this commitment to excellence shows up in various ways such as arriving early for meetings, taking responsibility for their tasks, meeting deadlines, taking initiative, and more.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Nigerians are believed to be natural-born entrepreneurs, and this is evident by the number of startup founders the country has. There’s a strong drive among Nigerians to seek out opportunities and turn ideas into thriving businesses.
The entrepreneurial spirit can be seen not just in entrepreneurs but also in the Nigerian talent pool. Nigerian employees aren’t simply “yes-men”. They don’t just take orders from their superiors; they also take initiative, suggesting areas that could be improved and bringing up new ideas to succeed further.
This proactive entrepreneurial habit exhibited by Nigerians is one of the key traits that make them stand out in the workplace.
Passion and Enthusiasm
When tourists visit Nigeria, one notable thing that many commend is how passionate and full of life Nigerians are. The average person is literally bursting with energy and it’s absolutely contagious. The great thing about this is that Nigerians bring this same passion and enthusiasm to work, and having people like this is so important because passion fuels productivity.
How this manifests is that no matter the size of the task, an average Nigerian employee will give it their all plus a little bit extra because they believe anything worth doing is worth doing well.
This passion and enthusiasm also means they’re emotionally invested in their roles, striving to make their own contributions rather than just meeting minimum requirements.
Cultural Dexterity
Currently, there are approximately 250 ethnic groups with numerous languages spoken. Most Nigerians grow up with diverse people around them right from birth, so they are adept at connecting with people of different cultures easily.
This early exposure to different cultures and tribes has helped the average Nigerian adapt to different cultural contexts and build relationships with people from various backgrounds.
This means that overseas talent resident in Nigeria are capable of integrating into the organization’s culture, even while working remotely.
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Nigerians place a high value on education and self-improvement. Even after formal schooling, many pursue additional training, certifications, or skills development to ensure they have the knowledge required to excel in their roles.
Most industries are changing every year by coming up with new tricks and techniques to get the job done. Nigerians understand this perfectly because they are always trying to upskill and keep up with the changes in order to contribute meaningfully to their place of work.
Conclusion
Nigerians are good-natured people who have been misunderstood and stereotyped because of some negative notions that exist even today. However, those who have had the privilege of working with Nigerians can attest to their resilience, resourcefulness, and remarkable work ethic.
These unique characteristics that Nigerians bring to the table make them valuable assets to have on your team. It’s time to move beyond stereotypes and recognise the true value and potential of Nigerian talent on the global stage.
If you are ready to give offshore staffing a chance, then you should consider Nigeria as a potential hiring spot. There is so much talent and so few opportunities to showcase them, so it’s a win-win situation for your business and the workers. Book a discovery call with Arwana today to get started!
