In the city of Abuja, Mr. Jonathan, popularly called “Oga Nat”, navigates the city streets with a seasoned hand. For thirteen years, he has served as a driver for a bank, his journey marked by the resilience and perseverance that define so many working-class Nigerians.
“I started in 2011, I started driving because I needed to get busy, and getting a good white collar job was taking too long” Oga Nat recounts. “When I started this work, my salary was N40,000, but it was something. At Least I was earning, and in 2011 40k was not bad, oh” Today, his salary stands at N95,000, a modest increase that came at the beginning of this year. Yet, despite the raise, the financial strain remains persistent.
Living in Bwari and commuting daily to Wuse, Oga Nat’s expenses quickly add up. “The cost of living has gone up so much. By the time I cover transportation and basic expenses, there’s barely enough left” he explains. The economic state of the country has made it increasingly difficult for him to make ends meet. “I have four children, and two are in university now. Their fees alone are a big challenge. Let alone, the small small ‘daddy I need to buy this and that’”.
Comparisons with his counterparts at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) only highlight the disparity. “Those guys get better payments oh and even wardrobe allowances. It’s hard not to feel the difference,” he says with a mix of frustration and resignation.
Despite these hardships, Oga Nat remains thankful for his job and the kindness of his employers. “I’m grateful I have a job in this difficult country. My bosses are really kind; they sometimes tip me, which really helps,” he shares. His workweek is grueling, stretching from Monday into Saturday, and sometimes even Sunday. “It’s hard not having enough time with my family. The long hours can be really frustrating.”
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Yet, in his voice, there’s no hint of complaint, only a deep-seated commitment to his family’s well-being. “Everything I do is for them,” he says with a quiet determination. “I want my children to have a better life. That’s why I keep pushing, no matter how hard it gets.”
Oga Nat’s story is a reminder of the silent sacrifices made by many Nigerians. Despite being overworked and underpaid, they continue to drive forward with resilience and hope. His journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring desire to provide for one’s family.
Starting as a driver with a modest N40,000 salary, Oga Nat has worked tirelessly to provide for his family. Despite the financial constraints, he has been trying to build a small house for his family in Dutse for over three years. “It’s been slow, but the house will be finished soon by God’s Grace” he says with quiet pride. “We’ve been able to achieve a lot from my little salary.”
A significant part of his success can be attributed to his wife, who runs a small business making dresses and liquid soap. “My wife’s hands are blessed,” he says. “She supports me very well, both with prayers and financially.”
As we delve into the lives of individuals like Oga Nat, we gain a deeper understanding of the broader struggles faced by many in Nigeria. Overworked yet underpaid, they remain the hidden heroes who navigate the complexities of life with unwavering dedication and a glimmer of hope for a better tomorrow.
Mr. Jonathan’s journey also exemplifies the importance of proper planning and a good support system. Despite the economic hardships, his careful financial management and the unwavering support of his wife have allowed him to make significant strides, including building a house and ensuring his children’s education. Their combined efforts and resilience highlight the impact of strategic planning and strong family bonds in overcoming life’s challenges.
