In Nigeria, “hustle” is working hard to make a living. From busy markets in Lagos to tech centers in Abuja, Nigerians are known for their determination to succeed. But is this constant hustle the true path to success, or does it have hidden costs?

Hustle Culture in Nigeria

Hustle culture praises constant work, suggesting that success comes from never-ending effort popularly named “do or die”. In Nigeria, this idea is strong.

Economic challenges and a young population mean many Nigerians have multiple jobs due to low income. They believe that working all the time is the only way to achieve financial security and balance.

How Hustle Affects Different Social Classes

Hustle culture impacts Nigerians differently based on their social class:

• Upper Class: Wealthy individuals often have the means to hire help, allowing them to focus on big projects. Their hustle might involve managing investments or expanding businesses.

• Middle Class: Making up about 23% of the population, the middle class includes professionals and small business owners. They often balance regular jobs with side businesses to maintain their lifestyle and aim for a better future.

• Working Class and Underclass: Facing financial difficulties, people in this group take on various informal jobs, like street vending or crafts. For them, hustling is essential to meet daily needs.

Pros and Cons of Hustle Culture

While a strong work ethic can lead to innovation, resilience and financial stability, there are downsides:

• Burnout: Constant work can cause physical and mental exhaustion. A report showed that 64% of Nigerian workers are at high risk of burnout, due to both physical and emotional stress.

• Loss of Personal Time: Putting work above personal life can harm relationships and reduce overall happiness.

• Risky Ventures: The pressure to succeed might push some towards unethical activities, such as internet fraud, locally known as “Yahoo Yahoo.”

Finding a Healthy Balance

Success doesn’t have to mean endless hustle. A balanced approach can lead to lasting achievement:

• Quality Over Quantity: Working efficiently, rather than for long hours, can increase productivity and leave time for personal life.

• Self-Care: Taking care of your health ensures long-term success. Regular breaks and clear boundaries are important.

• Redefining Success: Focusing on personal fulfillment instead of just material wealth can lead to a more satisfying life.

Many Nigerians work hard every day for little pay, struggling to keep up with the high cost of living. The stress and fatigue from constant hustling take a toll on their health, and some even lose their lives without fully enjoying the results of their labor. This is a common reality in Nigeria.

While the Nigerian hustle spirit has driven many to success, it’s important to recognize the potential downsides of an unbalanced approach. By redefining success and prioritizing well-being, Nigerians can reach their goals without sacrificing health and happiness.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the Justice Department to halt prosecutions of Americans accused of bribing foreign officials to secure business deals.

The order instructs Attorney General Pam Bondi to suspend cases under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) of 1977 until new enforcement guidelines are introduced to support U.S. business interests.

According to the directive, any future FCPA investigations or charges must receive approval from the attorney general.

The White House argues that the law puts American companies at a disadvantage compared to foreign competitors, as it prevents them from engaging in practices that are common in global markets.

“America’s national security relies on U.S. businesses gaining strategic advantages worldwide,” a White House statement read, emphasizing that Trump is curbing aggressive FCPA enforcement to help American firms compete on a level playing field.

Elon Musk has made it clear that he has no interest in buying TikTok, despite growing speculation and concerns over the app’s Chinese ownership.

His statement comes after former U.S. President Donald Trump recently suggested that Musk could purchase TikTok if he wanted to.

However, the billionaire dismissed the idea, saying he hasn’t placed any bid and isn’t eager to acquire the platform.

“I don’t have any plans for TikTok. I’m not desperate to buy it. I rarely acquire companies,” Musk said.

He also admitted that he doesn’t use TikTok and isn’t familiar with its format, adding that his purchase of Twitter, now called X, was an exception rather than the norm.