The Struggles of Nigerian Engineers: Talent, Sacrifice, and the Fight for Opportunity

When we think about the global tech industry, we often imagine innovation, opportunity, and prosperity. But for many talented engineers from Nigeria, this journey is fraught with obstacles, sacrifices, and an uphill battle for recognition.

As someone who has mentored numerous Nigerian engineers, from DevOps professionals and Software Developers to Security Engineers, I’ve witnessed their immense potential and struggles firsthand.

Their stories blend hope and frustration, perseverance against odds, and the heartbreaking reality of being overlooked—sometimes not for lack of skill, but simply because of where they come from.

A Look at the Numbers: The Global Tech Divide

The struggles faced by engineers from Africa, India, South America, and other underrepresented regions are not just anecdotal—they are reflected in data and industry trends.

Here are some eye-opening statistics:

1. Pay Disparities: According to Payscale, the average salary for a software engineer in Nigeria is about $7,200 per year, compared to over $80,000 in the United States and $45,000 in the UK. Similarly, engineers in India earn approximately $9,000 annually, while their counterparts in South America, depending on the country, can make anywhere between $12,000 and $25,000.
2. Unemployment and Underemployment: In 2023, the unemployment rate for skilled professionals in Nigeria stood at around 33%, with underemployment significantly higher. In contrast, many engineers are forced to accept roles far below their skill levels or work unpaid internships in hopes of securing better opportunities abroad.
3. Remote Work Growth: Despite the challenges, remote work is offering new hope. A report by GitLab revealed that 82% of companies are open to hiring remote workers, including those in developing countries. However, only a fraction of remote roles are currently filled by engineers from underrepresented regions, indicating a gap in access and opportunities.
4. Bias in Hiring: A Harvard Business Review study showed that resumes with non-Western names or addresses are less likely to get callbacks, even when qualifications are identical to those of Western candidates. This bias continues to affect engineers from Africa, India, and South America, limiting their access to international job markets.
5. Brain Drain: A World Bank report highlighted that over 40% of professionals from Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia emigrate to Europe or North America, contributing to a significant brain drain. While this offers individual engineers better opportunities, it also means their home countries lose valuable talent needed for local development.

The Harsh Reality of Unpaid Work

One of the first hurdles that Nigerian engineers encounter is the expectation of unpaid labour. It’s common for them to undergo six-month apprenticeships, working full-time without pay. This is not just an issue of exposure or gaining experience; it’s an unfair practice that leaves many struggling to sustain themselves while working long hours in demanding technical roles.

Imagine being an engineer, developing complex systems, debugging code, and solving high-level security issues, yet not earning a single penny for months. For most people in the UK or Europe, the idea of a long-term unpaid apprenticeship in such a specialised field would be unthinkable. Yet, in Nigeria, it’s often a sad reality.

This practice reinforces inequality. While engineers in wealthier countries start building their careers with decent salaries and opportunities for growth, Nigerian engineers are often left behind, trapped in a cycle of underappreciation and exploitation. And still, they continue, driven by a belief that better opportunities will eventually come.

The Pay Gap: A Global Divide

Even when Nigerian engineers find paid roles, they are often grossly undercompensated compared to their European or UK counterparts. I’ve seen brilliant engineers capable of handling high-stakes technical challenges earn a fraction of what someone with the same skills would make elsewhere.

The disparity is staggering. In the UK, a DevOps engineer might command a solid salary with benefits, while in Nigeria, someone doing the same work—often for international companies—receives pay that barely sustains them. The cost of living might be lower, but the difference in compensation is so vast that it still feels exploitative.

It’s frustrating because their work isn’t any less complex or essential. They often solve the same problems, use the same tools, and meet the same deadlines. Yet, they are undervalued simply because of geography.

Moving Abroad: A Hope and a Heartache

For many, moving abroad is the only way to break this cycle. Engineers leave Nigeria for better opportunities, higher wages, and a more dignified career path. It’s a bittersweet decision, as it often means leaving family behind.

The process of moving isn’t easy. It’s not just about packing bags and hopping on a plane. It involves months—sometimes years—of preparation: applying for visas, securing job offers, and navigating the often murky waters of international recruitment.

When they do succeed and manage to secure a job abroad, it’s a triumph. They can now earn what they deserve, provide for their families, and achieve the recognition their skills warrant. But the emotional cost is heavy. Husbands leave wives. Parents leave children. Families are separated, sometimes seeing each other only once a year or through a screen.

I’ve mentored engineers who have shared their stories of working tirelessly in a foreign country while their spouses remain in Nigeria, waiting for the day they can reunite. For many, the dream is to bring the entire family over. But that dream can take years to materialise, if it does at all.

The Unspoken Impact on Relationships

One of the most challenging parts of this journey is the toll it takes on relationships. Imagine being newly married, only separated by thousands of miles and different time zones, relying on video calls to stay connected. While technology somehow bridges the gap, it also highlights the distance.

I’ve seen the strain this puts on couples. Some manage to stay strong, but many relationships falter. The loneliness, the emotional burden of not being there for birthdays, anniversaries, or even the small everyday moments all add up. Nigerian engineers’ sacrifices to pursue better opportunities often come at the expense of their personal lives.

There’s another set of challenges for those who manage to bring their families abroad. Moving to a new country is a huge adjustment, especially for spouses and children. They have to adapt to a new culture, learn a new language in some cases, and build a new life from scratch. It’s a daunting task, even when the financial situation improves.

The Sting of Bias and Discrimination

Perhaps the most painful part of this journey is the discrimination Nigerian engineers face in the recruitment process. I’ve heard countless stories of engineers with exceptional CVs—individuals who are more than qualified for the roles they apply for—being automatically rejected once recruiters realise they are based in Nigeria.

This bias is subtle but pervasive. It’s not always stated outright, but the pattern is clear. Despite having the technical skills, the experience, and even the drive to relocate if necessary, they are often overlooked. The excuse? “We’re looking for someone closer to our headquarters,” or, “We need someone with local experience.” These vague justifications mask an underlying prejudice in global hiring practices.

This rejection isn’t just a blow to their professional aspirations; it’s a blow to their self-esteem. Imagine being told, indirectly, that no matter how hard you work, how much you achieve, or how qualified you are, you will never be good enough simply because of where you live. It’s devastating.

Things You Can Try

1. Build a Strong Online Presence

Your online presence is your digital resume, and it can make or break your chances of being noticed by remote employers.

• LinkedIn: Make sure your profile is polished. Use a clear, professional photo and write a compelling bio that showcases not just your skills, but your passion for DevOps. Include details about the tools you’ve mastered—Docker, Kubernetes, AWS, Jenkins—and describe the projects you’ve worked on. Show the impact of your work.
• GitHub: Share your personal and professional projects. Having open-source contributions on your GitHub shows employers that you’re not just a learner, but someone who actively applies their knowledge in real-world scenarios.
• Personal Website/Blog: A personal website can be a game-changer. Write blog posts, share tutorials, and showcase case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills. This positions you as a thought leader in your field, and employers notice that.

2. Leverage Freelance Platforms

Starting on freelance platforms can help you build a portfolio, get client reviews, and grow your confidence in handling remote work.

• Upwork: Create a detailed profile and focus on short-term DevOps gigs to build up your portfolio.
• Freelancer.com & Fiverr: These platforms also have opportunities in cloud services, infrastructure automation, and CI/CD pipeline projects.
• Toptal: While Toptal’s screening process is tough, getting in means you’ll have access to some of the best remote projects worldwide.

3. Explore Remote Job Boards

Remote-specific job boards are a great resource to find opportunities that match your skillset.

• RemoteOK: A popular job board offering tech jobs, including DevOps roles.
• AngelList: Perfect for connecting with startups that value remote work. Startups are often more open to hiring talent from anywhere.
• GitLab: As a remote-first company, GitLab frequently posts DevOps roles. Make sure you keep an eye on their job openings.

4. Network Actively

Networking is crucial in landing remote jobs.

• Join DevOps Communities: Become part of online communities like DevOpsDays or Kubernetes Meetups. These groups not only help you stay updated on the latest trends but also provide job opportunities through networking.
• LinkedIn Groups & Forums: Be active in discussions in LinkedIn DevOps groups. Offering insights or help will help you stand out, and recruiters do notice this.
• Attend Virtual Tech Conferences: These are excellent places to meet industry professionals and hiring managers. Many virtual events now have job boards or networking rooms designed to connect potential hires with companies.

5. Refine Your Skills

Companies hiring remotely often expect the best, so investing in yourself is essential.

• Certifications: This costs money, but there are free certifications out there. Earning certifications in AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud can set you apart. Employers are always looking for candidates with up-to-date cloud skills.
• Master New Tools: Expand your knowledge in tools like Terraform, Ansible, and Kubernetes. Mastering these tools will make you a hot commodity.

6. Tailor Your Applications

When you find the perfect job, make sure your application stands out.

• Customise Your Resume: Tailor your resume for each job by highlighting the specific tools and experiences that match what the employer is looking for.
• Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, emphasize your ability to work remotely and give examples of your communication and collaboration skills in remote environments. If you’ve done remote work before, mention it!

7. Overcome Hiring Bias

Unfortunately, many engineers from Nigeria face bias during the hiring process due to geography. But there are ways to overcome this.

• Address Geographic Concerns: In your application, make it clear that you’re used to working across time zones and that your location won’t hinder your productivity.
• Start with Contract Work: Sometimes companies are more comfortable starting with contract-based roles. Accepting a short-term contract can be a great way to prove your value and lead to longer-term opportunities.

8. Target Remote-First Companies

Use Google operators to find more specific roles:

• “remote DevOps jobs” AND “hiring globally” OR “worldwide”
• “remote DevOps jobs” AND “hiring in Africa” OR “open to Africa”
• “remote DevOps engineer” AND “Africa” OR “Nigerian candidates welcome”
• “DevOps engineer” AND “remote” AND “hiring globally” AND “Nigerian applicants”
• “DevOps freelance” AND “remote” site:upwork.com
•  “DevOps freelance” AND “remote” site:freelancer.com

9. Tap Into Local Networks

Your local network can also be an invaluable resource for remote opportunities.

• Nigerian Tech Communities: Join communities like ForLoop Africa and DevOps Nigeria. These communities provide networking opportunities, mentorship, and job referrals.
• Collaborate on Remote Projects: Working on collaborative, open-source projects can help you connect with global teams and potentially lead to job offers.

10. Stay Persistent

Finding remote work as a Nigerian DevOps engineer can take time. Keep building your network, refining your skills, and applying for jobs. Over time, the opportunities will come.

Hope for the Future

Despite these challenges, I remain hopeful. The tech industry is slowly becoming more global and inclusive. Remote work opportunities have increased, and companies recognise the value of diverse teams. More importantly, organisations are becoming aware of the injustices that have long plagued the hiring process, and some are taking steps to address them.

For Nigerian engineers, the road is still long and filled with challenges. But with continued perseverance, support, and advocacy, I believe things can and will improve. There’s no talent shortage in Nigeria—just a shortage of opportunities.

And perhaps the solution is not out there, is right inside Africa. 
Leveraging local talent to build global competence.

We may reach a point where engineers are judged not by where they come from but by the skills and passion they bring to the table.