A young Nigerian lady has reportedly lost her job after boldly requesting a salary increase from her employer, a move that has sparked heated debate online.
According to a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) by a user identified as @UnclePamilerin, the lady, who is a fresh graduate awaiting her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, had been offered what many described as a “golden opportunity.” Just four months ago, she secured a role as an executive assistant to a Canada-based professional. The job description was straightforward—responding to emails and helping with scheduling tasks—while working only 2 hours daily. Despite the minimal workload, she was earning an impressive ₦650,000 monthly salary.
However, after a few months on the job, the young woman reportedly discovered that her boss was quite influential and financially well-off. Encouraged by this knowledge, and allegedly influenced by external advice, she decided to send an email to her employer requesting a salary increase.
To her shock, instead of entertaining her request, the employer decided to terminate her employment immediately. The decision came as a surprise to many netizens, who believed the employer’s reaction was too harsh.
Sharing details of the incident, @UnclePamilerin wrote; “My friend in Canada hired a fresh graduate in Nigeria (awaiting NYSC) as her executive assistant. The job was simple: respond to emails and help schedule her day. She worked 2 hours daily and earned ₦650k monthly. After 4 months, she realized my friend was a ‘big deal.’ Maybe she got bad advice, but she sent a mail asking for a salary increase. We ended the contract immediately. Now she’s asking if she can still keep working for the same pay. Are we wicked for saying no?”
The post quickly went viral, sparking massive reactions and arguments on X, with many Nigerians sharing divided opinions on whether the employer acted justly or unfairly.
Netizens’ reactions on X (formerly Twitter)
Agnoola S criticized the employer’s action, writing: “It’s not ridiculous to ask for a salary increase. A more effective method is to ask her to defend why she thinks she deserves it. Your opening paragraph set the tone making it sound like a ‘lucky job’ she’s supposed to be glad to have—‘simple job,’ ‘2hrs a day.’ Pretty sure your friend saw the value in her work and isn’t doing charity. Sacking her for asking for a salary increase is bad management. Probably because you don’t rate her. In another world you’d be happy a talent is asking for salary increase, and you guys can work out a solution that works for both parties, rather than them seeking it externally and leaving you desperately searching for a replacement.”
Khalid wrote; “I honestly see no wrong in asking for a salary increase, this is normal. Best is you decline her request, and if she says she can’t work with the same rate, let her go. This is normal no? Btw is that position available, I can do it.”
FindingSolace expressed doubts about the story, stating: “Why do I feel the salary was not ₦650k?🙄😏 2 hours/day × 5 days/week × 4 weeks/month = 40 hours/month. And the person was paid ₦650k per month? You guys should take it easy with the lies sha.”
Yinkaobebe offered a more empathetic take: “No you are not wicked. But you can give her a second chance. It has happened to me before. It’s usually bad advice. I reconsidered her and she’s turned out to be one of the most dependable people I have worked with. If you can give her the job back at the initial pay, in less than 1 month you will know if to keep her. She’s either going to be absolutely repentant or disgruntled.”
The incident has since fueled discussions about employee rights, employer expectations, and whether asking for better pay should ever be grounds for dismissal—especially in cases where the worker is clearly overpaid for the workload given.