“Who you know is more important than what you know.”
This popular saying often echoes in the minds of young Nigerians as they navigate the harsh realities of job hunting, entrepreneurship, or even gaining access to opportunities. In a country where man-know-man seems to rule, it’s natural for youths to wonder: Can I still succeed financially in Nigeria without connections?
The short answer is: Yes, it is
possible—but it’s not easy. Succeeding without a “godfather” or network
requires more strategy, resilience, and innovation. In this article, we’ll
break down what it really takes to succeed financially in Nigeria without
connections, and how young people can take control of their financial destinies
in a system that often feels stacked against them.
The Reality of “Connections” in Nigeria
In Nigeria, social capital often
plays a bigger role than skill or merit in determining who gets a job,
promotion, contract, or access to funding. This is especially true in:
- Public sector jobs
- Oil and gas
- Political appointments
- Big contracts and tenders
Even in the private sector, referrals
and family ties can fast-track one’s success. However, this doesn’t mean all
hope is lost if you lack such privileges. Many young Nigerians have built
wealth, careers, and global recognition by leveraging other tools.
Let’s explore them.
1. Skill Is the New Currency
In today’s digital economy, skills
can outshine connections. Thanks to the internet, young Nigerians can learn
high-income skills and monetize them locally or globally. Some of these
include:
- Web development / coding
- Graphics & UI/UX design
- Digital marketing
- Copywriting
- Video editing & animation
- Data analysis
- Virtual assistance
- Online tutoring
- Forex or crypto trading (with caution)
With platforms like YouTube,
Coursera, Udemy, and free bootcamps, learning no longer requires privilege—just
dedication and access to a smartphone or computer.
2. Freelancing and Remote Work Levels
the Playing Field
Freelancing platforms like Upwork,
Fiverr, Toptal, and PeoplePerHour don’t care about your
surname or who your uncle is. They reward:
- Strong portfolios
- Excellent client communication
- Reliability
- Problem-solving skills
Many Nigerian freelancers now earn in
dollars, bypassing the broken local job market entirely. With persistence,
freelancing can lead to financial freedom—even without traditional
“connections.”
3. Entrepreneurship: Build Your Own
Table
Many of the most successful young
people in Nigeria today didn’t wait for seats at the table—they built their
own:
- Fashion brands on Instagram
- Tech startups
- Agro-based businesses
- Mini-importation and e-commerce
- POS and agent banking services
- Online tutoring and edtech
Starting small—with as little as
₦50,000—you can build something valuable. While access to capital is still a
challenge, several platforms now support small businesses:
- SMEDAN
- Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF)
- Bank of Industry (BOI)
- Crowdfunding / angel investors
And again, many bootstrapped their
way without external help—just strategy and consistency.
4. Personal Branding and Visibility
Matter
If you don’t have connections, build credibility
and visibility instead. Use platforms like:
- LinkedIn – Share your journey,
expertise, wins, and ideas
- Twitter – Participate in conversations
within your industry
- YouTube / TikTok – Teach
what you know; build a niche audience
- Medium or a blog –
Showcase your work and thought leadership
Being known for value can open doors
that formal networks won’t. Clients, recruiters, and collaborators can find you—without
needing your CV to be passed along by a family friend.
5. Mentorship: Connections You Can
Build Yourself
You may not be born into a powerful
network, but you can build one. Identify people in your desired field
and follow them, engage their content, and respectfully reach out.
You don’t need VIP mentors.
Sometimes, a peer just a few steps ahead of you can offer clarity, feedback, or
referrals.
Pro tip: Be humble, show initiative,
and always offer value when reaching out.
6. Be Financially Smart
Success isn’t just about earning
money. It’s also about managing, saving, and investing wisely. Many
people earn well but stay broke because of poor financial habits.
Young Nigerians should:
- Create a budget and track spending
- Save consistently (automate if possible)
- Avoid lifestyle inflation
- Learn basic investing (mutual funds, real estate,
stocks)
- Stay away from quick-money schemes
Financial success is more about what
you keep and grow than what you earn.
7. Consistency Beats Connection Over
Time
While connections may open doors
faster, consistency and excellence build a reputation that no one can
ignore. Whether you're a freelancer, content creator, teacher, or small
business owner, show up every day and give value.
Many so-called “overnight successes”
were five years in the making.
Examples: Nigerians Who Made It
Without Connections
- Iyinoluwa Aboyeji –
Co-founded Andela and Flutterwave, both billion-dollar startups. Started
small and built tech credibility over years.
- Odunayo Eweniyi – Co-founder of
PiggyVest. Built her way up from tech blogging to fintech success.
- Many Nigerian freelancers –
Quietly earning $1,000+/month on Upwork and Fiverr with no family support,
just skills and strategy.
Final Thoughts: Can You Succeed Without Connections?
Yes. But you’ll need to be twice as
smart, twice as persistent, and 100% focused. Connections give an edge, but
they are not the only path to success. Your skills, mindset, network (built
organically), visibility, and financial literacy can help you reach your goals.
In today’s Nigeria, access to
information is more powerful than access to uncles. So choose wisely where
you invest your time—learning a skill, building a brand, and solving problems
for people will pay more than waiting for someone to plug you in.
You may not have a “leg,” but you can
build a ladder.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or career advice. Results may vary depending on personal effort and circumstances. Always conduct your own research or speak to a professional.
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