8 Nigerians Recall How They Spent Their First Salary

Gani, 64, recalls earning his first income in the early 1970s by selling plantains harvested from two trees his father gave him. He used the ₦40 he made to pay school fees for his younger brother and bought himself a new pair of sandals with the remainder. Growing up in a polygamous household, education was only guaranteed for the first child of each of his father's four wives, so Gani took initiative to support his sibling's schooling. His early experience reflected both necessity and responsibility, shaping his understanding of work and sacrifice.

Fayo, 33, earned her first salary in 2007 while working as a salesgirl in her grandmother's shop during a long school break. She had just completed SS1, and her mother sent her to stay with her grandmother to keep her occupied. Over two months, she learned the basics of retail and customer service. At the end of the holiday, her grandmother paid her ₦10,000 in crisp new notes, a moment she describes as empowering. She returned to school feeling proud and financially aware.

David, 29, made his first income during the COVID-19 lockdown by editing videos for a company he connected with through Upwork. After teaching himself video editing from YouTube tutorials, he secured a gig that paid him ₦80,000. His first purchase was a Wi-Fi device to improve his internet connection, followed by spending some on personal enjoyment. The job led to more clients, and he turned video editing into a side hustle. The Naira Life Conference is scheduled for August 22, 2026, in Lagos, featuring discussions on wealth-building and income diversification.

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