Nigeria’s construction sector is experiencing a massive shortage of skilled workers, as artisans from neighboring countries like Benin and Togo leave due to worsening economic conditions.
Many of these workers, who have been a vital part of the building industry in states like Lagos and Ogun for over two decades, are returning home as Nigeria’s currency, the naira, continues to lose value against the stronger CFA franc.
Artisans such as masons, carpenters, plumbers, and painters have long sought better opportunities in Nigeria. However, recent findings reveal that many are now leaving due to a combination of economic pressures. The high cost of living, fueled by the increased price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), has caused inflation to soar, making it increasingly difficult for these workers to survive on their wages.
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Munier Adebayor, a Cotonou, Benin Republic mason, shared his frustration. “We used to earn enough to save and send money back to our families. But now, N4,000 daily barely covers food, transportation, and other essentials. Nigeria is hard right now.”
For Nigerian real estate developers, the departure of these skilled workers spells trouble. Pastor Gabriel Ahonu, a landlord in Ejigbo, Lagos, explained the situation: “The artisans I housed have all returned to the Benin Republic. The construction industry is no longer booming like before, and the economy is making it difficult for them to stay.”
Without these workers, many ongoing construction projects could be delayed, while others may suffer from a shortage of manpower. “Their exit will hit us hard, both now and in the future,” Ahonu warned.
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The naira’s devaluation has played a significant role in this exodus. David, another artisan, explained that what was once a profitable job no longer yields the same rewards. “When I came to Nigeria in 2004, N5,000 was a lot of money, but now it can hardly buy anything. Back home in Benin, our currency is much stronger, and when we convert our earnings from naira to CFA, it’s barely enough to survive.”
With wages stagnating and the cost of essential materials like cement continuing to rise, many of these workers have decided to return home, where their earnings have greater purchasing power. This has left the Nigerian construction industry scrambling for a solution.
As Nigeria grapples with economic challenges, the departure of artisans from neighboring countries adds another layer of difficulty to an already struggling building industry. With fewer hands on deck, developers may face rising labor costs and delays in project completion, further exacerbating the country’s housing deficit.
For the artisans, their decision to leave is rooted in survival. As Adebayor bluntly put it: “We are suffering here. It’s better to go back home where we can live better with what we earn.”
This wave of exits is a stark reminder of how deeply economic policies and currency fluctuations impact everyday workers, especially those in industries as vital as construction. The question now is whether Nigeria can stabilize its economy quickly enough to stem the tide of departing laborers—or if the loss will have lasting repercussions.