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7 Kinds Of People You Find In Every Nigerian Office

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By Nkem Ndem

Whether you are a veteran with over 20 years of experience under your belt or a fresh-faced newbie straight out of the university, a Nigerian office can be a war zone for anyone. A complex social environment with a wide variety of people and personalities, you find you have to work with different types of people that you may or may not like to achieve a common goal in a Nigerian office.

Of course, each working environment can differ greatly according to its industry and company culture, however, there are certain types of people you’re destined to meet in every workplace in Nigeria. Jumia Travel, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking portal, reveals seven of these type of people and how to avoid strangling each one.

The Oppressor

Usually an uptight authority figure in the firm, the oppressor makes things tense for everyone. They are extremely demanding and have very unrealistic expectations. No matter how hard you try to impress them, it seems like you just can’t do enough.  While it may seem impossible to change this person’s attitude, however, you always have the power to control yours. Try flipping your perspective and seeing things from your supervisor’s point of view, no matter how hard it seems, and you will find you may be able to better understand how they work and why they expect the things they do. While this may not make them less demanding, it can relieve some of the stress and tension that you feel all the time they are around.

The Veteran

This person has been a working member of staff in the company since the organization’s formative years, yet he does not have a statue or mural in honor of his tenure in the company. He does not trust the new kids on the block and he is not keen about change. Basically, he thrives on routine and so is stuck in his ways and it’s killing your workflow efficiency. Again, he never misses a chance to remind you that he’s been with the company so long.The key to getting the old guy on board is: figure out ways to incorporate his good ideas while cutting the fat. Showing him your ideas will make things easier, but don’t forget to acknowledge his know-how, that way he won’t feel slighted or left out.

The Complainer

The complainer has a comment to make about everything that goes on in the office. He/she complains before completing almost every single task probably because they may fall under one or a few of the following labels: bored, disgruntled, busy, or unhappy with their work. They are not a lot of fun to be around as they drain the energy in the office as they seem to be  pessimists. Basically, if complaining were a method that would drive a company’s profits and boost its goodwill among its stakeholders, then they’d be an asset. You really do not want to associate yourself with this kind of person.

The Slacker

It is risky to have this person as a mentor or friend as they are super sly. They like to give the impression that they are the one doing the job, but in reality, they just pass on the tasks to others and take all the glory. They give the image of being actual contributors to the team, but in reality, they do nothing. It is usually a horrible situation when this person is your boss or team head as you end up doing both your work and his/her work. Best thing to do is raise your concerns when you feel you need to, and if they are subordinates, try and mentor them. Also, giving them clear deadline go a long way.

The by-product of nepotism

This is Nigeria and yes! Nepotism is a thing. This kind of worker is the one that got the job because his dad was classmates with the CEO or his mother is in the same church as the owner. He keeps rising in the company, not because he is so skilled or talented, but because of his connection and there’s nothing you can really do about that. It actually pays to be friends with this kind of worker as you never know from where favour may come.

The Gossip

Don’t be deluded, this person is not always a girl. The gossip has the ears of a bat and the mouth of a magpie, and as such, has all the juicy gist in the office.  He/she has firsthand information about the boss’s love life, the financial situation of the company and know who is getting sacked or getting a raise. Actually, the Office Gossip is a lot of fun to be around, but you have to be careful what you say to them as you never know how far he/she can take it. Again, if you become too close to them, your image may be tarred, and this can be quite undermining. You can, however, use them if you want to spread any information that may be beneficial to you in the end.

The Kiss-ass

This person is an overachiever and they are always sucking up to those above. Their main aim is to ensure they are in the good books of the relevant authority. They will laugh at the boss’ jokes even when they are not exactly funny and will go out of their way to do things that are not in their job description. Basically, they try to make every other person look bad so they come off as the shining star. This kind of worker is irritating and cannot be trusted as they can easily backstab colleagues.

Nkem Ndem is a PR Associate at Jumia Travel.

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

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Jobs/Appointments

Energia Appoints Oladimeji Bashorun as CEO After Chris Egonu Exit

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Energia

By Adedapo Adesanya

Energia Limited has announced the appointment of Mr Oladimeji Bashorun as its chief executive to lead its next phase of growth following the exit of Mr Chidi Egonu.

Mr Bashorun, who previously served as the company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), steps into the role after years of providing strategic and operational leadership within the organisation.

During his tenure as COO, he was at the helm of the company’s operations, driving operational efficiency and supporting the company’s long-term growth strategy.

A seasoned oil and gas professional with over two decades of industry experience, Mr Bashorun held several technical and leadership roles at Shell Petroleum Development Company and later at Sahara Upstream before joining Energia.

In these positions, he contributed to operational leadership, asset management, and initiatives focused on improving operational stability and performance, according to a statement by the company.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr George Osahon, Chairman of the Energia board, said: “Oladimeji Bashorun has demonstrated exceptional leadership and deep industry expertise during his time as Chief Operating Officer.

“His commitment to operational excellence and strategic growth has been instrumental to Energia’s progress.

“The board is confident that under his leadership as the Chief Executive Officer, the Company will continue to strengthen its position as a key player in the industry, while delivering sustained value to its stakeholders.”

Speaking on his new role, Mr Bashorun said, “I am honoured to assume the role of Chief Executive Officer of Energia. Working closely with a talented team that drives the company’s success, I look forward to building on our achievements and advancing Energia’s commitment to operational excellence, responsible energy development, and value creation for our stakeholders.”

Under his leadership, Energia said it will continue to focus on strengthening operational performance, expanding strategic opportunities, and contributing to Nigeria’s energy security, while maintaining its commitment to environmental stewardship and community development.

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Sunu Assurances Picks Olayinka Adaramola as ED for Technical Operations

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SUNU Assurances Nigeria

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Sunu Assurances Plc has appointed Mr Olayinka Adaramola to its board as an executive director.

The appointee will be in charge of Technical Operations, a statement signed by the company secretary, Taiwo Kuku, disclosed.

Mr Adaramola is an astute insurance professional with over two decades of experience in underwriting, claims and strategic operations, combining technical expertise with academic excellence.

He obtained his Higher National Diploma (HND) in Insurance from Lagos State Polytechnic, Isolo, in 1996 and MBA in Marketing from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, in 2009.

He began his professional career in September 1998 in the General Accident Department of Leadway Assurance Company Limited, where he honed his skills in underwriting different classes of insurance business and survey inspections.

Prior to joining the board of SUNU Assurances Nigeria in February 2026, he served as the Executive Director, Technical Operations of Capital Express Indemnity Insurance Limited.

He has attended various courses within Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He is an Associate Member of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN).

In a related development, Sunu Assurances has announced the resignation of Mrs Olajumoke Bakare from its board with effect from April 1, 2026.

Mrs Bakare served as an independent non-executive director on the board after receiving regulatory approval for her appointment on April 7, 2022.

During her tenure, she served diligently on various board committees and contributed meaningfully to the board’s deliberations.

In accepting her resignation, the board expressed its profound appreciation for Mrs Bakare’s distinguished service, noting her thoughtful contributions, sound judgment, and principled approach to matters before the board.

It further acknowledged that her input significantly influenced both its decisions and overall effectiveness, reinforcing a culture of strong governance rooted not only in technical competence but also in integrity, trust, and composure.

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Michael Uwakwe of Creditville Joins Chams Board as Non-Executive Director

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Michael Uwakwe creditville

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The chairman of Creditville Limited, Mr Michael Uwakwe, has been appointed to the board of Chams Holding Company Plc as a non-executive director.

His appointment, according to a statement from the organisation, was effective Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

The board expressed confidence in his dynamic leadership, saying it will foster collaboration, inspire teams, and deliver transformative results for stakeholders.

Mr Uwakwe, who retired from TotalEnergies after 30 years of active service, chairs Creditville Limited, a financial services company involved in consumer lending, equipment leasing, capital market operations and real estate.

He is a Human Resources professional by qualification, training and experience with a deep interest in analysing financial markets around the globe. He is also well-versed in all aspects of investment analysis, asset allocation, and risk management and is a PENCOM-approved member of the Investment Strategy Committee of the Total Closed Pension Fund.

Mr Uwakwe sits on the board of Redwood Asset Management Company Limited, a SEC-approved Fund & Portfolio Manager.

He is a Fellow of the National Institute of Credit Administration of Nigeria, a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (UK), a member of the British Psychological Society (London), and an Associate Member of the Nigeria Institute of Management.

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