A Nigerian dispatch rider has appealed for assistance after opening up about the difficulties he has faced trying to earn a living and provide for his family.

The man, who identified himself as a professional mechanical engineer, said he was compelled to take up dispatch riding after years of struggling to secure suitable employment within his profession.

In a video that has gone viral, he explained that although he has several professional qualifications, finding work and securing customers has remained a major challenge.

‘I Have My Certificates’

According to the man, he left his previous employment about five years ago and subsequently pursued further training in an effort to improve his professional prospects.

“I’m a professional mechanical engineer. I left my job for good five years and I do freedom,” he said.

“I have my certificates, at least I still have like three certificates. Because after my freedom, I still go and learn outside.”

He said that despite his qualifications and additional training, he was unable to secure enough customers or find suitable employment in mechanical engineering.

“But no customer, no work, and I need to feed myself and family. That’s where I find myself doing dispatch work,” he said.

He explained that dispatch riding became a means of survival because he needed a source of income to take care of himself and his family.

Complains About Pressure From Officials and Customers

The engineer also described the challenges he encounters while working as a dispatch rider, saying the job has deprived him of peace of mind.

He alleged that riders frequently face pressure from several government agencies and road enforcement officials.

“But ever since I’ve been doing this work, no rest of mind. Police will disturb you. Agbego, they will disturb you. LASMA, they will disturb you. VIO, they will disturb you,” he said.

“Road safety, they will disturb you. Customer, they will pressure your life.”

The constant pressure, combined with the responsibility of providing for his family, appeared to have taken a toll on him.

Expressing his frustration, he repeatedly said he was exhausted by his circumstances.

“I’m tired. I’m tired. I have family, I’m feeding,” he said.

Appeals for Support to Work Abroad

The man subsequently appealed to individuals or organisations that could assist him in relocating abroad, where he hopes to find an opportunity to return to his profession as a mechanical engineer.

“No help, and no supportive,” he said.

“If I can see help, anyone that will support me to outside country so that I can be doing my mechanical job. I don’t mind be paying the person back.”

He said his goal is to secure an opportunity that would enable him to utilise his professional qualifications and skills rather than continue working in a field he entered primarily out of economic necessity.

At the end of his emotional appeal, the engineer expressed his frustration over his circumstances in Nigeria, saying:

“I’m tired of this Nigeria.”