A Nigerian man’s account of his interaction with a domestic helper while visiting a friend’s home in Banana Island, Lagos, has generated controversy online.

In an interview with The Honest Bunch podcast, he disclosed that he had met Rejoice, a woman who has reportedly been employed as a housekeeper since 2021.

After observing the state of her two children, he was shocked to discover that she was still playing the same role years later and made the decision to enquire about her life.

“Rejoice, you never comot for here? Since 2021 you still dey here? I see say you don get children and more responsibilities. Wetin you don achieve for yourself since all these years?” he recalled asking.

The man claimed to have seen that the woman seemed overburdened with obligations. He enquired about her progress and whether she intended to launch her own company.

He claims that despite working in the wealthy household for years, the woman revealed that she had no savings to start a business.

“She told me she still didn’t have money to start any business. When I asked how much she was earning, she said between ₦150,000 and ₦180,000 monthly. I was shocked. I said, ‘He’s paying you ₦150,000 per month? Come on now, where is your conscience?’” he added.

Since then, there have been online reactions to the news, with many Nigerians discussing whether affluent companies should do more to help long-serving employees and whether domestic workers should be paid fairly.

One user wrote, “₦150k is not small money, but Lagos is expensive.” Another added, “The employer is paying a salary, not running a charity.”