if you’ve ever walked through the streets of Lagos at midnight, you’ll understand one thing: Nigeria never truly sleeps. From the danfo drivers shouting “Oshodi! Oshodi!” to the roadside food vendors still selling hot puff-puff, the city keeps moving. But why is this hustle culture so intense, and is it helping or harming us?

The Hustle Mentality

In Nigeria, the phrase “No food for lazy man” is practically a law. Everybody is hustling—tech bros are coding overnight, traders are at the market before sunrise, and even university students are running side businesses. The economic situation doesn’t help either. With inflation making everyday items more expensive, people are working multiple jobs just to survive.

Nightlife as a Business

OpportunityFrom the pepper soup joints in Abuja to the night markets in Ibadan, nightlife is booming. Many businesses have realized that Nigerians are willing to spend money even at odd hours. That’s why lounges, clubs, and even 24-hour supermarkets are becoming more common.

But at What Cost?

While the hustle culture is inspiring, it has its downsides. Many people barely get enough sleep, and stress levels are off the charts. Burnout is real, and health concerns are rising. The “grind” might be necessary, but at what cost to our well-being?

Finding the Balance

As Nigerians, we love the hustle, but we also need to find ways to rest. Maybe it’s time to create a culture that values both hard work and self-care. After all, what’s the point of making money if you’re too stressed to enjoy it?