How would it look or feel if we could wake up one morning and discover that everyone’s salary is what we all can see clearly without hiding? I mean, seeing your neighbour’s earnings, your boss’s monthly income, your lecturer’s allowance and so on. In fact, it would even expose an individual who has always been hiding under the camouflage of “I’m just managing,” yet driving a new car in Lekki. Hahaha 😆 Everything is now in public. Where would we hide then?
At first glance, it sounds like a good idea. And I know many Nigerians would definitely support it without wasting time thinking it through. This is because corruption and dishonesty have eaten deep into the system.
In my country, we have politicians who suddenly become billionaires overnight and some public officials who are living beyond their known income. Salary transparency might even help people ask hard questions.
Imagine a civil servant earning #250,000 monthly without any other income, still building mansions in three states, people would naturally begin to investigate the source of such wealth. Perhaps such transparency could reduce fraud, expose financial crimes and force government and private organisations to be accountable for every penny without hiding.
Also, it could help workers know their worth too.
There’s one painful reality in Nigeria and it is that many employees are paid low simply because they do not know what others in similar positions earn. Two people can be doing the same work in the same company, and you’d see one earning more than the other because they negotiated better or have connections.
I have personally experienced something similar as a teacher. I discovered that people on the same level weren’t earning the same salary at all. This isn’t because of positions and this is something that happens everywhere. Sometimes, it’s all about connections and who knows someone in the system.
Other times, employees would be asked the question, “How much are you expecting?” This isn’t because they wanted fairness but because they hoped such a person would mention a lesser amount than what others were already earning for the same role.
The painful part is that not many employees find out and they continue to work hard with the belief that their pay is normal. This made me realise that in some workplaces, salary isn’t dependent on qualification and hard work alone. Negotiation, confidence and sometimes connections also play their roles.
In situations like this, it would be a good thing for transparency in salaries because it will expose exploitation, reduce favouritism, and ensure there is fairness in every workplace.
But at the same time, I don’t trust my country, hahaha. The reality of this among Nigerians can make the whole thing complicated. In my country, people are already facing a lot of intense family and social pressure financially. The moment someone knows you are earning way higher and making good money, expectations would immediately increase — it’s simply automatic.
This isn’t about village people when billings from left and right keep coming in. I trust Nigerian relatives. That’s when they remember many things they need money for, demanding excessively. Old friends may suddenly remember you. Some people may even become targets for robbery, kidnapping or online scams.
Even as we speak, the level at which insecurity is a major issue is a big concern and exposing people’s income would create more danger.
Don’t forget we have the issue of envy and unhealthy comparisons. People naturally compare themselves with others and social media has made it even worse. Friendships may become strained and respect will only come based on how high your income is. There are a lot of damages such an idea could cause, thereby creating more problems.
Personally, I believe Nigeria needs more financial accountability and citizens need to be carried along on how funds are spent and what leaders truly earn. Transparency is important, but at the same time, wisdom is equally important.
Image generated from ChatGPT