There’s always that one person in every Nigerian office that requires Olympic-level patience.
They are the queen of side-eyes or the king of unnecessary comments, and you’re practically swimming in wahala.
These are the colleagues who turn office politics into a full-time sport, talk behind backs like it’s a side hustle, and somehow find new ways to test your peace before 10am.
But you?
You’re just trying to collect your salary, and mind your business.
So how do you survive the war of silent treatments and passive aggression without turning into the villain?
Before you start drafting your resignation letter, here’s your survival guide:
1. Set Boundaries Before They Use Your Head Like WiFi
There’s a fine line between being a team player and becoming everybody’s errand tool.
You’re not a mumu.
Petty coworkers will test you, asking you to “help them quickly” every five minutes, dragging you into group gossip, or setting subtle traps like “what do you think about what the HR said?”
You’re not there to shake table, you’re there to collect salary.
You better shine your eyes.
Be friendly, but don’t get too familiar.
If your space, time, or sanity is being threatened, it’s okay to say with your full chest “Alaye, I’m not available.”
Some colleagues are strictly for “Good morning, good afternoon, and good bye.”
2. Master the Art of “Noticing and Ignoring”
You saw them roll their eyes when you walked past.
You heard them sigh as you spoke. You are feeling the tension.
You’ve observed all these signs. Congratulations my friend, ignore them.
Petty people feed on reactions.
They’ll want you to react, but no, don’t mistakenly fall for these tricks
Starve them by not paying them any attention.
The best response is usually no response.
3. Keep Your Distance (Physically, Mentally, Spiritually)
Keep your distance like you’re dodging village meeting drama.
Some people in the office deserve greetings and that’s it.
No gist, no small talk, no bond.
Because the same people laughing with you at 10 AM will be the ones throwing you under the bus by 3 PM.
And if you work remotely? You’re lucky.
Just mute, and ignore them.
4. Create Your Safe Space
Get that noise-canceling headphones so you can block out any unnecessary sound.
Create a Spotify playlist and vibe away, because you can’t let negative energy affect you.
Do whatever you need to do to build your inner peace o.
Don’t say I didn’t tell you.
5. Know When to Escalate (Quietly, Not Like Nollywood)
Omo if that petty behavior crosses into harassment or it is threatening to sabotage your productivity, don’t try to be a hero.
Call that person out, have a polite but firm conversation.
Don’t beat around the bush oooo.
It should be one-on-one, in private, not in front of the office audience.
If that yeye behaviour continues, escalate to HR or your manager, but leave emotions at the door by backing your claims with facts, not feelings.
All things considered
Office life in Nigeria is already dramatic, and petty coworkers are like mosquitoes, annoying, and somehow always targeting you specifically. But clapping back might get you in trouble, not them.
So protect your energy, set clear boundaries, and let your achievements outshine them.
And if the pettiness still continues?
You’ll sha survive.
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