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The Perception of Tradesmen in Nigeria: A Reflection of Mindset and Societal Values

In Nigeria, the relationship between clients and tradesmen—such as plumbers, electricians, mechanics, and carpenters—is often framed as an act of charity rather than a professional transaction. Many Nigerians believe that when they hire a tradesman, they are doing that individual a favor rather than engaging in a fair exchange of labor and compensation. In stark contrast, this mindset does not extend to professions such as doctors, engineers, and lawyers, who are perceived as professionals worthy of respect and fair compensation.

This discrepancy in perception is not merely about economics; it is a reflection of deeper societal attitudes towards class, status, and self-worth. The way people view tradesmen is often a mirror of how they see themselves in relation to others, revealing their understanding of dignity, economic power, and the value of labor. This mindset also manifests in the reluctance to pay tradesmen call-out charges, even when no work is eventually done—a courtesy extended without question to doctors, lawyers, and other professionals.

The Historical and Cultural Context of Work in Nigeria

To understand why many Nigerians see tradesmen as subordinates rather than equals in a business exchange, it is crucial to examine the historical and cultural background of labor in Nigeria. Traditionally, Nigerian societies were structured in hierarchical forms, with some professions carrying more prestige than others. Skilled laborers and artisans were often placed lower in social rankings compared to those in scholarly or religious professions.

Colonialism further entrenched this hierarchy by introducing Western education as the primary route to social mobility. Under colonial rule, jobs that required formal education—such as civil service positions—became associated with prestige, while manual labor and trade work were often left to those without formal schooling. This distinction remains deeply embedded in Nigerian society today, where academic qualifications often take precedence over skill-based competence in determining one’s social standing.

As a result, many Nigerians subconsciously associate tradesmen with a lack of formal education and, by extension, a lower societal value. This view affects how tradesmen are treated and why their services are often undervalued, even though they provide essential contributions to daily life.

A Reflection of Self-Worth and Social Mobility

When individuals believe that hiring a tradesman is an act of charity, it often reveals their own insecurities and understanding of self-worth. Many Nigerians, particularly those who have struggled to climb the socioeconomic ladder, see their ability to hire someone as a sign of personal success. For them, employing a tradesman is not just about getting a service done—it is a demonstration of power, an indication that they have risen above the perceived struggles of the working class.

This mindset is particularly prevalent among middle-class Nigerians who, having achieved some level of financial stability, feel the need to distinguish themselves from blue-collar workers. Since professional tradesmen often come from lower-income backgrounds, their work is not seen as a career choice but as a necessity for survival. This fuels the notion that they should be grateful for any job they get, rather than being treated as skilled professionals offering a valuable service.

In contrast, professionals such as doctors, engineers, and lawyers are often seen as individuals who have “made it” in life. Because they require formal education and licensing, their services are associated with prestige. This makes people more willing to respect them and compensate them fairly. The disparity in how different professions are perceived highlights a societal belief that academic achievements validate one’s worth, while skill-based labor does not.

The Justification for Call-Out Charges: Why Tradesmen Deserve Consultation Fees

A common issue in Nigeria is the refusal to pay a tradesman a call-out charge when no agreement on pricing is reached. Many clients feel that unless actual work is done, there is no justification for any payment. However, this contradicts the standard practice in other professions.

When a person visits a doctor for a consultation, they pay a consultation fee regardless of whether they proceed with the recommended treatment. Similarly, when consulting a lawyer, clients pay for the advice they receive, whether or not they decide to take legal action. In both cases, the payment is not for the final service but for the professional’s time, expertise, and assessment of the situation.

Tradesmen, too, invest time, transportation costs, and expertise in diagnosing a problem. A plumber called to inspect a leaking pipe, an electrician assessing a faulty circuit, or a mechanic checking an engine issue is not merely showing up—he is providing a professional evaluation of the problem. Even if the client does not proceed with the repair, the tradesman has already delivered value through diagnosis, potential solutions, and a price estimate.

By refusing to pay call-out charges, clients reinforce the idea that tradesmen’s time and expertise are not valuable. This devaluation not only discourages skilled labor but also creates an inefficient system where tradesmen are forced to overcharge elsewhere to compensate for unpaid time and expenses. A professional culture where tradesmen are respected means acknowledging that their time is as valuable as that of any other professional.

The Impact on Economic Growth and Entrepreneurship

This mindset does not just affect tradesmen—it has broader implications for economic growth and entrepreneurship in Nigeria. When a society undervalues skilled labor, fewer people are willing to pursue careers in these fields. Young Nigerians are often discouraged from learning trades because they are not considered respectable professions. Instead, they are pushed towards white-collar careers, even when there are limited opportunities in those fields.

This creates an economic imbalance where there is an oversupply of graduates but a shortage of skilled workers. The result is that Nigerians frequently rely on foreign artisans for quality craftsmanship in construction, automobile repairs, and other essential services. Paradoxically, while local tradesmen are treated as inferior, foreign tradesmen—especially from Lebanon, China, and India—are often respected and even paid higher wages. This contradiction further exposes the biases within the Nigerian mindset: respect is not necessarily given to the work itself but to the perceived status of the worker.

Shifting the Narrative: The Need for Mindset Change

To break free from this unproductive cycle, Nigerians must begin to shift their perception of labor and value. The first step is recognizing that all professions—whether white-collar or blue-collar—are essential to societal development. Without skilled tradesmen, infrastructure would crumble, vehicles would break down, and homes would remain in disrepair. Their contributions are just as vital as those of doctors, engineers, and lawyers.

One way to change this mindset is through education and public awareness campaigns that promote the dignity of labor. Schools and universities should integrate vocational training into their curriculum to emphasize that skilled labor is not a fallback option for the less fortunate but a respectable and profitable career path. Additionally, government policies should support and promote the trade sector, offering financial incentives and professional certification programs to elevate the status of tradesmen.

Another critical factor is personal attitude adjustment. Nigerians must stop seeing their ability to hire a tradesman as an expression of superiority. Instead, they should approach every business transaction—whether with a plumber, lawyer, or doctor—as a mutual exchange of value. Paying a fair price for a service should not be viewed as a favor but as a recognition of the worker’s expertise.

Conclusion

The belief that hiring a tradesman is an act of charity, while hiring a doctor or engineer is a necessity, is deeply rooted in societal conditioning. It reflects how Nigerians perceive status, power, and self-worth. By looking down on skilled labor, they inadvertently limit economic growth, discourage entrepreneurship, and reinforce harmful class divisions.

A change in mindset is necessary for both personal and national progress. Respect for labor, in all its forms, should be encouraged to create a society where every worker is valued and compensated fairly. The acceptance of call-out charges for tradesmen, just as consultation fees are accepted for doctors and lawyers, is one of the first steps toward recognizing their professionalism. Until this shift happens, Nigeria will continue to undervalue one of its most essential resources—its skilled workforce.