5 Unusual Jobs You Didn’t Know Existed In Nigeria

In the ever-evolving job market, Nigerians are constantly discovering unique ways to make a living beyond conventional careers. Driven by creativity and adaptability, some individuals are carving out unexpected paths in Nigeria’s diverse economy. These unconventional jobs may seem surprising or even strange to the average person, but they highlight the resilience and innovation embedded in Nigerian society. Often unknown to many, these jobs cater to specific needs, and those who excel in them have managed to turn what seems unusual into profitable ventures.

This report takes a closer look at five of these unexpected professions, exploring the roles, challenges, and unique requirements that make them stand out. From professional mourners who bring an emotional touch to funerals to people who specialize in finding lost goats and chickens, these jobs showcase a side of Nigeria’s informal economy that is often overlooked. Each role is a testament to the fact that opportunity can arise in the most unlikely places, and Nigerians are ready to seize it, regardless of how unconventional it may appear.

Below, Dtruth Insights delves into five unusual jobs that you probably never knew existed in Nigeria, examining how these roles came to be, what they entail, and the impact they have on the communities they serve. Whether you’re intrigued by the concept of ‘funeral crying services’ or curious about individuals who make a living catching rats, this list offers insight into a world of work that is as fascinating as it is unexpected.

1. Professional Mourner

Professional mourning, also known as “crying services,” is an unusual yet established job in certain parts of Nigeria, particularly among the Igbo people. In some Nigerian cultures, funerals are seen as an essential rite of passage, and the display of emotion at such events is considered a sign of respect and love for the deceased. This cultural value has led to the rise of professional mourners – individuals who are paid to attend funerals and display intense emotions. These mourners are hired by families who want to ensure that their loved one receives a dignified farewell, often characterized by loud wailing, sobbing, and other displays of grief.

The job of a professional mourner requires a deep understanding of cultural and family dynamics. Mourners must perform convincingly to honor the deceased and meet the expectations of the family. Training is often informal, and skills are typically passed down within communities.

Professional mourners learn how to capture the emotions expected by the family, and they often practice vocal techniques to ensure a powerful display of grief.

In some cases, professional mourners may even rehearse specific cries and lamentations that reference the life or achievements of the deceased, adding a personalized touch.
Despite its unusual nature, professional mourning is a respectable job within communities that value expressive grieving.

However, the role is not without challenges. Mourners must be prepared to face skepticism or judgment from those who may not understand the cultural significance of their work. Nevertheless, for families who hire them, these mourners play an essential role in honoring their loved ones and providing emotional closure.

Although often viewed with curiosity, professional mourning serves as a reminder of the diversity of Nigeria’s job market. In a country rich in tradition and culture, even the most unusual jobs can carry profound significance, fulfilling social and emotional needs in ways that might surprise outsiders.

2. Animal Recovery Specialist

In Nigeria’s rural and peri-urban areas, livestock such as goats, chickens, and cows represent a significant economic asset for many families. When these animals go missing, owners often turn to animal recovery specialists, professionals who specialize in finding and recovering lost livestock.

This job is especially prominent in the northern parts of the country, where livestock is essential to daily life and economic survival. Known as “animal detectives,” these specialists have developed methods to track and recover missing animals, sometimes traveling long distances to retrieve them.

Animal recovery specialists rely on a mix of traditional knowledge, community networks, and keen observational skills. They can identify tracks, interpret signs, and even interview villagers to piece together the movements of lost livestock. Some of them also work closely with local authorities to recover stolen animals, especially if they suspect theft. Their knowledge of animal behavior, combined with local geography, helps them track and identify wandering animals effectively.

This job is not without its risks. Animal recovery specialists often travel to remote or dangerous areas where thieves might be hiding stolen livestock. In these cases, they must be cautious and may even negotiate with local leaders to avoid confrontation.

Despite the challenges, animal recovery specialists provide a valuable service in rural communities where livestock losses can significantly impact families.

For many Nigerians, the existence of animal recovery specialists is surprising, but it highlights the ways in which people adapt their skills to meet the needs of their communities. This role underscores the importance of local expertise and community-based solutions to common challenges.

3. Queue Stand-In

In Nigeria, where long queues are often the norm at banks, passport offices, and fuel stations, a unique job has emerged: the queue stand-in. Queue stand-ins are individuals hired to hold a place in line on behalf of clients who either don’t have the time or the patience to endure the wait. This service has become increasingly popular in cities like Lagos and Abuja, where time is a precious commodity, and people are willing to pay someone to save them from hours in line.

Queue stand-ins operate with a straightforward business model. They arrive early, sometimes at dawn, to secure a spot and hold it for their clients. Clients are usually professionals or businesspeople with tight schedules, and they appreciate the convenience of being able to show up just in time to complete their transaction. The fee for this service varies depending on the length of the queue and the client’s urgency, with some stand-ins earning a decent income from a day’s work.

This job requires patience, resilience, and an ability to navigate crowded spaces. Queue stand-ins must be prepared to stand for hours in sometimes uncomfortable conditions. Moreover, they need to manage interactions with other people in line, who might be skeptical or hostile if they perceive that the queue stand-in is bypassing the system.

Though unconventional, the role of a queue stand-in has gained acceptance in Nigeria’s busy urban centers. It exemplifies how people turn everyday inconveniences into income opportunities, contributing to the country’s informal economy in creative ways.

4. Traffic Informant

Traffic informants, also known as “go-slow spotters,” are individuals who monitor traffic conditions and provide real-time updates to commuters. In cities like Lagos, where traffic congestion is a daily struggle, these informants are a lifeline for drivers trying to avoid gridlock. Equipped with mobile phones, traffic informants station themselves at key locations and use social media, radio, or private messaging apps to alert commuters about road conditions, accidents, and alternative routes.

Traffic informants typically operate independently or as part of informal networks. Some are paid by logistics companies and ride-hailing services that rely on accurate traffic data to improve efficiency. Others earn money through tips from grateful drivers who benefit from the updates. Their knowledge of city roads and peak traffic patterns makes them invaluable to anyone who needs to navigate the city quickly.

Being a traffic informant is a demanding job that requires constant vigilance and a quick response to changing conditions. Informants must stay updated and maintain multiple communication channels to ensure accurate information.

The job can be challenging, especially during harsh weather or when they need to cover multiple locations.
Although often underappreciated, traffic informants play an important role in urban transportation. Their efforts help reduce time lost in traffic and contribute to smoother journeys for countless commuters across Nigeria’s busiest cities.

5. Snake Catcher

In rural and urban areas alike, snake catchers provide a critical but often overlooked service. With Nigeria’s diverse wildlife, including venomous snakes, encounters between humans and snakes are common, and untrained individuals may be at risk. Snake catchers specialize in safely capturing and relocating snakes from residential and commercial areas, reducing the risk of snakebites and fostering safer environments.

Snake catchers are trained to handle dangerous situations and often have a deep understanding of snake behavior and species. They use special equipment to capture snakes, and in cases of venomous species, they transport the captured snakes to wildlife conservation centers or release them into safer habitats. Many snake catchers work in partnership with local authorities or wildlife agencies to ensure the safe handling of these creatures.

While the job is risky, it offers unique rewards for those who are passionate about wildlife conservation. Snake catchers must remain calm under pressure and knowledgeable about various snake species to avoid dangerous encounters. They also serve as educators, raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and teaching communities how to prevent snake encounters.

In a country where fear of snakes is prevalent, snake catchers fill a vital role in community safety. Their expertise contributes not only to public health but also to environmental preservation, showing how unusual jobs can have meaningful impacts on society.