One of the first things you’ll probably learn working a corporate job is that your co-workers aren’t your friends, and that popular line, “We’re family,” is straight out of the devil’s playbook. But is it that bad? Does it mean there’s no room for love in the workplace? If you ask these six Nigerians, they’ll tell you a different story.
Tosin*
The wildest thing I did this year was saving a colleague’s job. I was at the office one day, even though I was supposed to work from home. My bosses didn’t know I was around, so they didn’t bother shutting the conference room door. It wasn’t like I was actively eavesdropping, but I heard them mention a co-worker’s name. From the look of things, they were considering letting him go. They talked about how he’d been slacking and slowing the team down.
After I left the office, I thought about telling him, but I wasn’t sure I could trust him. So, I created a burner account on Instagram and sent him a short note, warning that management was planning to fire him unless he stepped up his game. He didn’t respond to the message—probably thought it was a scam—but let’s just say he changed his ways. And guess what? He still has a job today. I’ve been tempted to tell him several times, but I think he suspects it was me. And honestly, I’m fine with him just suspecting.
Daniel*
I’ve had an “office wife” for about two years now. It’s nothing serious, just playful banter and the occasional lunch hangout. At least, that’s what I thought until she called me in a panic in May. She had just been told she needed to move out of her apartment within two weeks and didn’t have the funds to secure a new place. I could hear the frustration in her voice as she explained how she’d exhausted all her options.
I don’t know what came over me, but I offered to give her ₦500k to add to her rent. I didn’t overthink it—I just wanted to help. She tried to decline, but I insisted. Eventually, she agreed and promised to pay me back in installments.
Did she pay me back? No. And honestly, I’m not even mad about it. If I’m being truthful, I didn’t give her the money to impress her or to make her owe me anything. I gave it because I care about her.
Kunle*
In March, my company transferred a colleague, Ehis, to our Lagos branch. He didn’t know anyone in Lagos and struggled to find an apartment. We’d bonded over lunch breaks and gisting about football in the weeks since he resumed, so he opened up to me about how tough the move had been for him. After hearing his story, I told him he could crash at my place until he figured things out. What was supposed to be a two-week stay turned into six months. It wasn’t always easy sharing my space, especially since I’m used to living alone, but it felt good to help a friend. Now that he’s moved into his apartment, I miss having him around. My girlfriend thinks I went overboard, but I don’t see it that way.
Aisha*
I have this colleague who’s always been there for me. Whether it’s helping with a project or just listening when I’m stressed, he’s the definition of a good friend. So, when he fell sick and had to be hospitalised for two weeks in June, I knew I couldn’t just sit back and do nothing.
I visited him at least thrice weekly, even though his hospital was on the other side of town. I brought him food, helped him with laundry, and even stayed overnight once when his mum couldn’t make it. Now that he’s back on his feet, people in the office joke that we’re secretly dating. We’re not, at least not yet.
Femi*
I work in HR, so I know all the office gossip. That’s how I found out the woman I’d been crushing on for months was about to resign because her salary couldn’t keep up with her expenses. I knew it wasn’t my place, but I didn’t want to lose her professionally or otherwise. So, I took a huge risk and recommended her for a promotion that came with a significant pay bump. I had to go against company policy to do it, and if my boss ever finds out, I’m finished.
She got the promotion, and she’s still at the company. We’re not dating, but at least she’s still around. Sometimes, I wonder if she knows what I did for her.
Chisom*
I started working at my company in February and immediately clicked with one of my teammates. We weren’t dating, but we were more than just friends. One day, he mentioned he’d always wanted to spend some time in Eko Hotel but had never been able to afford it. I casually suggested a weekend getaway, and before I knew it, I booked two accommodation options.
The weekend was amazing—breathtaking views, great food, and even better company. During that trip, I realised I wanted more than just friendship with him. I know he feels the same way, but we’ve talked about it and decided not to pursue anything romantic while still working together. I plan to change jobs next year, so maybe there’s still hope for us.
READ THIS TOO: What’s The Wildest Thing You Did For Love in 2024? — Friends Edition
