Monday is not smiling: Sunday Night struggles of Nigerian workers

If Monday had a face, it would be the stern look of a Nigerian lecturer about to set an impromptu test. No jokes—Monday isn’t smiling, and every Nigerian worker knows it.

Sunday evening should be for relaxation, family time, or watching Nollywood movies with a chilled bottle of zobo. But reality has other plans. The moment the clock strikes 7 PM, a wave of panic sweeps through many households. That dreaded realization hits: “Omo! Work don start tomorrow.”

Suddenly, the entire house transforms into an industrial ironing factory. The queue for the iron is longer than a JAMB registration line. People scramble to press their clothes before NEPA strikes. The hum of generators fills the air as everyone battles for crisp shirts and trousers—because looking sharp on Monday morning is non-negotiable. Unless, of course, you want your boss to ask if you slept in a gutter.

After ironing, another struggle begins—calculating transport fare. This is the moment many Nigerians realize their wallets are as empty as their gas cylinders. Transport fares have a way of doubling on Monday mornings, and nobody wants to be the one begging the bus conductor to accept “half money” with a weak explanation of “Abeg, na wetin I get be dis.”

Desperation sets in. People start searching pockets, digging through old bags, and even flipping through books, hoping to discover forgotten cash. Some even check their bank apps, praying for a miracle credit alert from a friend they lent money to in 2019.

By 9 PM, the kitchen is in full swing. Meal prep begins, and this is where creativity shines. Some go for the classic jollof rice (if they’re lucky), while others settle for garri and groundnut, knowing full well that Monday’s lunch will be whatever is available. And let’s not forget those who suddenly decide to start a diet on Monday—until they see a colleague enjoying Iya Ife’s jollof rice with turkey.

By 10 PM, sleep becomes a luxury. Anxiety creeps in. Some workers replay the memory of that unfinished Excel sheet, while others mentally draft their “late coming excuse,” just in case they wake up late. The real champions, however, stay up till midnight scrolling through social media—only to complain about being tired when the alarm rings at 5 AM.

Despite all the preparations, Monday always comes with its own gbas-gbos. Whether it’s struggling to squeeze into an over-packed bus, fighting through Lagos traffic, or realizing your boss is extra cranky, one thing is certain—Monday no dey smile.

But no wahala—Nigerians always survive. After all, Friday is just four days away!

So, how do you prepare for Monday? Drop your own Sunday night struggle gist!