Six Figure is a biweekly PiggyVest series that focuses on how real Nigerians achieved dramatic income growth that made them millionaires.

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For this week’s episode of Six Figure, we spoke to a trading operations specialist earning €1,400 ( ₦1.1million) monthly. In our conversation, he shares his income journey from ₦6k post-secondary school to ₦1.1million now, and a financial principle he swears by.

What was your first job?

Technically, my first paying job was working as a helper for my dad at his printing press at Opebi, Under Bridge. I was fresh out of secondary school. 

Wow. How much did you earn then?

₦6k a month. I felt like a king.

That must have been a long time ago.

Yeah. We’re talking around 07/08.

What’s your current job? 

I’m a trading operations specialist.

What does it entail?

I work within the supply chain, serving as an intermediary between my company and suppliers around the world. My job is to make sure that the items and quantity we get are what we ordered. 

It involves a lot of ERP transactions and credit recovery to ensure that the books are balanced at the end of the day. 

Can you tell us your income progression through the years?

Well, aside from my first job, my first big-boy job was in a microfinance bank. This was in my service year, and I was being paid ₦40k monthly — not so bad for a corps member. 

After that year, I was retained as a full staff and my salary was raised to ₦60k. From there I moved up to earning ₦80k as a team lead for a company that allowed people to buy foreign and homemade electronic devices and pay in instalments. 

Two years later, my earnings have shot up to a base salary of €1,400 (₦1.1million).

Exciting. What new skill got you to this point?

Finding solutions to problems. I remember at my previous job, it was solely my responsibility to ensure the success of one of the company’s platforms. I have learnt to solve problems independently, first, before seeking the help of others.

Did this skill help your growth?

Of course. At my present company, I have moved up three roles and gone from my starting salary of €900 to the current €1,400.

Any mentors along the way?

Unusual, but my older brother and my cousin. I watched them grow in their careers with intentionality and hard work. Once they set a goal, they worked towards it and reached it. Every time. 

How has your spending changed since?

It hasn’t really. I’m really good with my money. Sometimes I allow myself to indulge in certain luxuries. but apart from important bills, most of my money goes into investments and savings. Call me “the guy with the tight fist,” I don’t care. 

Energy. Any advice for people who want to earn six figures?

First, seize all relevant opportunities. Nigerians sometimes feel like some opportunities are beyond us or that they will come to us on a platter. But you will have to take that extra step, because that’s what will take you where the six- or seven-figure salary is.

You may have to do that job you feel is beneath you to grow the skills that you need for your dream job. Just push through and the sky will be your starting point. 

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Key Takeaways