A Nigerian software engineer, Ridwan Akinfenwa, has narrated how he lost an international job that required him to work as a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) with a remuneration of over $260,000 per year, despite signing an agreement.
Akinfenwa, while sharing the bitter experience in a post on his LinkedIn profile recently, said the contract was terminated due to his Nigerian nationality.
He stated that he had already considered the milestone as his career breakthrough after years of hard work in the tech space, adding that every necessary thing for the role has been signed and sealed, including documents signed last month.
“Today I find myself grappling with a deeply disheartening experience in my professional journey.
“As a Senior Software Engineer with a solid educational and technical foundation, I recently shared a CTO position that offered a salary of up to $260,000+per year including bonuses.”
In the post, titled: ‘Nigeria Happened To Me As A Software Engineer,’ Akinfenwa explained that the employer in their email said the decision was reached after further compliance checks.
“Today, I received a termination email that shattered my hopes. The message cited for further compliance checks, revealing that the organization could no longer work with Nigerian nationals due to regulatory constraints.
“This decision came without prior indication, leaving me blindsided and emotionally drained,” Akinfenwa said.
According to him, the issue of nationality restrictions was not an isolated case, disclosing that it occurred frequently especially as a Nigerian, costing him job opportunities.
“This year alone, I’ve encountered multiple instances where my nationality has cost me significant career advancements, to the point where I’ve lost count of the setbacks,” he added.
Continuing, he explained that he attempted to seek clarification for his sudden rejection after the termination mail was issued but was told the decision was tied to government regulations which must be strictly followed and adhered to.
“The email exchange that followed was a mix of frustration and resignation, my attempt to negotiate or seek clarity was met with an apology acknowledging the decision was driven by external regulations, specifically from a government entity, leaving no room for recourse,” he further said.
Akinfenwa added that the development forced him to reflect on the broader struggles of Nigerian and African professionals in the international tech industry, viewing the nationalities as a major stumbling block to success in the western world.
“It’s a stark reminder of the invisible barriers that persist, even in an industry that prides itself on innovation and inclusivity.
“I’m left wondering how to navigate this landscape, whether relocating is the only viable path forward or if there are strategies to overcome such nationality-based exclusions,” the software engineer added.
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