“How much is salary?” Phyna Reacts to Moniepoint CEO’s Lack of Talent in Nigeria Claim

Reality TV star Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, known as Phyna, has reacted to a viral statement by Tosin Eniolorunda, Chief Executive Officer of Moniepoint, regarding the company’s reported difficulty in hiring Nigerian talent despite having over 500 job openings.

The statement, which circulated widely on social media, suggested that the challenge stemmed from a perceived lack of skills among job seekers in the country. In response, Phyna criticised the narrative, questioning whether wage structures and broader economic realities had been adequately considered.

“How much is the salary? Let’s assume it is N500,000 monthly. Some people are on TikTok from morning till night and earn more than that daily. How much is rent? How much is the cost of living in Nigeria? You cannot just say Nigerians are not smart because jobs are not being filled,” she said.

She further said that many Nigerians turn to alternative sources of income due to economic pressures, adding that improved national conditions could encourage more people to pursue formal employment.

“If Nigeria gets better, a lot of people will leave and dust their certificates. I studied engineering. If things improve, I would move into the corporate world,” she added.

The exchange comes amid ongoing discussions within Nigeria’s tech and fintech sectors about talent availability, compensation structures and hiring standards.