A Nigerian freelancer was blocked on Upwork after revealing their nationality, sparking widespread outrage online. Many Nigerians reacted, citing stereotypes linked to scammers and corrupt politicians, and discussing the discrimination freelancers face on global platforms.
A recent tweet by a Nigerian user highlighted a disheartening experience on Upwork, a global freelancing platform. The user was accepted for a job but was blocked as soon as they revealed they were from Nigeria. The tweet, posted on September 18, 2024, has since gone viral, amassing over 448,000 views and sparking significant reactions from fellow Nigerians.
Many responded to the incident, attributing the discrimination to the negative reputation associated with scammers, corrupt politicians, and drug mules from the country. Some lamented the situation, blaming the actions of a few for ruining opportunities for others. Others expressed empathy, encouraging the user to not dwell on the rejection, emphasizing that it’s the company's loss.
Several users shared similar frustrations, noting that some platforms don’t even include Nigeria in their "Select country" options. Others viewed the experience as a blessing in disguise, suggesting that the user was better off not working with companies that discriminate against Nigerians.
Overall, the reaction emphasized the growing challenges Nigerians face on international platforms due to global stereotypes, while also rallying around the sentiment that such companies are missing out on talent from the country.
