How to Overcome Office Politics in Nigerian Workplaces Without Losing Yourself

Whether you like it or not, office politics is a reality in many Nigerian workplaces. It’s not just about who gets the promotion or who gets to sit in the boss’s chair; it’s the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) dynamics of power, relationships, and influence within the workplace.

For many people, overcoming these unspoken rules can be tricky. On one hand, you want to succeed and progress in your career. On the other hand, you don’t want to lose yourself, compromise your values, or get dragged into unnecessary drama.

So, how do you deal with office politics in Nigeria while maintaining your integrity? In this article, we’ll break down what office politics really is, why it matters, and most importantly, how you can overcome it without losing your identity and integrity in the process.

What is Office Politics?

Office politics is the interplay of power, relationships, and influence among colleagues in a workplace. It includes how decisions are made, who holds influence, and how people interact with each other to achieve their goals. Sometimes, it’s obvious, but often it’s behind the scenes. You might see it in how people form alliances, push certain agendas, or subtly undermine others.

In most Nigerian workplaces, office politics can be even more intense due to factors like cultural hierarchy, social norms, and sometimes nepotism. You may find that office politics involves a lot of "who you know" or "who your family is," making it harder to just focus on your work and skills.

But here's the truth: office politics isn't always bad. It’s natural in any workplace where humans interact, and it can actually be beneficial if approached with the right mindset.

Why Office Politics Matters

Many people think they can just avoid office politics by keeping their heads down and doing their work. While that sounds ideal, the reality is that office politics affects everything from promotions and project assignments to team dynamics and even your reputation. Ignoring it completely can sometimes mean being sidelined, overlooked, or missing out on opportunities.

In a Nigerian context, it’s not uncommon to see people rise through the ranks due to their social skills and relationships rather than their competence alone. While this can be frustrating, understanding and participating in the politics of the workplace can help you protect yourself and stay in the loop.

The key is to engage in a healthy way, rather than getting sucked into negative or manipulative tactics.

How to Navigate Office Politics Without Losing Yourself

Here are practical strategies to help you manage office politics while staying true to who you are:

1. Understand the Unwritten Rules

Every workplace has its own culture and set of unwritten rules. In some Nigerian offices, for instance, the hierarchy is deeply respected, and challenging your superiors (even if you're right) may not be well received. In other places, being outspoken is encouraged. The first step to navigating office politics is to observe and understand these dynamics.

Who holds influence in your office? Who are the decision-makers? How do people interact with each other? By quietly studying these things, you’ll get a sense of how things work and what’s acceptable.

2. Build Genuine Relationships

One of the most effective ways to navigate office politics is by building positive relationships with your colleagues. This doesn’t mean forming cliques or fake friendships just to get ahead. Instead, aim to build genuine relationships based on trust, respect, and professionalism.

Take time to get to know your co-workers. Have conversations with them during lunch breaks or after meetings. Be approachable and helpful when you can. People are more likely to support you and have your back when they know and trust you.

In Nigerian workplaces, relationships often play a significant role in career advancement. But this doesn’t mean you have to engage in flattery or bribery. Building sincere connections can help you navigate the political landscape while staying authentic.

3. Stay Neutral in Conflicts

Office politics often involves conflicts between colleagues, whether it’s competing for a promotion or a disagreement over a project. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is picking sides in these situations. It might feel tempting to align yourself with a more powerful colleague, but office dynamics can shift, and you don’t want to find yourself caught in the middle.

Stay neutral and avoid gossip. Nigerian offices, just like anywhere else, can sometimes have their fair share of rumour mills. If you’re seen engaging in backbiting or gossip, it could damage your professional reputation. Instead, focus on being professional and handling conflicts with diplomacy.

4. Manage Up, Not Just Across

When navigating office politics, many people focus on their peers, but it’s just as important to manage your relationship with your superiors. In Nigeria, where respect for hierarchy is often paramount, having a good relationship with your boss or other senior staff can go a long way in protecting you from the negative sides of office politics.

This doesn’t mean being a sycophant or engaging in "eye service." Instead, keep your boss informed about your progress, seek their input, and show that you value their leadership. A strong relationship with your superiors can help shield you from petty office politics and open doors for you.

5. Keep Your Values Intact

One of the biggest dangers of office politics is that it can sometimes pressure people to compromise their values in order to get ahead. Whether it’s participating in gossip, undermining a colleague, or being dishonest about your work, these behaviours might seem like the only way to succeed in a highly political environment.

However, compromising your values might bring short-term gains, but in the long run, it can damage your reputation and self-respect. In Nigerian workplaces, where personal integrity is increasingly valued, staying true to your principles can set you apart and earn you respect from your colleagues.

If you’re ever unsure about a situation, ask yourself: "If my actions were made public, would I be proud of them?" Let your values guide your decisions, and don’t be swayed by pressure to "play the game."

6. Know When to Walk Away

Sometimes, no matter how well you manage office politics, the environment may still be toxic. If you find yourself in a workplace where manipulation, favouritism, or unethical behaviour is rampant, it may be time to re-evaluate whether this is the right place for you.

No job is worth sacrificing your peace of mind or self-respect. In Nigerian culture, where stability is highly valued, it can be hard to walk away from a job, especially in today’s tough economic climate. But your mental and emotional well-being should always come first. If office politics is creating a toxic work environment, don’t be afraid to start exploring other opportunities.

7. Focus on Delivering Value

At the end of the day, your work should speak for itself. The best way to protect yourself from the negative aspects of office politics is to consistently deliver value. When you’re known as someone who is reliable, professional, and competent, it becomes harder for office politics to affect you negatively.

Focus on your tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain a strong work ethic. This way, even if others are playing political games, your solid track record will make you stand out.

Conclusion

Office politics is unavoidable, but it doesn’t have to be toxic or soul-crushing. By understanding the dynamics at play, building genuine relationships, staying neutral in conflicts, and maintaining your integrity, you can navigate office politics without losing yourself.

Remember, office politics isn’t about manipulation—it’s about understanding the system and using it to your advantage while staying true to your values. With the right strategies, you can not only survive but thrive in the often-complicated landscape of Nigerian workplaces.