As night descends on Lagos, the city slips into a different rhythm but never truly sleeps. Across its streets and workplaces, night workers endure long, gruelling hours, juggling family responsibilities, financial pressures and daily risks. For women, these demands are often compounded by distinct safety concerns and societal expectations. IBRAHIM ADAM writes that, beyond placing significant strain on social and family life, night work could have dire health implications, including mental health disorders
As the night settles and the world begins to slow, many embark on a journey that defies the familiar nine-to-five routine, stepping into roles that keep society functioning long after daylight fades.
One of such is Abubakar Mohammed. On this very night, he stands quietly in the dim glow of a warehouse tucked within the bustling Ladipo Market in Mushin, Lagos State, keeping watch as the city settles into the uneasy calm of night.
For 16 years, the life of this 38-year-old has been defined by responsibility and perseverance, spent navigating long, quiet hours as a night guard.
A father of six – five girls and one boy, the weight of his family’s future rests squarely on his shoulders, upheld by an unwavering work ethic and a profound sense of duty.
Speaking to Saturday PUNCH, Mohammed said fatherhood, to him, is far more than a biological role; it is a profound moral and practical obligation that guides every decision he makes.
He hails from Gao, a historic city in Mali and the capital of the Gao Region. Situated along the River Niger, about 320 kilometres east-south-east of Timbuktu, the city lies on the river’s left bank at the junction with the Tilemsi Valley. It is from this distant landscape that his journey to Lagos began, culminating in a life defined by sacrifice in a foreign land.
“Fatherhood is the foundation of my life and the guiding force behind every decision I make,” he said. “To me, being a father goes beyond biological responsibility. It represents leadership, discipline, sacrifice and long-term planning. Every day, I am aware that my actions and work ethic directly influence the future of my children, and this awareness shapes the way I live and work.”
On why he chose to take up night guard duty, Mohammed said the decision was both a necessity and a deliberate choice. The financial stability required to meet his children’s educational, medical and daily needs, he explained, could not be achieved through daytime trading alone.
“I did not take on this work by chance,” he said. “The decision came after careful reflection on my responsibilities as a provider. With six children at different stages of growth, their education and financial stability became more important than personal comfort. Daytime work alone was not enough to meet our essential needs, so I chose this job as a sacrifice, knowing that a consistent income is critical to family security.”
Beyond economic pressure, he added, the decision to work at night was driven by a personal resolve to confront his responsibilities head-on.
Mohammed explained that night work demands constant alertness, mental resilience and strict routines, both to protect himself and safeguard the goods under his care.
“My work requires discipline, vigilance and mental strength,” he said. “Each night begins with preparation and a clear understanding of my duties. The environment may appear calm, but it can change without warning, so I must remain alert and composed at all times. Fatigue is unavoidable, but professionalism demands consistency.”
He acknowledged that irregular sleep and physical exhaustion remain major challenges, noting that daytime rest rarely offers the same restoration as sleep at night.
“I have had to develop a routine that allows me to rest whenever possible and manage my strength carefully,” he added. “Protecting my health is essential to fulfilling my responsibilities.”
Experts have linked prolonged night work to a range of health challenges, from chronic illnesses and emotional exhaustion to mental health disorders and fractured relationships. They noted that the impact of night shift on health is not just a personal issue, but a public health concern.
The cost to family life
While night work provides financial stability, Mohammed admitted it comes at a high emotional cost. His absence, he said, limits meaningful engagement with his children and strains family life.
“The demands of this work affect my family life,” he explained. “Spending long hours away from home reduces the time I have with my children, and missing important moments is emotionally difficult. Still, I make deliberate efforts to remain involved in their lives, even if I can only go home once a week on Sundays, or sometimes once every two weeks.”
Earning a monthly salary of N50,000, Mohammed remains firm in his belief that honest labour carries dignity.
“The contributions of night workers are often overlooked,” he said. “Many people enjoy safety, order and comfort without thinking about those who work behind the scenes. Although recognition is limited, I am grateful for my N50,000 salary, which I believe is the highest for anyone doing this work in this market. That is why I tell my colleagues that honest labour, carried out with integrity, has value, even when it goes unseen.”
For Mohammed, success is not measured by comfort or wealth, but by the stability, guidance and security he provides for his children.
“What keeps me motivated is my sense of duty as a father and provider,” he added. “At this stage of my life, success means laying a strong foundation for my children. If my efforts today allow them to grow up with access to education, discipline and opportunity, then every sacrifice is worthwhile. That belief gives me hope and strength.”
Household in transition
Mohammed’s wife, Aisha, spoke to Saturday PUNCH about the adjustments and emotional resilience required to navigate her husband’s frequent absence from home. She recognises the necessity of his sacrifice while shouldering the void it creates.
“When my husband began working at night, I felt both worried and proud,” she said. “I understood the need to provide for our children, but I feared the long hours and physical strain might affect his health. At first, adjusting to his absence was difficult, especially because our home felt emptier without the energy and presence he brings.”
Aisha emphasised that maintaining communication is crucial for emotional connection and mutual understanding, helping the family remain aligned even when Mohammed is physically away.
“To stay connected, we rely on phone calls and voice messages, which help us maintain a sense of closeness,” she explained. “I also make sure our children understand why their father works these hours, so we remain united through understanding and purpose.”
Dauda’s 15-year vigil
In the same Ladipo, 42-year-old Abdullahi Dauda walks a path few notice, carrying the weight of responsibility with so much discipline.
He hails from Sakadamna, a rural community in Dosso, the capital of the Dosso Region in south-western Niger, near the borders with Nigeria and the Benin Republic.
Married to Sekina and father to a boy and a girl, Dauda has been a security guard for 27 years, dedicating the last 15 years to night duty, a role that demands extreme vigilance.
Dauda’s entry into night work was guided more by circumstance than personal preference. Limited daytime opportunities and mounting responsibilities led him to take on the work as a means to support his family despite its inherent challenges.
“I began this work 15 years ago out of a strong sense of responsibility to provide for my family,” he said. “Life demands consistency, and I quickly realised that relying solely on limited daytime opportunities would not be enough. I accepted night work as part of my commitment to survival, responsibility and progress.
“No one naturally prefers to stay awake while others rest, but I deliberately chose this schedule because it provided stability in an uncertain environment. Economic pressure also played a major role; the rising cost of living made it risky to rely on a single source of income. Choosing night work was my way of taking control of my situation rather than waiting for circumstances to improve, because nobody will help you if you wait.”
The night routine
Night after night, Dauda remains alert, making split-second decisions and enduring conditions many would avoid.
“A typical night begins shortly after evening, when I report for duty,” he explained. “Upon arrival, I carefully inspect my assigned area to ensure everything is in order. Throughout the night, I remain vigilant, knowing that even a moment of distraction can lead to serious consequences.
“There are periods of quiet, but even then, focus is essential. Brief conversations with colleagues help us stay awake and maintain morale, yet resting is not an option. As dawn approaches, I complete my responsibilities and either rest briefly or move on to other tasks, depending on the day’s demands.”
Dauda stressed that the sacrifices of night work are largely invisible to the public, where assumptions about rest and inactivity prevail.
“The most intense moments come with unexpected movement or unfamiliar sounds. Quick judgment, teamwork and awareness are critical to maintaining safety. Many people assume night work involves resting, but it demands constant mental and physical endurance. Exposure to cold, rain, isolation and fatigue is part of the job. The emotional strength required to remain committed despite exhaustion is rarely acknowledged.”
He added that night work disrupts natural sleep cycles and energy levels, making rest whenever possible essential.
“Rest comes in short, irregular intervals during the day. Over time, this affects my energy and overall well-being. I have learned to value sleep whenever the opportunity arises, even if only for a short while, because protecting my health is essential to continuing this work,” he said.
Impact on family
Dauda emphasised that night work profoundly affects family life, limiting quality interaction and causing missed moments.
“This work restricts the time I can spend with my family and loved ones. Important moments are often missed, and maintaining close relationships requires extra effort and understanding. That is why I travel to see them, often only once every one and a half to two years. Communication has become essential, helping me remain emotionally present even when physically absent. Balancing work with personal life remains one of my greatest challenges,” he said.
Despite modest pay and limited recognition, Dauda continues to persevere.
“Night workers are often underappreciated. The effort and vigilance required are rarely matched by adequate compensation. I started with N5,000 and now earn N25,000. Even so, I will continue to give my best.”
Family adjustments
During a phone conversation with Saturday PUNCH, Dauda’s wife, Sekina, said the work caused her anxiety, but that the family have no choice but to adapt.
“When Dauda started night work, I was anxious because I feared he would be overworked and exposed to danger,” she said. “I understood it was necessary to earn money, so I tried to accept it while remaining supportive. I had to adjust my routines to accommodate his absence and take on more household responsibilities because when he is around, he helps a lot at home.”
Sekina highlighted how the night schedule has reshaped family life and how they maintain emotional closeness despite the distance.
“We now stay connected via phone. He checks in whenever he can, and I encourage the children to speak with him over phone or video calls. Hearing his voice, even for a few minutes, reassures us and keeps our emotional bond strong,” she said.
Muazu’s 23-year sleepless nights
Muazu, 47, moves through a section of a bustling warehouse at Ladipo Market, quietly observing as traders leave for the day.
A seasoned security guard, his 23 years of experience have taught him that vigilance is both a heavy and powerful responsibility.
Also from Gao, Mali, Muazu has spent decades navigating the challenges of his profession while meeting his family’s needs. Married to Madina and father to two daughters and a son, he said:
“My decision to work the night shift was primarily driven by the need to earn enough to support my family. Providing for them is a responsibility I take very seriously. Night work has become one way I meet that obligation,” Muazu told Saturday PUNCH.
By day, he engages in petty trading, selling sweets, biscuits and sachet water, but the income is often insufficient to meet household demands.
“From the very beginning, my motivation has been to earn money and support my family. That reason has never changed and continues to drive my commitment,” he added.
Daily routine and comradeship
At 6:30 p.m., after finishing his daytime trading, Muazu resumes at his duty post, following a routine that blends vigilance with camaraderie among colleagues. His team often pools resources to cook meals rather than buying expensive, unsatisfying food. Between meals, they share jokes and stories to lift each other’s spirits.
“Throughout the night, we remain awake, alert and vigilant, even during heavy rain. By 6:00 a.m., we gather to pray together before resting for two or three hours, then begin another day shift,” Muazu said.
The most intense moments come when potential intrusions occur, requiring swift communication with colleagues to maintain security.
“The busiest moments happen when I hear footsteps approaching the warehouse gate. I quickly alert my colleagues so everyone stays on high alert. There have been attempts by individuals to gain unauthorised access, possibly to steal. Our responsibility is to ensure no such attempt succeeds,” he explained.
Challenges beyond the visible
Muazu emphasised that night work extends far beyond visible risks, involving long hours of exposure to cold, rain and physical discomfort while remaining alert.
“Many people assume night workers simply sleep through the night, but that is far from the truth. Even when drenched or shivering, we remain at our posts to ensure safety,” he said.
Irregular sleep has taken a toll on his health, prompting medical advice to prioritise rest.
“My sleep pattern is irregular, and I rest whenever I can, sometimes only for short periods. At one point, I suffered constant headaches and had to visit Mushin Primary Health Centre. The doctor explained that lack of sleep was the main cause. Since then, I make it a priority to rest whenever possible, even if only for 30 minutes,” he said.
Family and recognition
Muazu noted that night work also comes at the expense to his family bonding.
“I do not spend enough time with my family, which is a major challenge. It can take three and a half to four years before I see some family members. Thankfully, technology allows communication through phone and video calls, helping maintain our relationships,” he said.
Muazu also pointed out that financial compensation does not always reflect the effort and risks involved.
“I primarily do this job for the money, which is why I always give my best. I started earning N5,000, and today I earn N15,000. While the increase is appreciated, it does not fully reflect the risks and demands of the job,” he noted.
Muaze, therefore, appealed for public recognition of night workers.
“Night workers are human beings too. We work tirelessly to protect lives and property while others rest. A little appreciation and understanding would go a long way in acknowledging the sacrifices we make.”
Madina’s life without her husband
His wife, Madina, told Saturday PUNCH that her husband’s absence at night has reshaped their family life.
“When Muazu began working nights, it was a difficult adjustment for me. Initially, I felt a mixture of worry and pride. I worried about his health and safety and how his absence would impact our children, but I also respected his dedication to providing for us,” she said.
The housewife added that communication has become a crucial lifeline, allowing her husband to remain involved in decision-making and daily routines despite the distance.
“Even when he is physically absent, we exchange messages, call each other, and involve him in important family decisions remotely. These interactions, although brief, help him remain a part of daily life despite the distance,” she said.
‘We want to sleep too, but someone has to stay awake’
While many households drift into sleep each night, 35-year-old Adegboye Olajumoke, a mother of one from Ekiti State, begins a demanding stretch of work that keeps the wards of a private hospital in Mushin running until dawn.
She explained that her decision to work nights was never driven by financial pressure but by the demands of a role that requires uninterrupted care.
“I am a night worker. I work with a private organisation that operates 24 hours a day, so night shifts are sometimes required. It’s part of my duty. It’s not about money; it’s about responsibility. Someone has to be on duty at night,” she said.
Describing her schedule
Olajumoke usually resumes duty between 8:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., taking over care responsibilities and reviewing the patients assigned to her for the night. She attends to each patient according to their medical schedules, particularly for routine medications, until morning.
“There isn’t a specific quiet or busy time. Some nights, you’re awake for the entire shift, while other nights, you may complete your duties and have a little time to rest,” she explained.
Olajumoke noted that the workload varies depending on the number of patients and their conditions, often caring for more than five people during a single shift.
Misconceptions and family support
One major challenge, she said, is the widespread assumption that night workers sleep while on duty.
“People often assume you slept during your shift. In reality, you may not get a chance to close your eyes at all until daybreak,” Olajumoke said.
Despite the physical demands, she said night duty has not negatively affected her health, as structured off days allow full recovery.
Rest after every shift is non-negotiable for her well-being, and family support has made balancing work and motherhood possible.
“I have an understanding husband. He knows the demands of my job and steps in when I’m away, which helps a lot,” she said.
Emotionally, Olajumoke described night work as largely task-driven, though she acknowledged moments of empathy when patients experience distress or complications.
“During night shifts, I don’t really feel many emotions, but I focus on the work. However, when something goes wrong with a patient, I do feel empathy and imagine the pain they’re going through,” she said.
Night workers remain undervalued
Olajumoke expressed concern that night workers remain largely unappreciated in Nigeria, despite their critical role in sustaining healthcare services while others sleep.
“Honestly, I will say no, our work is not valued here in Nigeria. You just do the work, but it’s not appreciated,” she said.
She urged the public to recognise the sacrifices behind night duty, emphasising that continuous care depends on those willing to stay awake through the night.
“We also want to sleep at home like you do, but someone has to care for those in the hospital. If everyone goes to bed, who would take care of them? When people see us, I want them to value and respect the work we do,” Olajumoke said.
Night work poses significant health risks
A Public Health Expert, Prof Tanimola Akande, has warned that night work carries serious health risks.
“There are health risks associated with night work. Workers on night shifts are more vulnerable to a range of health issues, particularly when exposed over a prolonged period,” he told Saturday PUNCH.
He explained that night work disrupts the body’s natural biological clock.
“There is a natural circadian rhythm, this is the body’s internal clock that regulates sleep, alertness, and digestion, and is primed by light and darkness. Night shifts distort this rhythm,” he said.
Akande added that prolonged night work can lead to serious health challenges, with some workers resorting to substances to stay awake.
“Long-term night work is associated with sleep disorders, fatigue, obesity, cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, and mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. Workers may also use stimulants to stay awake, face occupational injuries, contract malaria, experience burnout, and be involved in road traffic accidents due to reduced alertness. Social consequences include family crises, disruptions in family life, and, in some cases, infertility,” he warned.
The medical practitioner emphasised that protective measures can reduce these risks, noting that employers play a key role.
“Reducing the number of night shifts, ensuring adequate rest between shifts, and conducting regular health screenings can help mitigate these problems. Employers need clear policies to manage prolonged and rotational night shifts. Employees should be educated on the risks, and regular medical check-ups should be mandatory for those frequently or permanently on night duty,” he said.
Akande also highlighted that night work remains a largely invisible public health concern.
Employees rarely report health problems related to night work, and employers seldom monitor these challenges, particularly in developing countries. As a result, evidence-based policies to protect night workers are rarely developed or implemented,” he said.
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