10 ways to survive as a tech remote worker in Lagos in 2026

As a tech remote worker living in Lagos, you would think you have escaped the struggles of Monday morning traffic and the daily “no fuel, no light” routine until you encounter the real hustle of remote work itself. 

From battling unstable internet connections and power supply to juggling time zones with foreign teammates and trying to stay productive through generator noise, the life of a tech remote worker isn’t that easy.

A few weeks ago, I attended Jobberman’s Remote WorkFest 2025, a hybrid event for remote workers where industry experts shared what it really takes to thrive as a Nigerian remote worker.

This article was inspired by specific sessions led by Olamide Adeyeye, Jobberman Nigeria’s Country Head of Program and Dr Valerie Okorie, a medical doctor who represented AwaDoc.

To avoid missing out on better opportunities, here are ten practical ways to survive and stay relevant as a tech remote worker navigating Lagos life in 2026.

Live at Jobberman’s remote workfest

Read also: When design saves lives: How AwaDoc is using WhatsApp and AI to transform healthcare across Africa

1.  Be a great communicator

While everyone understands that, as a tech remote worker based in Lagos, it’s essential to ensure stable electricity and internet speed, we won’t start with that. The first and important step to take to ensure you’re a survivor of remote work in 2026 is to be a great communicator. 

“You could be the best coder in the room, but if you can’t communicate clearly through many means, you may become invisible,” Adeyeye said in his presentation.

In a traditional office, people can see your effort — your body language, your presence, your energy. But in remote work, your emails, Slack messages, reports, and updates are your voice. They are the only ways your team knows what you’re doing and how valuable you are.

That’s why he described communication as the most important skill employers look for. If an organisation from the U.S., Germany, or Austria wants to hire you, the first thing they are looking for is how and when you communicate. 

“Part of the red flags that employers pay attention to during the hiring process is a delay in communicating. Green flags are proactive communication, proof and not promises, infrastructure issues. So, part of what you’re checking is your internet speed, the processing capacity of your device, and all of that,” Adeyeye added.

2. Master self-management

Remote work is built on trust and discipline. Adeyeye explained that in global teams, most of the work happens asynchronously. This means people work in different time zones and at different hours.

When your manager in the U.S. is sleeping, can they trust that you’re doing your work in Lagos without supervision? That’s what self-management means.

It’s not just about doing tasks, it’s about being reliable, predictable, and accountable. You need to manage your time, deliver on deadlines, and stay productive despite distractions like power outages, noise, or Lagos chaos.

3. Build technical and digital competence 

While soft skills are critical, Adeyeye also pointed out that technical competence remains a non-negotiable foundation. Employers still want to know if you can actually do the work.

This doesn’t just mean coding or data science; it also includes your proficiency with digital tools such as project management systems, AI assistants, and collaboration software. You must be comfortable navigating technology, because it’s the backbone of remote collaboration.

To sustain remote work, keep learning and upgrading. Take online courses, join webinars, and practice with global tools. 

4. Become AI-fluent 

Adeyeye’s remarks on AI were both a warning and an opportunity. He noted that artificial intelligence is reshaping the global job market, projecting that by 2030, AI and machine learning will create approximately 170 million new jobs.

In other words, AI isn’t the enemy; it’s the tool. The professionals who survive and thrive will be those who learn to work alongside AI, not compete with it.

For Nigerian remote workers, this means learning to use AI-powered platforms for writing, research, analytics, customer service, or even task automation. AI fluency makes you faster, sharper, and more globally competitive.

5. Build cultural fluency and Emotional Intelligence 

Finally, Adeyeye urged young Africans to develop cultural awareness and adaptability, which are essential for anyone working with international teams.

He explained that thriving in remote work isn’t just about skills but connection. You need to understand different cultures, communication styles, humour, and expectations.

Cultural fluency means being globally aware, respectful, and flexible. It’s a soft skill that can open doors far beyond your technical ability.

Dr Valerie Okorie, a Nigerian medical doctor

The healthy side of surviving in Lagos as a tech remote worker 

According to Dr Valerie Okorie, surviving as a tech remote worker in Lagos is not just about earning in dollars or escaping traffic. It is about staying healthy while doing the work. In her words, “Your body is your engine. If you don’t take care of it, you will pay for it later.”

Here are five practical ways she believes remote workers in Lagos can stay healthy and sane.

6. Keep your body in motion

As a tech remote worker who has been avoiding Lagos traffic all morning, it’s important to ensure a constant body movement and flexibility with your muscles occasionally. 

“Remote work has quietly removed movement from our daily lives. When you remove the commute, you remove the movement. We are always sitting down, and this sitting disease can cause deep vein thrombosis.

Now, when you sit down for 12 hours, what will happen is that your blood will slowly flow to your legs and form clots, small clots. This goes and blocks a vessel up there. In your head, it causes a stroke. In your heart, it causes a heart attack,” she said.

A short walk, a light jog, or even regular stretching during the day can make a big difference.

7. Pay attention to how you sit and work

Many remote workers sit for up to 12 hours with poor posture. Backs are bent, necks are down, and laptops are pressed close. Over time, this causes chronic back and neck pain. 

Dr Valerie reminded remote workers to be conscious of posture. Sit upright, adjust your chair and table, and take short breaks. Your body is not designed to stay in one position all day, no matter how good the pay is.

8. Don’t guess your health, check it!

One of her biggest points was that looking healthy doesn’t always mean being healthy. “You might be slim, but your blood vessels might be full of fat,” she said. Long sitting hours, stress, coffee, and constant snacking can affect blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. 

In order to survive and stay strong as a tech remote worker, Dr Valerie encouraged remote workers to know their health conditions. Checking your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol helps you catch problems early, before they turn serious.

9. Protect your vision with the 20-20-20 rule

Remote tech work often involves jumping from a laptop screen to a phone screen, which causes digital eye strain and blurry vision. High pressure in the eyes can also lead to glaucoma, a condition that can permanently damage your eyesight. 

To prevent this, you should use the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This simple habit acts as exercise for your eyes and helps reduce strain.

10. Don’t ignore your mental health

It is common for remote workers in Lagos to stay indoors for days, only leaving for church or errands. This leads to a Vitamin D deficiency, which can weaken your bones and worsen chronic back pain.

Lack of sunlight is also linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression. You should make it a point to go outside and feel the sun on your skin.

She also spoke about loneliness, a common struggle for remote workers. Call a friend, see people, and don’t replace real connections with endless scrolling; create a shutdown routine.

Read also: Tax: FG partners US, UK, Canada, others to track remote workers earning dollars

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