The Viral Claim: Nigerian Banker-Turned-Builder in Malta Sparks Online Debate
What began as a casual tweet quickly spiralled into a heated debate across X (formerly Twitter). A video surfaced featuring a Nigerian woman claiming that a Nigerian man had left his job as a banker in Nigeria—where he earned ₦160,000 monthly—for construction work in Malta, where he allegedly makes €350 a day.
The claim was explosive, and by dawn, it was everywhere. Many Nigerians on X were quick to react with disbelief, calling out the figures as “bullshit” and questioning the realities of Malta’s job market.
Reactions of Disbelief
One user, CHIEF PIUS, dismissed the idea outright:
“Him say nah €350 per day, maybe he meant by week 😂😂😂… the average salary in construction per day in Malta is €80 … don’t make us feel like a fool abeg…”
Others joined in, pointing out how Malta’s wages do not match the man’s claims. Orla, another X user, noted:
“I wonder the kind of work he’s doing to make him earn up to €700 in a day, this is not possible… even the highest pay for construction is less than €2k monthly. Even doctors earn between €3k and €5k.”
Scepticism mounted further when users began comparing wages with the cost of living. Global South on X wrote:
“Now ask him how much his rent and other expenses are in Malta.”
The Dream vs. Reality
For some Nigerians frustrated with low wages at home, the viral video stirred up feelings of desperation. One commenter confessed:
“I just have to leave this country.”
Another, intrigued by the supposed opportunity, asked:
“Please, where in Malta? I am interested.”
But behind the excitement lies a sobering reality. Maltese workers frequently complain about low pay, delayed wages, and harsh working conditions in construction. While opportunities exist, the numbers being flaunted—€350 or €700 a day—are far above typical earnings, which average closer to €80 per day.
A Scam in the Making?
As the video spread, some users speculated that the setup was a scam. They argued that the man giving the testimony was not genuinely working in Malta but was part of a ploy to lure desperate Nigerians. The woman who appeared in the video, presented as a passerby, was identified by some as a “tour operator” or fixer, pretending to be uninvolved.
The alleged trick is simple: create hype about high-paying jobs in Malta, encourage migrants to contact the so-called helper, and charge them hefty travel or job placement fees. Once in Malta, newcomers would likely face the harsh reality of low wages, precarious work, and exploitative contracts.
The Bigger Picture
This episode reveals how quickly misinformation spreads online when tied to migration dreams. It also highlights the vulnerability of many Nigerians, frustrated by stagnant wages and lack of opportunities at home, who see Europe—Malta, Italy, or elsewhere—as a land of instant prosperity.
But the reality is more complicated. Malta’s construction industry employs many foreign workers, including Nigerians, but wages remain modest, and the cost of living—especially rent—is high. Promises of easy money often mask the risks of exploitation, debt, and disappointment.
By midday, thousands had already engaged with the viral claim, some mocking, others hopeful. Yet the story stands as a cautionary tale: not everything trending on X is what it seems, and Europe’s dream can easily become a costly trap.