Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar? No. The Chief of Defence Staff is General Christopher Gwabin Musa, while the Minister of Defence is Mohammed Badaru Abubakar. However, it was Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Gwabin Musa who recently defended the dignity of petty trading by reflecting on his humble upbringing, revealing that his mother sold akamu (pap) to support their family and finance their education.
His remarks have resonated across Nigeria, where millions of households rely on small-scale businesses and informal trading for survival amid rising living costs and economic uncertainty.
Speaking during a public engagement, General Musa urged Nigerians to reject the growing culture of looking down on petty traders, stressing that honest labour—regardless of scale—deserves respect and recognition.
Every Honest Job Has Dignity
According to the CDS, his mother’s modest akamu business was not merely a source of income but the foundation upon which their family built a future.
“My mother sold akamu,” Musa recalled, explaining that the proceeds from the business helped raise and educate her children.
He noted that many successful Nigerians have similar stories of humble beginnings and warned against judging people by the size or appearance of their businesses.
The Defence Chief emphasized that integrity, discipline and hard work remain more important than social status or occupation.
Encouraging Entrepreneurship
General Musa said Nigeria’s economic challenges should encourage citizens—especially young people—to embrace entrepreneurship rather than waiting endlessly for white-collar jobs.
He argued that small businesses have historically served as stepping stones for countless entrepreneurs who later built larger enterprises.
According to him, every successful business starts somewhere, and today’s roadside trader could become tomorrow’s industrialist if given opportunities and support.
His comments align with ongoing calls for stronger support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which remain critical contributors to Nigeria’s economy and employment.
Changing Society’s Mindset
Musa lamented that some Nigerians have developed a tendency to measure success solely by expensive lifestyles or prestigious job titles.
He encouraged parents to instill values of honesty and hard work in their children rather than promoting unrealistic expectations of overnight wealth.
He said families should be proud of legitimate means of livelihood, whether farming, tailoring, trading, food vending or other forms of self-employment.
According to him, such occupations have sustained communities for generations and continue to provide millions of Nigerians with income despite difficult economic conditions.
Petty Trading Powers Nigeria’s Informal Economy
Across Nigeria, petty trading remains one of the country’s largest sources of employment.
Street vendors, market women, food sellers, artisans and small shop owners form the backbone of the informal economy, supplying goods and services to millions of consumers daily.
Economists have repeatedly noted that the informal sector contributes significantly to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product while providing livelihoods for people who may not have access to formal employment.
However, many traders continue to face challenges, including limited access to affordable credit, poor infrastructure, multiple taxation, insecurity and fluctuating prices caused by inflation.
A Personal Story That Resonated
General Musa’s account has attracted widespread attention because it reflects the experiences of many Nigerian families.
On social media, many users shared stories of parents who sold food, fruits, vegetables, drinks or household items to sponsor their education.
Others described the Defence Chief’s comments as a timely reminder that success should never erase one’s roots.
Several commentators noted that acknowledging humble beginnings can inspire younger generations to pursue honest work without shame.
Message to Nigerian Youth
The CDS encouraged young Nigerians not to become discouraged by temporary setbacks or economic hardship.
Instead, he advised them to acquire practical skills, remain disciplined and take advantage of legitimate opportunities for self-employment.
He stressed that resilience has always been one of Nigeria’s greatest strengths, adding that countless successful professionals and public officials emerged from modest backgrounds.
According to him, persistence and character often determine long-term success more than privilege.
National Development Begins with Productive Citizens
General Musa also linked economic productivity to national stability, arguing that communities become more secure when citizens have sustainable livelihoods.
He said empowering people through entrepreneurship and productive work can reduce poverty, unemployment and social tensions while strengthening national development.
The Defence Chief urged government institutions, financial organisations and the private sector to continue supporting small businesses through training, access to finance and policies that encourage growth.
Public Reactions
Many Nigerians have welcomed the remarks as refreshing and relatable.
Supporters argue that public officials who openly acknowledge humble beginnings help reduce the stigma surrounding informal occupations.
Others believe the message could encourage greater respect for market women, roadside vendors and other petty traders whose contributions often go unnoticed despite their importance to the economy.
Some analysts also noted that celebrating honest work can inspire young people to embrace entrepreneurship instead of engaging in criminal activities or waiting indefinitely for government jobs.
Looking Ahead
As Nigeria continues to grapple with unemployment, inflation and economic reforms, General Christopher Musa’s remarks have reignited conversations about the value of dignity in labour.
His story serves as a reminder that many accomplished individuals began life in ordinary households sustained by the determination and sacrifices of hardworking parents.
For millions of Nigerians engaged in petty trading, farming, craftsmanship and other small-scale businesses, the Defence Chief’s message offers recognition that honest work—no matter how modest—remains a source of pride and an essential pillar of national development.
Sources: Nigerian Tribune, The Punch, Daily Trust, Channels Television.
