Social media users have reacted angrily to a job opening posted online by a Dubai recruitment firm, which excluded Nigerians.
The firm, Shirley Recruitment Consultants, Dubai, had said in the vacancy posted three days ago, that it was looking for merchandisers.
Among the requirements for the full-time job is that applicants should be African.
It, however, says the applicants must not be Nigerian.
On Nairaland, some Nigerians said the recent arrest of an alleged Internet fraudster, Ramon Abbas, aka Hushpuppi, might have contributed to the firm’s decision.
Others said the image of Nigeria was being battered by the various news of corruption and Internet scam emanating from the country.
“Nigerians, inclusive of leaders and citizens, have trampled on the image of the country. If only Nigerians know how Nigeria and Nigerians are perceived abroad, then Nigerians will not be quick to praise Internet fraudsters.
“There is a systematic problem with leadership, followership and our value system. No respect for dignity of labour; thieves and persons of questionable character get chieftaincy titles.
“In religious centres, they are given ‘high table’ during fund raising. We have taken the bull by the horns, it didn’t work; it’s time we think out of the box and look inward in a bid to change the narrative,” candyguyofficia wrote.
Another member of the forum with the alias, dapsoneh, posted a Google search result of different job vacancies in Dubai, which expressly forbade Nigerians from applying.
He called this ‘The Hushpuppi phenomenon’. “The irony is that the bulk of that money was spent to the advantage of Dubai economy with his foolish luxury lifestyle. He kept buying expensive cars while paying tax to the Dubai government, spent a fortune on hotels to impress on the gram, all going to UAE pockets.
“The same stupid govt that’s been a major beneficiary of Hushpuppi’s largesse is painting every Nigerian with legit hustling bad,” he added.