A fierce debate has erupted across Nigerian social media over the salary structure of Moniepoint, with sharply divided opinions on whether the fintech firm is underpaying staff or setting a new benchmark in the country’s tech industry.
Defenders of the company, including career and education commentator Dipo Awojide, argue that Moniepoint stands among Nigeria’s most competitive private tech employers. He noted that the company, reportedly employing nearly 30,000 Nigerians, pays above the 75th percentile of the market. According to figures he cited, junior developers earn around ₦1 million monthly, while mid-level and senior professionals can earn between ₦3 million and ₦10 million, with stock options offering long-term financial benefits.
Supporters say these figures contradict viral claims portraying the company as exploitative. Instead, they credit Moniepoint with creating meaningful economic opportunities, pointing to cases where employees have achieved significant financial growth, including earnings tied to foreign currencies.
Echoing this stance, Julian Dumebi Duru dismissed the backlash as misleading, maintaining that the company has not only improved livelihoods but also invested in education and STEM initiatives aimed at long-term national development.
However, critics remain unconvinced. They have questioned the transparency of salary structures and taken issue with comments allegedly made by company leadership regarding the availability of skilled talent in Nigeria. While some acknowledge the country’s broader employability challenges, they argue that such remarks risk downplaying the contributions of Nigerian professionals both locally and internationally.
The controversy has been further fueled by conflicting salary figures circulating online, with some claims suggesting significantly lower pay for certain roles. This has led to growing calls for clearer, independently verified data, rather than reliance on unconfirmed reports and screenshots.
Industry observers note that the dispute highlights a broader issue within Nigeria’s tech ecosystem—balancing corporate image, employee expectations, and increasing demands for transparency in fast-growing startups.
For now, Moniepoint remains both a symbol of innovation and opportunity for its supporters, and a focal point for criticism in ongoing conversations about fairness, communication, and accountability in Nigeria’s digital economy.