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Mechanical Engineer Turned Dispatch Rider Appeals for Help
A Nigerian man who identifies himself as a professional mechanical engineer has appealed for help after describing the financial pressure and emotional distress he faces while working as a dispatch rider.
In a viral video, the man said he turned to dispatch work after struggling to find engineering customers or stable employment despite holding several certificates and acquiring more skills after leaving his previous job about five years ago.
“I’m a professional mechanical engineer… I have my certificates, at least I still have like three certificates. Because after my freedom, I still go and learn outside,” he said.
‘No Customer, No Work’
The man said he did not enter dispatch riding because it was his preferred career path.
According to him, the need to feed himself and his family left him with few immediate options.
“But no customer, no work, and I need to feed myself and family. That’s where I find myself doing dispatch work,” he said.
His account reflects a wider problem faced by many trained Nigerians: professional qualifications do not always translate into customers, formal employment, capital or a sustainable income.
‘Being a Dispatch Rider Is Not Easy’
The rider described dispatch work as physically and emotionally demanding.
He complained about pressure from customers, law-enforcement personnel and road-related regulatory agencies, saying he has struggled to find peace of mind while doing the job.
“Being a dispatch rider is not easy. No dispatch rider can come out to say they enjoy doing the job; circumstance brought some of us into this job,” he said.
His complaint is an expression of his experience. It does not independently establish wrongdoing by any of the agencies or individuals he mentioned.
Dispatch riders often work under difficult conditions, including heavy traffic, road hazards, weather exposure, delivery deadlines, motorcycle maintenance costs and unpredictable daily income.
‘I’m Tired’
The emotional center of the video came when the man repeatedly described exhaustion and distress.
“I’m tired. I’m tired. I have family, I’m feeding,” he said.
He also used the word “depression” to describe how he feels.
That should not be treated as a confirmed clinical diagnosis without a professional assessment. However, it is a clear indication that he feels overwhelmed and may need support.
Economic hardship, unstable work and responsibility for defendants can place serious pressure on a person’s mental well being.
He Wants to Return to Engineering
The man’s request was not limited to financial assistance.
He appealed for an opportunity to return to mechanical engineering and said he would welcome support to relocate abroad, where he believes he may find better professional opportunities.
“If I can see help, anyone that will support me to outside country so that I can be doing my mechanical job,” he said.
He also said he would be willing to repay anyone who helped him.
Relocation may be one possible path, but it requires a verified job offer, lawful immigration status, realistic financial planning and careful screening to avoid scams. Overseas work should not be treated as an automatic solution.
Skills and Survival
Working as a dispatch rider does not mean the man has failed as an engineer.
According to his account, it means he has been unable to earn sustainably from his training and has taken alternative work to support his family.
| Situation | What it means |
| He trained as a mechanical engineer | He has technical knowledge and qualifications |
| He could not find enough work or customers | His skills are underutilized, not necessarily absent |
| He became a dispatch rider | He found an immediate way to earn income |
| He is seeking engineering opportunities | He still wants to return to his trained profession |
The distinction matters. Survival work can demonstrate resilience rather than professional failure.
What Could Help
A sustainable solution may require more than a one-time donation.
Potential forms of support could include:
- A verified engineering job opportunity.
- Technical contracting work.
- Access to professional networks or recruiters.
- Help building a customer base.
- Equipment or capital for a legitimate mechanical-services business.
- Career mentoring and skills-based referrals.
- Mental-health support if his distress continues or worsens.
If he feels unsafe, hopeless or at risk of harming himself, he should seek urgent help from a trusted person, healthcare professional or emergency service.
In Nigeria, the SURPIN Helpline offers 24-hour support for people experiencing depression, anxiety, substance-use problems or suicidal thoughts. It can be reached on 0800 078 7746.
Bottom Line
The engineer says financial hardship and the responsibility of providing for his family pushed him into dispatch riding after he could not find sufficient work in mechanical engineering.
His reference to “depression” should be treated seriously, even though it is not a confirmed diagnosis. His appeal highlights a wider challenge: many skilled Nigerians remain economically underutilized because they lack access to jobs, customers, capital and professional networks.
The most lasting support would be an opportunity that helps him use the engineering skills for which he trained while also receiving appropriate support for the emotional pressure he described.
Source: Gistreel