A Nigerian couple has reportedly been placed under pressure to resign from their jobs after getting married, sparking heated conversations online about workplace ethics, employee rights, and corporate interference in private life.
Newsonspot reports that the story surfaced on X (formerly Twitter) via a post by user @phveektordrayne, who shared the experience of a colleague whose marriage suddenly became a workplace “violation.” The post has since gone viral, with many Nigerians expressing disbelief over what they describe as an intrusive and outdated policy.
According to the account, both individuals had worked in the same company for several years. The man reportedly works in the engineering department, while his partner is in administration. They allegedly met at work, kept their relationship private, and dated quietly for years before deciding to formalize their union.
However, what they expected to be a normal engagement with the Human Resources department turned into a shocking development. The colleague claimed the newly married employee was summoned to HR – not for misconduct, poor performance, or any breach of professional conduct – but simply because he got married.
He was reportedly told that the company does not retain married couples as staff and that one of them would have to resign in line with “company policy.”
The situation became even more controversial when HR allegedly hinted at who should leave. According to the post, the company preferred the husband to remain because his role was considered “more critical,” leaving the wife – who reportedly struggled for months after graduation to secure the job – expected to resign.
The colleague added that the man was visibly shaken after the meeting, unable to concentrate and sitting quietly for a long period.
Reactions within the office were reportedly divided. While some coworkers defended the company, describing it as “just policy,” others criticized the rule as unfair, discriminatory, and inappropriate in today’s work environment.
The viral post ended with questions that have continued to fuel debate online, with many Nigerians asking whether any organization should have the power to decide if marriage costs someone their livelihood.
As of the time of reporting, the company involved has not been named, and no official statement has been issued. However, the incident has reignited wider discussions around workplace policies in Nigeria, gender equality, and the limits of corporate control over employees’ personal lives.
