Hiring a Nanny or House Help in Nigeria: How I Do It (And Why I Don’t Compromise)

Hiring a nanny or house help in Nigeria is not something I take lightly.

I don’t rush it.

I don’t select from pictures.

And I definitely don’t allow anyone into my home without proper checks.

Over time, I’ve learned that desperation is where many moms make mistakes. When you’re tired, overwhelmed, pregnant, or juggling work and children, you just want help — fast.

But fast decisions can become long-term problems.

So this is exactly how I hire help in my home.

Not theory.

Not internet advice.

My real process.

1. I Don’t Jump From Agency to Agency

I prefer to use a reliable agency and maintain a relationship with them.

In Nigeria, agencies matter. Their reputation matters. Their traceability matters.

I make sure:

• The agency is registered or known

• They can be traced

• They have a physical location or verifiable presence

• They understand that I take background checks seriously

I don’t entertain “someone knows someone” arrangements. That’s not how I operate.

2. I Don’t Choose or judge From Pictures

I don’t really judge so much from the image being sent on WhatsApp.

Pictures don’t tell you work ethic.

Pictures don’t tell you honesty.

Pictures don’t tell you temperament.

Everyone comes for a proper interview.

3. I Interview Thoroughly — And I Set Boundaries Immediately

During the interview, I ask personal and direct questions.

Not rude. Not aggressive. But clear.

I tell them:

• What I do not tolerate.

• Lies are unacceptable.

• There are standards in my home.

• If you are not ready to work, say it now.

• If you are not comfortable with where you will work, do not accept the job.

Working is not by force.

It is better to walk away before starting than to start and create chaos later.

I would rather lose a candidate than ignore red flags.

4. I Discuss With My Husband Before Final Decision

After the interview, I don’t decide alone.

My husband and I sit down.

We discuss.

We evaluate.

We agree.

It protects our home and keeps us aligned.

5. Medical Tests Are Non-Negotiable

No one enters my home without running proper medical tests.

I do not compromise here.

I’d rather spend money on tests than put my family at risk.

Tests matter. Period.

Health checks are non negotiable

— they are responsibility.

6. Red Flags Mean Exit

If I start noticing consistent red flags, I don’t negotiate with them.

I don’t argue.

I don’t debate.

I don’t try to “manage” it.

Peace in my home is priority.

Practical Checklist: What Every Mom Should Do Before Hiring Help

Here are important things you should do before hiring a nanny or house help in Nigeria:

1. Confirm the Agency

• Use a trusted, traceable agency.

• Avoid random referrals without verification.

• Confirm the agency’s history and reputation.

2. Get a Verifiable Guarantor

• Full name

• Address

• Valid phone number

• Confirm the guarantor understands their responsibility

3. Conduct a Proper Interview

• Ask about previous experience.

• Ask how long they plan to stay.

• Ask about future plans.

• Watch for consistency in their story.

• Clearly state your house rules.

4. Run Medical Tests Before They Move In

• General health screening

• Tuberculosis test

• Hepatitis test

• HIV screening

• Any other relevant health checks

Do this before they step into your home.

5. Agree on a Trial Period

• Set expectations.

• Observe behavior.

• Evaluate work ethic and attitude.

6. Discuss With Your Spouse

• Make the decision together.

• Be aligned before confirming employment.

7. Don’t Ignore Red Flags

• Inconsistency

• Dishonesty

• Defensive reactions

• Disrespectful behavior

Your instincts matter.

Final Thoughts

Hiring help is not just about convenience.

It’s about safety.

Structure.

Standards.

Peace.

You are not “too strict” for protecting your home.

You are responsible.

And in Nigeria today, responsibility is not optional.