"JUST AN ESTIMATE": THE LIE EVERY NIGERIAN SHOPPER TELLS

"just an estimate"

"Just an estimate o, madam. This shop will take 2 hours."

That’s what the tailor said 3 months ago.

"Just an estimate."

Those 3 words should be banned in Nigeria.

The bus conductor: "Just an estimate, we’ll reach in 30 mins" → 3 hours later we’re still in traffic.
The PHCN man: "Just an estimate, light will come" → My phone dies before light shows face.
My mom: "Just an estimate, add small salt" → I’m now drinking 2 liters of water.

I used to fight estimates. Now I plan my life around them.

Friend: "Just an estimate, I’ll pay you back Friday"
Me: already budgeting like the money is gone

Job interviewer: "Just an estimate, we’ll call you back"
Me: "not holding my breath, but still checking my phone"

Here’s what I learned:
Estimates are not promises. They’re hope wearing casual clothes.

So now when someone says "just an estimate",
I smile and add my own estimate on top.

"2 hours?" → I estimate 2 weeks.
"30 mins?" → I estimate tomorrow.
"I love you?" → I estimate... let me see actions first 😂

Because in this life, the only estimate I trust is:
Just an estimate of how much jollof I can eat before I’m full.

And that one? I’m always wrong 😭

image is AI generated ✨