Quick Money” Mindset Hurting Business Growth, Says Hamthel’s Ezeonu

In a country brimming with entrepreneurial ambition and untapped potential, Hamilton Ezeonu, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hamthel Holdings, has raised a red flag over what he considers Nigeria’s most pressing business challenge: the staffing crisis. Speaking at the launch of Hamthel Holdings’ new head office in Lagos, Ezeonu offered a candid assessment of the difficulties entrepreneurs face in recruiting and retaining quality talent, especially among the youth.

Ezeonu, who returned to Nigeria after years of business experience in the United States, did not mince words. “One of the biggest challenges I have gone through is finding the right staff,” he said. “As I speak right now, I still need over 15 to 20 new staff. But finding the right one has been a big challenge because most of our youth today want to make quick money.”

His remarks reflect a growing concern among Nigerian business leaders about the readiness of the country’s workforce to meet the demands of a modern economy. While Nigeria boasts a youthful population—one of the largest in Africa—many employers report that the work ethic, discipline, and long-term commitment needed to build sustainable enterprises are often lacking.

Ezeonu believes the issue goes beyond recruitment. It’s a cultural mindset, he says, that discourages patience, growth, and professional development. “We need to train our young ones to know that there is something like working and growing. Don’t assume they know—educate them. In time, you will surely get what you’re looking for.”

His comments come at a time when Nigeria’s unemployment rate remains high, and many young people are turning to informal sectors, gig work, or digital hustles in search of quick income. While these paths offer flexibility, they often lack the structure and mentorship needed to build lasting careers. For entrepreneurs like Ezeonu, this trend poses a serious threat to business continuity and expansion.

Ezeonu’s own journey into entrepreneurship began with frustration. During one of his visits to Nigeria, he encountered low-quality paints that failed to meet his expectations. That experience led to the creation of Hamthel Luxury Paints, a brand developed in partnership with Dubai-based Ritver Paints. The venture quickly gained traction, and Ezeonu saw an opportunity to expand into construction.

“We decided to go into construction because when you’re building, you have to paint the building,” he explained. “So our first structure is Hamthel Holdings head office. We wanted to show that you can have affordable luxury homes because most people in Nigeria that I’ve dealt with, for some reason, they love to cut corners. And we wanted to show an example of class.”

The head office, located in Lagos, is more than just a corporate space—it’s a statement. It embodies Ezeonu’s vision of combining elegance with affordability, a philosophy that now defines Hamthel Holdings’ broader real estate portfolio. The company has since launched Hamthel Residence and Hamthel Luxury Tower, both designed to offer premium living experiences without the exorbitant price tags typically associated with luxury housing.

Ezeonu’s dissatisfaction with substandard apartments during his visits from the U.S. was a driving force behind the expansion. “They were not meeting up to my standard,” he said. “So I knew I had to create something better—luxury, but affordable.”

But Hamthel Holdings didn’t stop at real estate. The company has ventured into international property investment, offering Nigerians opportunities to invest in Dubai with promises of up to 40% returns in 18 months. The package includes visa support and a 10-year green card for families, making it an attractive proposition for those looking to diversify their assets and gain global mobility.

Ezeonu’s attention to detail and quality extends to every product under the Hamthel brand. After noticing that many towels in the market left white stains on the skin, he launched Hamthel Luxury Towels to provide a superior experience. “We wanted our customers to have an amazing experience,” he said.

Today, Hamthel Holdings operates as a multi-brand conglomerate. Its new head office houses divisions focused on smart doors and locks, paints, short-let apartments, towels, beauty products, and property investment. The company’s integrated approach allows it to control quality across the value chain while offering customers a seamless lifestyle experience.

Despite these achievements, Ezeonu remains deeply concerned about the human capital challenges that threaten to undermine progress. He argues that without a shift in mindset, Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem will struggle to reach its full potential. “We can build the best structures, offer the finest products, and create the most attractive investment packages, but if we don’t have the right people to run them, it all falls apart.”

Industry experts agree. Staffing has long been cited as one of the most significant hurdles for Nigerian entrepreneurs. The difficulty lies not just in hiring but in retaining talent. Even after investing in recruitment and training, many business owners find that promising employees leave to pursue other opportunities, often driven by personal aspirations or the lure of quick financial gains.

This revolving door of talent creates instability, increases operational costs, and slows down innovation. It also discourages entrepreneurs from scaling their businesses, knowing that the human infrastructure may not be strong enough to support growth.

Ezeonu believes the solution lies in education and mentorship. He advocates for programs that instill discipline, patience, and a sense of purpose in young professionals. “We need to build a culture where people understand that success takes time. It’s not just about making money—it’s about creating value, building relationships, and leaving a legacy.”

His call to action resonates with a broader movement among Nigerian business leaders who are pushing for reforms in vocational training, workplace ethics, and youth empowerment. Some have partnered with universities and technical schools to offer internships and apprenticeships, while others are investing in leadership development programs.

The government, too, has a role to play. Policies that support entrepreneurship, incentivize training, and promote job creation are essential. But as Ezeonu points out, policy alone is not enough. “We need a cultural shift. We need to change how we think about work, success, and responsibility.”

Hamthel Holdings is already taking steps in that direction. The company plans to launch a mentorship initiative aimed at grooming young professionals for leadership roles. The program will focus on practical skills, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking—qualities that Ezeonu believes are critical for navigating Nigeria’s complex business environment.

As the company continues to grow, Ezeonu remains committed to his vision of excellence. He sees Hamthel Holdings not just as a business, but as a platform for transformation. “We’re not just building homes or selling products. We’re building people. We’re building a future.”

In a country where challenges often overshadow opportunities, Hamilton Ezeonu’s story is a reminder that vision, resilience, and integrity can still thrive. His critique of Nigeria’s staffing crisis is not just a complaint—it’s a call to action. And if his journey is any indication, it’s a call worth answering.