I need HR advice from people who understand Nigerian workplace dynamics. I am the founder of a 15-person logistics company in Port Harcourt. Last Thursday, I returned to the office at 9 p.m. because I forgot my house keys on my desk. I unlocked the door and walked in on two of my employees — a married male supervisor and a single female intern — in a compromising position in the break room. They were not just kissing. They were fully engaged. On my microwave. The same microwave we all use to warm lunch. I closed the door and left without a word. I have not spoken to either of them since. They do not know I saw them. The supervisor is one of my best workers — five years with the company, handles our biggest client. The intern is a brilliant young woman from a family I respect. If this gets out, it destroys both their reputations and possibly my company culture. My options: Fire them both for gross misconduct and sexual harassment (she is an intern, he is her superior — power dynamics matter). Fire only him because he is married and in a position of authority. Confront them privately and give a warning. Or completely ignore it because it was after hours and not on company time. But here is the complication. In Nigeria, firing someone is not just HR — it is spiritual. Their families will come to my office. Their village people will call me. I will be labeled wicked. The married man's wife might find out and blame me for destroying her home. The intern's parents might say I am tarnishing her name. Yet if I ignore it, I am sending a message that my office is a hotel. What would you do as a boss? And employees, have you ever crossed this line? Is the workplace ever an acceptable hunting ground for romance? Let's debate with maturity.
