In British colonial Nigeria during the 1920s, an ambitious African clerk named Mr. Johnson strives to find his place within the colonial system. Employed by a British administrator, Harry Rudbeck, Johnson harbors dreams of identifying as an Englishman despite his Nigerian roots. He is charismatic, fluent in English, and constantly exudes positivity, believing that his efforts to assist the British will lead to personal advancement and a better life. His dedication to his job and his enthusiasm to build a roadway for the empire are unflagging, despite facing numerous challenges, both from the British officials who view him with suspicion and from his own community who see him as an outsider.

As events unfold, Mr. Johnson's overly optimistic nature and desperation to succeed lead him into increasingly problematic situations. His attempts to bridge the cultural divide come under strain as he finds himself caught between the expectations of his British employers and the protests of his Nigerian kin. Despite his good intentions, he engages in actions that put him at odds with both worlds, and the consequences of his choices begin to mount. His integrity gets tested as he navigates financial troubles, personal betrayals, and ethical dilemmas, revealing the complex and often harsh realities of colonial life.