Working in Nigeria
For transparency, AI has been used during the generation of this content, with every care taken to verify its accuracy.
Average Salary
In Nigeria, average monthly salaries across all sectors are relatively modest, with a broad national average of around ₦300,000 - ₦350,000 ($700 - $800). However, sectors such as engineering and energy offer high earnings, particularly in oil and gas, where experienced engineers can earn ₦500,000 - ₦2,500,000 per month ($1,100 - $5,700), depending on seniority and specialism.
Expats and highly skilled technical specialists typically earn significantly more, with monthly salaries commonly ranging from ₦930,000 - ₦3,720,000 per month ($2,000 - $8,000), and senior or niche roles in energy, engineering and management reaching ₦4,650,000 - ₦6,975,000 per month ($10,000 - $15,000).
General information
Currency
Nigerian Naira (₦)
Official language
English
Conversational languages
Nigerian Pidgin (Naija) Hausa Yoruba Igbo
Time zone
West Africa Time (UTC+01:00)
Common types of Employment or Contracting
Employment and contracting arrangements in Nigeria typically fall into the following categories.
Common types of employment
Common types of contracting
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If you have secured an assignment but are unsure of where to start with setting up as a Freelancer or B2B contractor, please feel free to reach out to our International team for assistance.
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Living in Nigeria
Living in Nigeria means experiencing a lively culture and significant ethnic and cultural diversity, with hundreds of ethnic groups contributing to a rich social fabric alongside music, food, and community traditions. Major cities like Lagos and Abuja are economic and cultural hubs with more expensive housing, while smaller cities and towns offer a lower cost of living.
- The average cost of a weekly grocery shop for a small family is roughly ₦40,000 - ₦70,000 ($25 - $45)
- Monthly rent for a 2 – 3-bedroom property is approximately ₦130,000 - ₦460,000 ($85 - $305), with higher ranges in Lagos and Abuja
- Monthly childcare costs roughly ₦35,000 - ₦60,000 ($20 - $40), although private preschool can be closer to ₦200,000 - ₦300,000 per month ($120 - $180)
- A litre of petrol costs roughly ₦950 - ₦1,030 ($0.60 - $0.65), with diesel a similar cost
In Nigeria, vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road. Expats from most countries can drive short-term using a valid foreign licence with an International Driving Permit (IDP) for up to three months, though citizens of some ECOWAS countries may drive using only their domestic licence. Long-term residents must obtain a Nigerian driver’s licence through the Federal Road Safety Corps, which requires proof of residence, passing theory and practical tests, and paying the relevant fees.
Weather in Nigeria
Nigeria has a tropical climate with generally warm to hot temperatures year-round. The country experiences two main seasons: a rainy season from April to October and a dry season from November to March. Summer months can see highs of 30 - 40°C, especially in the north, while winter months are milder, with daytime temperatures averaging 25 - 32°C. Coastal regions remain humid throughout the year, while the northern regions are hotter and drier.
Language and integration support
In Nigeria, English is the official language and the main medium for work, education, and government, while major regional languages like Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo are widely spoken. Expats can integrate through English-language daily interactions, participation in expat networks and social clubs, and guidance from employers or international schools offering cultural orientation. Learning basic local phrases can also help, particularly outside major cities.
For any translation needs - especially those required for work permit or visa applications - our dedicated Languages team is ready to support you. They provide accurate, timely translations and can guide you through the process to ensure all necessary documents meet the required standards.
Our services in Nigeria
Across the globe, we support energy and engineering companies with the international recruitment and global mobilisation solutions they need to extend their capability and grow their businesses.
Find out about our international services
Global mobility
NRL Recruitment simplifies international employee relocation with seamless global mobility services. From visa assistance to cultural onboarding, we ensure your staff transitions smoothly across borders, minimising disruption and maximising productivity.
Payroll solutions
Managing payroll across multiple countries can be complex, but our payroll solutions make it simple. We handle accurate, compliant compensation for your global workforce, ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time, every time.
Global employer of record
With our global employer of record services, you can legally employ staff overseas without establishing local entities. We manage compliance, contracts, and HR administration, giving you the freedom to expand globally with confidence and ease.
International recruitment
Finding the right talent worldwide is effortless with our international recruitment solutions. We connect your business with top-tier professionals, managing the end-to-end hiring process so you can focus on growth and strategic priorities.
