International hiring solutions
Hiring in Nigeria
Compliantly hire and pay employees in Nigeria.
No in-country entity needed.
Hiring in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and its largest economy, presents a myriad of opportunities and challenges for global organizations. The unique aspects of Nigeria’s job market make it imperative for businesses to grasp the nuances of local hiring. With a diverse population, a dynamic business environment, and a growing economy, Nigeria is a magnet for both local and international talent.
Common challenges when recruiting in Nigeria
Hiring in Nigeria can be highly rewarding, but it also comes with a unique set of challenges. Here, we’ll address some common hurdles and provide practical solutions for global organizations looking to navigate the Nigerian job market effectively.
Talent scarcity: The demand for skilled professionals often exceeds the supply, especially in specialized fields. Build strong talent pipelines through local universities, offer competitive compensation, and consider upskilling programs.
Regulatory complexities: Nigeria has a complex regulatory landscape, and compliance is essential. Partner with local experts like Breedj, who can provide guidance on legal compliance, work permits, and tax regulations.
Infrastructure challenges: Inconsistent infrastructure, including power and transportation, can affect employee productivity. Establish backup power systems, offer flexible work arrangements, and choose office locations strategically.
Cultural diversity: Nigeria is ethnically and culturally diverse, which can lead to cultural misunderstandings. Invest in cross-cultural training for employees and promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Bureaucracy and corruption: Dealing with bureaucracy and corruption can slow down processes. Implement strong internal controls, work with reputable local partners, and ensure transparency in all business dealings.
Security concerns: Security issues in some regions can affect employee safety. Stay updated on security advisories, provide adequate security measures, and have contingency plans in place.
Breedj offers a comprehensive range of services to assist global organizations in hiring compliantly in Nigeria. They can provide legal and regulatory guidance, assist with work permits, and ensure that your hiring practices align with local laws and customs. With their expertise, you can overcome the complexities of the Nigerian job market and focus on building a strong and successful team.
Navigating the Nigerian job market requires adaptability, local knowledge, and a commitment to compliance. By understanding and addressing these challenges, organizations can harness the immense potential of Nigeria’s workforce while mitigating risks.
Nigeria's workforce profile
Nigeria boasts a diverse and vibrant workforce, but understanding its demographic profile is crucial for international organizations looking to hire in this dynamic market.
Education levels: Nigeria has a large, youthful population with a median age of around 18 years. While the country has made strides in education, there is still a significant gap in access to quality education across regions. International organizations should consider the availability of skilled professionals and invest in training and development programs to bridge skill gaps.
Language skills: Nigeria is linguistically diverse, with hundreds of languages spoken across the country. However, English is the official language and widely used in business and education. Proficiency in English is a valuable asset for both local and expatriate employees.
Specialization: Nigeria’s workforce encompasses a wide range of specializations, from IT and engineering to healthcare and finance. The oil and gas industry has traditionally been a significant employer, but other sectors like technology, agriculture, and telecommunications are growing rapidly. International organizations should align their hiring strategies with the specific needs of their industry.
Urban vs. rural workforce: Nigeria has a substantial urban-rural divide in terms of workforce distribution. Major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are economic hubs with a concentration of skilled professionals. Organizations should consider the geographical location of their operations when recruiting and factor in urbanization trends.
Entrepreneurial spirit: Nigerians are known for their entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability. Many individuals engage in informal economic activities. International organizations can tap into this spirit by fostering innovation and providing opportunities for entrepreneurship within their workforce.
Understanding Nigeria’s workforce profile is critical for international organizations. It informs decisions related to recruitment strategies, language requirements, educational initiatives, and industry-specific skill sets.
To succeed in Nigeria’s competitive job market, businesses should tailor their hiring approaches to leverage the country’s demographic strengths while addressing its challenges. By investing in education and skills development and embracing diversity, organizations can tap into the immense potential of Nigeria’s workforce.
Country fact sheet
Nigerian naira (NGN)
Abuja
206 million (2021)
West Africa
GMT+1
English
Compliance guaranteed
Breedj's local employment expertise in Nigeria
By partnering with Breedj, you can eliminate the need to establish an in-country entity, and thus, saving valuable time and resources while benefiting from our local expertise to guarantee full compliance for your business operations.
Our platform has been designed to seamlessly take care of every aspect of the local employment environment, while you focus on your core operations.
Employment contracts
We handle employment contracts for both global employees and contractors.
Guaranteed compliance
Breedj ensures full compliance with your workers' local labor laws.
Global payroll
Our platform ensures accurate and timely international salary payments.
Legal expertise
Leverage Breedj's extensive expertise to navigate diverse employment laws.
Tax & contributions
Breedj handles tax & mandatory contributions as required by local labor laws.
Multiple currencies
Your workers are paid in their local currency, directly to their bank account.
Public holidays in Nigeria
Understanding the public holidays in Nigeria is crucial for businesses operating in the country. These holidays often influence work schedules, business operations, and employee availability. Here is a list of official public holidays in Nigeria:
- New Year’s Day (January 1st)
- Good Friday (Date Varies)
- Easter Monday (Date Varies)
- Workers’ Day (May 1st)
- Democracy Day (May 29th)
- Eid al-Fitr (Date Varies)
- Eid al-Adha (Date Varies)
- Independence Day (October 1st)
- Christmas Day (December 25th)
- Boxing Day (December 26th)
- Id el Maulud (Date Varies)
- Various State Holidays
Businesses in Nigeria should take these public holidays into account when planning their operations and staffing. Some holidays are movable, following the lunar Islamic calendar, so it’s essential to confirm their specific dates each year. Additionally, companies may choose to offer leave or incentives to employees working on holidays, as it is a common practice to provide holiday bonuses or compensatory time off.
Labor regulations
6 to 12 days
12 days
12 weeks
2 to 3 weeks
3 to 6 months
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Nigeria labor market trends
The labor market in Nigeria is dynamic and influenced by various factors that impact job demand, industry growth, and talent requirements. Here are some key insights into the current labor market trends in Nigeria:
Youthful workforce: Nigeria boasts a large and youthful workforce, with a significant portion of its population under the age of 35. This demographic advantage presents both opportunities and challenges for employers. The youthful population can bring innovation and energy to industries, but it also highlights the importance of job creation to harness this potential.
Technology and IT sector: Nigeria’s IT sector has experienced substantial growth, driven by increasing internet penetration and smartphone usage. This growth has led to a rising demand for tech-savvy professionals, including software developers, data analysts, and IT specialists.
Agriculture and agribusiness: Agriculture remains a vital sector in Nigeria, and there is a growing interest in agribusiness and agtech. This has created opportunities for professionals with expertise in agriculture, food processing, and sustainable farming practices.
Healthcare sector: The healthcare industry has seen increased investment and development in response to the global health challenges. Demand for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and healthcare administrators, continues to grow.
Renewable energy: As Nigeria seeks to diversify its energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, the renewable energy sector is on the rise. Professionals with skills in renewable energy technologies and sustainable practices are in demand.
Remote work: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work in Nigeria. Many companies are embracing flexible work arrangements, leading to a growing demand for remote work tools and professionals who can thrive in virtual work environments.
Entrepreneurship and startups: Nigeria’s entrepreneurial spirit is vibrant, with a thriving startup ecosystem. The demand for professionals in business development, marketing, and innovation is high, as startups continue to disrupt traditional industries.
Infrastructure development: Nigeria’s infrastructure development initiatives, including road construction, housing, and transportation projects, have created opportunities for engineers, architects, and construction professionals.
Skills gap: Despite the large workforce, there is a noticeable skills gap in some sectors. Employers are seeking candidates with up-to-date skills and certifications, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and training.
Regulatory changes: Keeping up with Nigeria’s evolving labor laws and regulations is essential for businesses. Staying compliant with labor laws and understanding tax and immigration requirements is crucial when hiring and managing a workforce in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s labor market is characterized by a youthful population, emerging sectors like technology and agriculture, and a growing demand for skilled professionals. Employers looking to navigate this market successfully should remain adaptable, invest in talent development, and stay informed about industry trends and regulatory changes.
Breedj's platform
54 countries
Africa
Supports multiple currencies
Onboard workers in less than 24 hours
Testimonials
What they say about Breedj
Breedj streamlined our global hiring process, making it easy to find and pay remote talents. Our team loves how the platform handles payments and compliance.
Global expansion simplified
Confidently expand to Nigeria
Breedj stands out as the preferred global employment solutions provider for several reasons, offering organizations a competitive edge with a range of scalable global employment solutions.
Cost effective
Drastically reduce administrative and overhead costs related to managing global employees.
100% compliant
Stay up to date with the ever changing global legislations, policies and local labor laws.
Peace of mind
Get direct access to our global employment experts to mitigate legal risks and penalties.
Fast-track market entry
Bypass the complexities associated with establishing a branch office or in-country.
Help emerging countries
Encourage growth and uplift lesser served regions by giving a job to talented remote professionals.
Support United Nations development goals
Directly support at least four sustainable development goals, simply by using our platform.