The Insider's Guide to Hiring in Nigeria

Quick Overview

Can you hire? Yes
Employer cost 1% to 11%
Best model EOR
Continent Africa
Population~220 million
LanguageEnglish
CapitalAbuja
Country code+234
Min wageNGN 70,000 per month
Working hours8 hours per day
WeekdaysMonday through Friday
Work hours per week40 hours per week
CurrencyNigerian Naira (NGN)

Can you hire?

Yes

Via entity or EOR. Entity needed: Yes (or use EOR)

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Employer cost

1% to 11%

On top of gross salary

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Best model

EOR

Recommended for most companies

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Direct Hire

Local Entity

Set up a local entity. Full control, full compliance responsibility.

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Contractor

Freelance

Engage freelance or project-based talent. Lighter compliance, strict scope rules.

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EOR

RemotePass

Hire without an entity. RemotePass handles compliance, payroll, and visa.

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What does a $60,000 hire cost in Nigeria?

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Total annual employer cost

Key Takeaways for Hiring in Nigeria

  • Minimum wage: NGN 70,000/month
  • Standard working hours: 8 hours/day per day / 40 hours/week per week
  • Recommended hiring model: EOR
  • Local currency: Nigerian naira (NGN)

Continent

Africa

Capital

Abuja

Currency

Nigerian Naira (NGN)

Language

English

Pay Date

Last working day of the month

VAT

7.5%

Overview

IndicatorDetails
Population~220 million
LanguageEnglish
CapitalAbuja
CurrencyNigerian naira (NGN)
Country code+234
Min wage70,000 NGN/month
Working hours8 hours per day
WeekdaysMonday to Friday
Work hours per week40 hours per week

Payroll

Average employer cost

1% to 11%

CategoryDetails
13th SalaryNot mandatory; subject to employer discretion
Avg employer tax1% to 11%

Tax Breakdown

Personal Income Tax (PIT)

Nigeria employs a progressive tax system for individual income

CategoryRate / Details
₦0 – ₦300,0007%
₦300,001 – ₦600,00011%
₦600,001 – ₦1,100,00015%
₦1,100,001 – ₦1,600,00019%
₦1,600,001 – ₦3,200,00021%
Above ₦3,200,00024%

Corporate Income Tax (CIT)

CategoryRate / Details
Standard Rate30%
Small Companies0% for gross turnover ≤ ₦25 million
Medium Companies20% for gross turnover between ₦25 million and ₦100 million

VAT

CategoryRate / Details
VAT7.5%

Onboarding Process

Onboarding in Nigeria typically includes the following steps to ensure a smooth transition for new hires:

  1. Employment Contract
  2. Registration with Authorities
  3. Payroll Setup — Ensure accurate calculation and withholding of taxes, pension contributions, and other statutory deductions
  4. Employee Documentation — Collect personal identification, bank account details, and tax information
  5. Workplace Policies — Provide access to company policies, health and safety guidelines, and any applicable collective agreements
  6. Pre-boarding — Pre-boarding Pre-boarding

Employee Leave Policies

Sick Leave

  • Entitlement: Up to 12 working days of paid sick leave per calendar year‍
  • Certification: Must be certified by a registered medical practitioner

Maternity Leave

  • Duration: 3 months (12 weeks)‍
  • Compensation: Employer is required to pay no less than 50% of the employee’s salary during this period

Note: A bill to increase maternity leave from 12 weeks to 24 weeks has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives

Paternity Leave

  • Federal Civil Service: 14 days of paid paternity leave for male employees‍
  • State Governments: Varies; for example, Enugu State offers 3 weeks, while Lagos State offers 2 weeks for the first two children

Annual Leave

  • Statutory Leave: At least 6 working days per year after 12 months of continuous service‍
  • Young Workers (Under 16): At least 12 working days per year

8 Public holidays in Nigeria

Note: Additional holidays may be observed based on regional practices and religious calendars.

MonthDateHoliday
January1stNew Year’s Day
April30thEid al-Fitr
May1stEid al-Fitr Labour Day
June7thEid al-Adha
June8thEid al-Adha
June12thDemocracy Day
October1stIndependence Day
December25thChristmas Day
December26thBoxing Day

Termination Process

RequirementDetails
Permissible GroundsMutual agreement Redundancy Misconduct Performance issues
Notice PeriodEmployee-Initiated: 1 day to 1 month, depending on the length of service Employer-Initiated: 1 day to 1 month, depending on the length of service Severance Pay: Not mandatory; subject to employment agreements
Probation PeriodTypical Duration: 3 to 6 months Extension: Any extension beyond the stipulated period must be formalized in writing and is subject to legal scrutiny
Personal DetailsName, contact information, and role of the employee.
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is intended for general informational and guidance purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or human resources advice. While we strive to keep the information up to date and accurate, laws and regulations in Nigeria are subject to change. We recommend consulting with qualified legal and HR professionals for advice specific to your situation. RemotePass does not accept liability for any errors, omissions, or outcomes related to the use of this information.

Supporting Guides

Contractor Rules

Hiring, engagement, and misclassification rules

Read Guide →

Work Visas

Visa types, sponsorship, and permit process

Read Guide →

Payroll

Pay cycles, salary structure, and employer cost breakdown

Read Guide →

Taxes

Corporate tax, VAT, and personal income tax

Read Guide →

Benefits & Leave

Annual leave, public holidays, and statutory benefits

Read Guide →

Termination & Severance

Severance, notice periods, and the offboarding process

Read Guide →

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