Our quick reference guides have vital information on pay, benefits, tax and visas - everything you need to work and live in Nigeria:
The minimum wage in Nigeria is 7,500 NGN a month (€40.80).
Everyone who resides in the country for 183 days in any 12-month period is required to pay personal income tax. The amount of income from sources inside and outside Nigeria is taxable.
Salaries, wages, fees, allowances and other gains from employment, including gratuities, compensation, bonuses, premiums and benefits are taxable. The tax rate varies from 5 to 25%.
Employers act as agents of the tax authority by deducting taxes from employees' salaries.
Employers must apply for a temporary work permit visa whenever they want to hire a foreigner. Applications are made directly to the Controller-General of Immigration, located in Abuja or at the nearest Embassy or High Commission.
To start the process, the employer must prove that the assignment falls into one of the following categories: installation work, feasibility studies, repairs of machinery or equipment, auditing of accounts or research work.
A temporary work visa is given for a period not exceeding three months and may be extended if agreed to by the Controller-General of Immigration.
Abuja, the capital, is a beautiful city. Purpose-built, from scratch, it has an excellent road network, beautiful landscaping and modern architecture. It is one of the safest cities in Africa.
The largest city, Lagos, is the party city with a wide range of restaurants and people that love to have fun and share a laugh. It is more chaotic than Abuja.
Working in Nigeria can be very positive experience as Nigerian organisations tend to be warm and welcoming. The standard of driving and having to barter for everything takes a little longer to get used to.
You should purchase health insurance before travelling to Nigeria as the best care is from private clinics. Medical facilities are basic and limited outside major centres. Healthcare costs must be paid in cash. Drugs are best purchased from private clinics. When you are under treatment prior to departure, it is advisable to bring medications and prescription drugs (in their original containers) with you.
Vaccination against yellow fever, tuberculosis, cholera, hepatitis A and B, typhoid and tetanus is recommended, as are anti-malarial drugs.
The currency in Nigeria is the Nigerian Nairas (NGN). The exchange rate at the time of writing is:
1 Euro = 185.835 NGN and 1 USD = 117.420 NGN.
Opening a bank account can be difficult for a foreigner. A passport, proof of address (electricity bill), earnings statement, previous banking records and possibly references from your employer may be needed. A minimum deposit will usually be required. ATMs are available in big cities only and credit cards are not widely accepted.
You can check the MasterCard ATM locator page for the location of ATMs in Nigeria. Travellers’ cheques are not accepted either. The import of foreign currency has to be declared on arrival.
Prior to departure, you should check out some online real estate agencies.
The availability, quality and cost of housing will vary greatly throughout Nigeria. To rent privately owned housing, a deposit of at least two years' rent may be requested in advance.
The real estate market is not regulated and accommodation prices are not fixed.
In Abuja, it is best to use the official Green Cabs. Negotiate your fare upon entering the cab.
Driving in Lagos is an art, so it is best to hire a car and driver to get around. Between cities, reliable bus services include ABC Transport with air-conditioned, luxurious buses.
Taking internal flights to travel between cities may be more convenient and safe.
The cost of living is relatively low.
