What is the average salary in Nigeria?

There isn't a current, independently verifiable figure. Nigeria's National Bureau of Statistics hasn't published a comparable average-income survey since 2018/19, before the 2023-2024 naira devaluation — so any 'average salary' figure circulating online for Nigeria today should be treated with caution. The minimum wage is the most reliable benchmark currently available.

What is the minimum wage in Nigeria?

₦70,000 a month is the federal floor, set by the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024, effective 1 May 2024. Some states pay more — Lagos State, for example, pays ₦85,000/month to state government workers. Businesses with fewer than 25 employees are exempt.

How much annual leave am I entitled to in Nigeria?

At least 6 working days of paid annual leave after 12 months of continuous service, under the Labour Act (12 days for workers under 16). This is a statutory floor — many employers offer more.

What notice period applies when leaving a job in Nigeria?

The Labour Act sets minimum notice at 1 day (under 3 months' service), 1 week (3 months to 2 years), 2 weeks (2-5 years), and 1 month (5+ years' service). Notice of a week or more must be given in writing.

Is there a standard probation period in Nigeria?

The Labour Act doesn't set one — probation length is a matter of individual contract. In practice, 3-6 months is common, sometimes extending to 12 months for senior or specialised roles.

How often are employees paid in Nigeria?

The Labour Act requires wages to be paid at intervals of no more than one month, which is why monthly payroll is the standard in Nigeria.

🇳🇬 NigeriaTax Year 2026

Nigeria Salary & Employment Guide

Beyond running a PAYE calculation under the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, it helps to know what the law guarantees around leave and notice, what the minimum wage actually is, and what salaries need to stretch to cover in a city like Lagos. This guide draws on the National Minimum Wage Act, the Labour Act, and NBS/Numbeo cost-of-living data.

Updated 2026-07-21Calculate Nigeria Pay

Key Income Statistics

Average Salary

Nigeria's National Bureau of Statistics has not published a current, independently verifiable average income figure — the most recent comparable NBS survey (2018/19) predates the 2023-2024 naira devaluation and is too outdated to use. The minimum wage below is the most reliable anchor point currently available.

National Minimum Wage

₦70,000per month (federal floor)

Some states pay above the federal floor — Lagos State, for example, pays ₦85,000/month to state government workers. Establishments with fewer than 25 employees, and part-time, seasonal, or commission-based workers, are exempt.

Source: National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024 · Effective 1 May 2024 (National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024)

Highest-Paying Sectors in Nigeria

Oil and gas

Historically Nigeria's highest-paying sector, particularly at multinational operators.

Banking and finance

Senior treasury, investment banking, and risk roles are consistently cited as top earners.

Fintech and technology

A fast-growing, high-wage sector driven by strong demand for tech skills.

Telecommunications

Specialist healthcare

Surgeons and other medical specialists are frequently cited as top earners within the profession.

Tax Architecture

Nigeria's Tax System Explained

Nigeria taxes employment income through PAYE under the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 (effective 1 January 2026), which fully exempts anyone earning the National Minimum Wage or less. Employees also make an 8% mandatory pension contribution, matched by a 10% employer contribution.

Calculate Nigeria Net Pay

Workplace & Payroll Rules

Employment Law Essentials

Under the Labour Act, workers get at least 6 working days of paid annual leave after 12 months' continuous service (12 days for workers under 16). Notice periods scale with tenure: 1 day (under 3 months' service), 1 week (3 months-2 years), 2 weeks (2-5 years), and 1 month (5+ years); notice of a week or more must be in writing. The Labour Act itself sets no statutory probation period — 3-6 months is common market practice by contract, not law.

Source: Nigeria Labour Act (Cap. L1, LFN 2004), Sections 11 & 18

Payroll Cycle & Frequency

The Labour Act requires wages to be paid at intervals not exceeding one month, which is the effective statutory ceiling and the reason monthly payroll is the norm. The Act does not contain an explicit standalone payslip requirement, though itemised pay statements are standard employer practice.

Cost of Living Reality

What Salaries Cover in Nigeria

Crowdsourced cost-of-living data estimates a single person's monthly costs (excluding rent) at roughly $500 in Lagos. One-bedroom apartment rents vary sharply by area, from around ₦120,000/month in mainland neighbourhoods to ₦350,000+ in Ikoyi, Victoria Island, or Lekki Phase 1. Many Lagos landlords also expect 1-2 years of rent paid upfront, a widespread practice that the Lagos State Tenancy Law caps but does not eliminate.

Source: Numbeo — Cost of Living in Lagos (crowdsourced)