The central business district in Lagos is the epicenter of one of Africa’s most booming economies––and a major focal point in the industry, generating about 10% of Nigeria’s GDP. It’s no wonder then that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic at the start of 2020 were particularly devastating.
It is estimated that 256 million individuals––more than a quarter of a billion people!––living in four countries (Uganda, Malawi, Ethiopia and Nigeria) have lost income as a direct result of the coronavirus scourge. And while Nigeria has managed to escape the worst of the pandemic in terms of health, the same cannot be said for the local economy.
Businesses in Nigeria are still struggling, but many have also rebounded. And when you are dealing with a country with a population of over 200 million (plenty of whom are looking for work at any given time), as a job seeker, you need to know how to stand out. This is why it is important that you know about the most in-demand jobs in Nigeria in 2024.
The best way to set yourself apart from the rest is by getting an idea of the most in-demand jobs in Nigeria right now. But before you dive into a job search, consider this: what skills are in high demand in Nigeria? Once you have a solid understanding of which industry skills are on the rise, you will be much better prepared come interview time.
Check out our lists of the most in-demand skills and the most in-demand jobs in Nigeria in 2024.
What Job Skills Are In High Demand in Nigeria?
TOP 10: THE MOST IN-DEMAND SKILLS IN NIGERIA IN 2024
1. Sales
Unlike other industries, supply and demand increased during the pandemic in Africa. Knowing how to harness the power to communicate effectively from business to business is a vital skill set. While often compared to language skills, dedicated sales abilities are invaluable when working across African and foreign markets. These types of jobs are extremely popular in Nigeria and will continue to be highly sought-after well into the decade.
Industries: Retail, Wholesale, Hospitality, e-Commerce
Job titles: Business Manager, Sales Director, Supply Chain Specialist
2. Engineering
Engineering skills are highly sought after in Nigeria across all types of industries––but especially within the infrastructure and environmental sectors, owing to the country’s abundant natural resources. One of the most important skills engineers can have is solid problem-solving solutions and great handling of maintaining cool while fielding daily, sometimes hourly, obstacles.
Industries: Architecture, Government, City Planning,
Job titles: Petroleum Engineer, Civil Engineering Technologist, Draftsperson
3. Languages
Over the past 20 years, many companies in Nigeria, specifically smaller companies, have recognised the value of employing skilled translators and linguistic experts to broaden their communication platforms beyond the African market. Foreign investors are interested in African resources and business, so language skills are highly important and in demand.
Industries: Legal, Marketing, Accounting, Education, Publishing
Job titles: Interpreter, Communications Specialist, Translators
4. Creative Design
As many people continue to practise social distancing and remote work, there are fewer eyes in the street to notice out-of-house advertising signage (billboards, bus ads, experiential marketing). As such, many Nigerian creative agencies, especially in larger cities like Lagos, are discovering the benefits of tailoring advertising work to more digital and direct mail channels in the hopes of reaching all the online shoppers at home. And they need creative designers and art directors with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator skills to fill those quotas.
Industries: Advertising, Publishing, Education
Job titles: Art Director, Graphic Designer, Production Artist, Copywriter
5. Banking/High Finance
Nigeria’s central business hub in Lagos features some of the world’s largest financial firms. And despite the damage to key global business markets throughout Africa and the world in 2020, the recovery is beginning to gradually shift. As a result, candidates with financial skills are expected to be in high demand in 2021.
Industries: Finance, Compliance & Legal, Accounting, Business Planning
Job titles: Financial Analyst, Account Broker, Investment Advisor, Chartered Accountant
6. Business Management
Communication, organization and adaptability. These are the sub-skills required for any suitable management position in Nigeria. Despite 2020’s pandemic, business in Lagos is currently booming and companies are looking to hire talented people with an eye for detail to oversee their accounts. And with the world opening up more in 2021, there are even greater opportunities for business leaders––opportunities that will likely remain in high demand for the foreseeable future.
Industries: Government, Marketing, Retail/Wholesale
Job titles: Project Manager, Risk Manager, Procurement Director
7. Medicine/Nursing
At the height of the global pandemic of 2020, we were reminded of the importance of nurses and medical professionals to our lives (and our economies) –– but especially throughout Africa. While the planet is still reeling from the effects of COVID-19, healthcare in Nigeria has taken a hard hit, one from which it will only recover with the right nursing professionals on hand. Post-COVID treatment for those still living with the disease will surely account for thousands of man-hours well into the next decade.
Industries: Private/Public Healthcare, Tourism, Education
Job titles: Intensive Care Nurse, Midwife, Nurse Practitioner, Hospital Administrator
8. Marketing
A valuable skill set that is always in demand, businesses in Nigeria are looking for candidates with marketing abilities to analyse demographics and promote products, services and ideas to audiences. As pandemic restrictions are lessening throughout the world, with major progress expected by the end of 2021, there is likely to be an increase in growth for well-paying marketing jobs––especially in big cities like Lagos, kano and Ibadan.
Industries: Technology, Retail/Wholesale, Hospitality, Tourism
Job titles: SEO Specialist, Digital Marketing Manager, Marketing Editor
9. Customer Service
When individual economies experience hard times, you can often expect rebounds to occur in the form of localised unification and in-spending; when the world economy falls on hard times, the natural rebound occurs in the areas of travel, retail, tourism and hospitality––all of which require dedicated customer service candidates at all levels.
Industries: Retail, Hospitality, Wholesale, Tourism
Job titles: Human Resources Manager, Travel Agent, Company Secretary
10. Software Development
Whereas computer skills can be described as highly transferable, specialised software skills are used by those who know their way around computer programs––a big distinction. Software development skills are a growing commodity in Nigeria, and there has never been a better time to showcase those talents than to employers in 2021.
Industries: Technology, Finance, Education
Job titles: Software Engineer, Systems Analyst, Full Stack Developer
What Are The Most In-Demand Jobs in Nigeria?
TOP 20: THE MOST IN-DEMAND JOBS IN NIGERIA IN 2024
1. Aeronautical Engineer
Top companies hiring: Nigerian Airforce, Flying Doctors, Lextorah LDS
Salary range: NGN 2,000,000 – 3,000,000
Career prospects: Nigeria’s booming and ever-expanding aviation industry is the reason for the high demand for talented aeronautical engineers. The skills required are extensive, and specialised education is a must––but some courses can be taken to start candidates off in the right direction.
👉 Browse Aeronautical Engineer Jobs in Nigeria on GrabJobs
2. Banking Associate
Top companies hiring: Zenith Bank, Enadama Group, First Bank of Nigeria
Salary range: NGN 1,000,000 – 4,000,000
Career prospects: Some of the most in-demand and accessible opportunities in Nigeria, banking jobs are ideal roles for recent graduates looking to start their climb up the corporate ladder––even entry-level banking associates can earn very high salaries.
👉 Browse Banking Associate Jobs in Nigeria on GrabJobs
3. Customer Support Specialist
Top companies hiring: NextPayDay, Pegasus Hub, Negio Enterprises
Salary range: NGN 500,000 – 800,000
Career prospects: Resolving customer issues and complaints takes a strong amount of analytical and communication skills––not to mention being a dedicated people person. Customer support may not be for everyone, but the work is rewarding and Nigeria has countless roles waiting to be filled in 2021.
banking associates can earn very high salaries.
👉 Browse Customer Support Specialist Jobs in Nigeria on GrabJobs
4. Petroleum Engineer
Top companies hiring: Accrete Petroleum, Lextorah LDS, Lambert Holding
Salary range: NGN 15,000,000 – 25,000,000
Career prospects: There are many different types of engineering work available throughout Nigeria, but one of the most in-demand opportunities is in petroleum. Because of Africa’s rich natural resources, petroleum engineers, who are responsible for researching and developing methods of fuel extraction, can command high salaries.
banking associates can earn very high salaries.
👉 Browse Petroleum Engineer Jobs in Nigeria on GrabJobs
5. Solicitor
Top companies hiring: Fosad Consulting, Aimart Realty, ThinkAxis Nigeria
Salary range: NGN 2,000,000 – 3,000,000
Career prospects: Law graduates typically have many opportunities available to them right out of university. This is likely because of the versatility that comes with being a solicitor––you can pursue a law career in politics, government, criminology even private sector work. And, as you can imagine, solicitor jobs are some of the best paid in the country.
banking associates can earn very high salaries.
👉 Browse Solicitor Jobs in Nigeria on GrabJobs
6. Software Engineer
Top companies hiring: Fairmoney, Smartflow Technologies, Pangaea
Salary range: NGN 1,500,000 – 2,000,000
Career prospects: Universal demand for software engineers and architects has grown consistently since the early 21st century. And that growth is also prevalent today in Nigeria. Software engineer jobs typically feature flexible schedules and large opportunities for advancement.
👉 Browse Software Engineer Jobs in Nigeria on GrabJobs
7. Front End Web Developer
Top companies hiring: New Horizons Nigeria, Venture Garden Group, Edge Recruiter Nigeria
Salary range: NGN 1,000,000 – 1,200,000
Career prospects: The demand for web developer jobs in Nigeria has been steadily climbing over the past few years, and that trend remains popular in 2021. Tech-savvy candidates with strong software and computer skills are consistently valued and will likely continue to be a popular and sought-after position into the decade.
👉 Browse Front End Web Developer Jobs in Nigeria on GrabJobs
8. Translator
Top companies hiring: Skooleeo Technology, DY+ Language Solutions, Covoco
Salary range: NGN 1,000,000 – 1,500,000
Career prospects: A very important job in just about any industry where international business connections are established and nurtured, or for candidates looking to enter government-based work, translator roles remain very much in high demand throughout Nigeria.
👉 Browse Translator Jobs in Nigeria on GrabJobs
9. Plastic Surgeon
Top companies hiring: Cynosure Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Alex Ekwueme University Teaching Hospital
Salary range: NGN 5,000,000 – 8,000,000
Career prospects: There has been a boom in surgeon jobs throughout Nigeria in the last few years, and although these popular roles are extremely well paid––especially surgeon jobs in the private sector––they do require extensive training within areas of specialisation and years of experience. But for those medically minded candidates, it’s a great career.
👉 Browse Plastic Surgeon Jobs in Nigeria on GrabJobs
10. Digital Marketing Manager
Top companies hiring: BBOXX, SC Johnson, Equinox
Salary range: NGN 5,000,000 – 10,000,000
Career prospects: The ability to lead a solid team of forward-thinking business and creative coordinators using results-driven marketing skills to increase sales is the hallmark of a good marketing manager. Looking to grow? Even entry-level marketing jobs in major cities like Lagos can command hefty salaries with considerable room for advancement.
👉 Browse Digital Marketing Manager Jobs in Nigeria on GrabJobs
11. SEO Specialist
Top companies hiring: FunkTrunk, Digital Marketing Skill Institute, MacTay Consulting
Salary range: NGN 1,000,000 – 2,000,000
Career prospects: Many of the world’s largest advertising companies witnessed extensive growth last year, despite the poor global economy. Resultingly, a surge in performance marketing jobs has become available in Nigeria, specifically roles in SEO and content marketing––both of which are instrumental in the creation of new digital jobs.
👉 Browse SEO Specialist Jobs in Nigeria on GrabJobs
12. College Lecturer
Top companies hiring: Skooleeo Technology, University of Ibadan, Edo
Salary range: NGN 1,000,000 – 1,500,000
Career prospects: The versatility of pursuing a career in specialised lecturing at the college level is that you can create your own flexible schedule––work remotely as often as you want, when you want. And if you are hired at a national, government-run college or educational institution, you can also look forward to having a lighter workload during the summer months.
👉 Browse College Lecturer Jobs in Nigeria on GrabJobs
13. Pharmaceutical Technician
Top companies hiring: Marie Stopes Nigeria, Wellness Healthcare Ltd., Consulate General Lagos
Salary range: NGN 350,000 – 800,000
Career prospects: A versatile career opportunity in an equally important industry, pharmaceutical technicians are in high demand in Nigeria––likely due to the increased strain on healthcare worldwide. Candidates can choose to work in government, education or private healthcare, and earn great money.
👉 Browse Pharmaceutical Technician Jobs in Nigeria on GrabJobs
14. Business Manager
Top companies hiring: ApplyBoard, PNGME, Co-Creation Hub
Salary range: NGN 2,000,000 – 3,000,000
Career prospects: The ability to drive sales and effectively communicate with clients is what makes business developers and managers such a popular, sought-after position in Nigeria. So much of the country’s economy is rooted in selling products or services that these roles will likely remain in demand for decades.
👉 Browse Business Manager Jobs in Nigeria on GrabJobs
15. Stage Performer
Top companies hiring: PrepClass, Number 9 Films, Golden Effects Pictures
Salary range: NGN 100,000 – 1,000,000 (depending on type of role)
Career prospects: Mass media performance jobs in Nigeria are extremely popular and rewarding. While the industry is relatively cutthroat, those who have the right skills necessary––whether that involves singing, dancing or background acting––can expect to earn considerable amounts, if hired.
👉 Browse Stage Performer Jobs in Nigeria on GrabJobs
16. Healthcare Assistant
Top companies hiring: Wellness Healthcare Ltd., ANADACH Group, Consulate General Lagos
Salary range: NGN 150,000 – 180,000
Career prospects: Becoming a medical professional is a strong vocation that requires extensive schooling and practice. And while the work is rewarding, it can present its unique challenges––like a global pandemic. Many hospitals in Nigeria were short-staffed during 2020, and these factors have encouraged privately run facilities to re-examine hiring policies.
👉 Browse Healthcare Assistant Jobs in Nigeria on GrabJobs
17. Financial Accountant
Top companies hiring: Certa Support, Evans Industries, Union Capital Markets
Salary range: NGN 2,000,000 – 3,000,000
Career prospects: Still reeling from critical market shifts and economic downturns since 2020’s massive recession, financial companies in Nigeria are witnessing a turnaround in business growth. And as a result, financial accountant jobs are in demand. Candidates with number-crunching skills who can fill in the gaps for their existing clients should take note.
👉 Browse Financial Accountant Jobs in Nigeria on GrabJobs
18. Data Analyst
Top companies hiring: ENGIE Energy Access, Proten International, Reliance Health
Salary range: NGN 1,000,000 – 1,400,000
Career prospects: Combining high-level encryption and computer science skills, not to mention extensive math skills, data analysts in Nigeria earn great money for uncovering answers to questions that help major organisations deliver objective decisions to their base.
👉 Browse Data Analyst Jobs in Nigeria on GrabJobs
19. Content Creator
Top companies hiring: The Lekki Gift Company, WorQulture, TalentSquare
Salary range: NGN 700,000 – 1,000,000
Career prospects: With more people stuck at home in 2020, content creators took to social media in unprecedented numbers to try to engage with users. Content creators are typically performers, editors and writers who have extensive SEO experience and just happen to be very sought after based on a particular point of interest. Whether you are creating shoppable videos on TikTok and YouTube, posting valuable live streams on Instagram, or hosting your own podcast, if you can attract an audience and encourage them to engage with you, you can make good money.
👉 Browse Content Creator Jobs in Nigeria on GrabJobs
20. Human Resources Manager
Top companies hiring: Jumia, Denna Rossi Ltd., Four Quarters Consultants
Salary range: NGN 1,200,000 – 2,00,000
Career prospects: Human Resources Managers learn a lot of skills, and fast. They contribute to a company’s entire administrative structure, including recruiting, interviewing, hiring, training, and management. Because these highly skilled roles are so in-demand in Nigeria, they are also typically well-paid.
👉 Browse Human Resources Manager Jobs in Nigeria on GrabJobs
Closing thoughts on The Most In-Demand Jobs in Nigeria in 2024
There you have it! The most in-demand jobs in Nigeria in 2024. In an ever-changing global market, with the ongoing threats of climate change, global warming, new pandemics and other unpredictable elements, the demand for jobs can fluctuate. Some jobs––good, well-paying, life-changing jobs––can even be rendered obsolete in 5 – 10 years thanks to innovative new technologies. In short, there are a number of factors that can change the way you work. However, as the above article highlights, there is almost always a silver lining to such setbacks, provided you maintain a versatile skillset and consistently work on education and training to help yourself grow. Every year, the list of in-demand jobs changes. Be ready, and you’re sure to succeed.
