Nigeria

The national minimum wage in Nigeria is currently 30,000 NGN per month.

Employees are entitled to 12 days of paid sick leave per year following the presentation of a medical certificate after two days of absence. This is paid at full salary by the employer.

If an employee has been employed for 12 months, they are entitled to 6 days of paid annual leave. It is common to give 7 days from the first day of work. Unused leave can be carried over at the discretion of the employer.

Public holidays that fall on the weekend are usually lost unless a day off in lieu has been mandated by the government.

Religious holidays are determined by the lunar cycle and will show as tentative until they are confirmed nearer the date of the holiday.

Date Day Holiday
1 Jan 2024 - Monday - New Year’s Day
1 Apr 2024 - Monday - Easter Monday
7 Apr 2024 - Sunday - Night of Decree
10 Apr 2024 - Wednesday - Festival of Breaking the Fast
24 Apr 2024 - Wednesday - Concord Day
1 May 2024 - Wednesday - Labor Day
17 Jun 2024 - Monday - Feast of the Sacrifice
18 Jun 2024 - Tuesday - Second Day of the Feast of the Sacrifice
8 Jul 2024 - Monday - Islamic New Year’s Day
3 Aug 2024 - Saturday - Nigerien Independence Day
15 Sep 2024 - Sunday - Birth of the Prophet
18 Dec 2024 - Wednesday - Nigerien Republic Day
25 Dec 2024 - Wednesday - Christmas Day

The termination process varies according to how the employment agreement and collective agreement are in place and is based on the type of contract and reason for termination. Employment can be terminated at any time by either the employer or the employee providing notice is given.

Notice Period

In Nigeria, the notice period of an employee is dependent on their seniority, as follows:

One day is required for three months of service or less

One week for three months to 2 years

Two weeks for 2 -5 years

One month for five or more years

Severance Pay

For manual and clerical workers (who are covered by the labor act), redundancy pay is mandatory. The law does not stipulate the amount to be paid as redundancy pay. The law only provides that the employer should use its best endeavors to negotiate redundancy payments. For employees not covered by the labor act, severance pay is usually subject to the provisions of the employment contract or collective agreement.

Probation Period

No probation period is required but it is common to use 3-6 months.

Nigeria’s immigration system provides several options for employers of foreign nationals. Nigeria is a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Its immigration program provides ECOWAS-specific provisions. Requirements, processing times, employment eligibility, and benefits for accompanying family members vary by permit type.

Business visitors from non-ECOWAS member states may use the business visa for stays of up to 90 days. This visa can be extended in Nigeria for another 30 to 90 days at the authorities’ discretion.

ECOWAS nationals are visa-exempt and may enter Nigeria with a valid passport.

Non-ECOWAS nationals require an extension and to pay the corresponding fee for any stay beyond 56 cumulative days in 12 months.

The Temporary Work Permit is suitable for foreign nationals undertaking short-term technical assignments (e.g., after-sales installation, maintenance, repairs of machines, and equipment). It permits a single entry to Nigeria for work for up to 90 days.

The Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) or the Temporary Work Permit (TWP) are suitable for foreign nationals undertaking work depending on their intended length of stay.