Average Salary in Nigeria (2025)

Understanding the average salary in Nigeria (2025) is important for job seekers, businesses, and expatriates considering opportunities in Africa’s largest economy. While Nigeria has a growing workforce and diverse industries, the average wage in Nigeria varies significantly depending on region, education, and sector.

In this guide, we’ll break down salary statistics, minimum wage in Nigeria 2025, industry-wise pay trends, and the crucial balance between cost of living vs salary in Nigeria.

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Average Salary in Nigeria: An Overview

In 2025, the average salary in Nigeria is around ₦4.8 million per year (approximately ₦400,000 per month, equal to about $500/month).

• Median Salary: ₦300,000/month (~$375)
• Top 10% Earners: ₦1,200,000+/month (~$1,500+)
• Entry-Level Workers: ₦80,000–₦150,000/month (~$100–$190)

While these numbers may appear low compared to developed nations, Nigeria has a lower cost of living in many regions, though urban areas like Lagos and Abuja are significantly more expensive.

🔗 Looking beyond Nigeria? Read about the Average Salary in Indonesia (2025).

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Industry-Wise Salary Breakdown in Nigeria (2025)

• Oil & Gas – ₦600,000 to ₦1,500,000/month
• Banking & Finance – ₦300,000 to ₦800,000/month
• Technology & IT – ₦250,000 to ₦700,000/month
• Healthcare – ₦200,000 to ₦600,000/month
• Education – ₦100,000 to ₦250,000/month
• Retail & Hospitality – ₦50,000 to ₦150,000/month

The oil and gas sector remains the highest paying, while retail and hospitality jobs still offer some of the lowest salaries.

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Minimum Wage in Nigeria (2025)

The minimum wage in Nigeria 2025 is ₦30,000 per month (around $37/month). However, many employers, especially in informal sectors, pay less.

• Public sector workers often receive ₦30,000–₦50,000/month.
• Private companies in urban centers may offer ₦60,000–₦100,000/month as entry-level pay.

This wage gap highlights challenges in ensuring fair compensation across different industries and regions.

🔗 Looking beyond Nigeria? Read about the Average Salary in Brazil (2025).

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Cost of Living vs Salary in Nigeria

The cost of living in Nigeria varies dramatically:

• Lagos & Abuja – High rent, transportation, and food costs make ₦300,000/month barely sufficient.
• Smaller cities (Kano, Ibadan, Port Harcourt) – Living costs are lower, making the same salary stretch further.

👉 Example: ₦500,000/month in Lagos feels like ₦250,000 in smaller towns due to rent and fuel expenses.

For expatriates earning international salaries, Nigeria can be affordable, but for locals, wages often lag behind rising inflation.

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Salary Trends in Nigeria (2025)

• Growing Sectors: Tech startups, fintech, e-commerce, and agriculture show steady wage growth.
• Stagnant Sectors: Retail, education, and public administration salaries remain low despite inflation.
• High-Demand Skills: Software engineering, healthcare, and oil & gas expertise continue to attract premium pay.

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How Nigeria Salaries Compare Globally

Compared to the average salary worldwide (2025), Nigeria ranks lower in absolute earnings but has a competitive edge in labor affordability for multinational businesses.

• USA Average Salary: ~$63,000/year
• UK Average Salary: ~$52,000/year
• Nigeria Average Salary: ~$6,000/year

This gap explains why Nigeria is both attractive for foreign employers and challenging for locals struggling with rising costs.

👉 For a full comparison, visit our Average Salary Worldwide (2025) guide.

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Conclusion

In summary, the average salary in Nigeria (2025) stands at around ₦4.8 million/year (₦400,000/month), with significant differences across industries and regions. While oil and gas professionals enjoy high wages, most workers earn modest salaries that struggle against inflation and high living expenses in urban areas.

Understanding the average wage in Nigeria, minimum wage policies, and cost of living vs salary is essential for both Nigerian professionals and foreign investors.

👉 For a full comparison, visit our Average Salary Worldwide (2025) guide.