Working as an expat in Nigeria
Updated on 4 September, 2023
Country introduction
Nigeria, located in West Africa, is a vibrant and populous country known for its diverse culture, economic potential, and rich natural resources. With a population of over 200 million people, Nigeria offers a wide range of opportunities for professionals seeking to work in Africa’s largest economy.
Economic powerhouse
Nigeria boasts a robust economy and is often referred to as the “Giant of Africa.” The country is a major player in sectors such as oil and gas, telecommunications, banking and finance, agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Its strategic location, large consumer market, and abundant natural resources contribute to its economic strength and attract both local and foreign investments.
Thriving sectors
The oil and gas industry remains a significant contributor to Nigeria’s economy, with the country being one of Africa’s top oil producers. However, Nigeria is also diversifying its economic base by investing in sectors such as telecommunications, technology, agriculture, infrastructure, renewable energy, and entertainment. These sectors provide numerous opportunities for professionals with various skill sets.
Cultural diversity
Nigeria is a culturally diverse nation, comprising over 250 ethnic groups, each with its own distinct languages, traditions, and customs. This diversity is reflected in Nigeria’s music, art, cuisine, and festivals. Working in Nigeria allows expatriates to immerse themselves in this rich cultural tapestry, fostering cross-cultural exchanges and experiences.
Evolving business environment
Nigeria’s business environment is evolving and offers both opportunities and challenges. It is essential for professionals to understand the local market dynamics, regulations, and business practices. Building strong relationships and partnerships with local counterparts is crucial for success in Nigeria’s business landscape.
Growing entrepreneurship and innovation
Nigeria has witnessed a rise in entrepreneurship and innovation, with a thriving startup ecosystem. The country is home to numerous tech hubs and entrepreneurial initiatives, attracting talents and investors from around the world. This entrepreneurial spirit creates an environment where professionals can contribute to and benefit from innovative solutions.
Working as an expat in Nigeria
Working as an expatriate in Nigeria can be a rewarding experience for professionals looking to make an impact in a dynamic and fast-growing economy. Expats often find opportunities in sectors such as oil and gas, banking and finance, telecommunications, engineering, information technology, and consulting. Nigeria’s diverse economy and expanding job market offer a range of possibilities for career growth and development.
Challenges and rewards
While working in Nigeria offers exciting prospects, it is essential to navigate challenges such as infrastructure limitations, security concerns in certain regions, and adapting to cultural nuances. With proper preparation and understanding, expatriates can overcome these challenges and enjoy the rewards of a fulfilling professional and personal life in Nigeria.
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What others say about working with us
The quality of candidates presented was exceptional, and it was evident that JobnetAfrica thoroughly understood our requirements and the nuances of our business. One aspect that particularly stood out was the personal touch they brought to their engagement with us. JobnetAfrica took the time to genuinely understand our needs, which translated into a more targeted and effective recruitment process. Their communication was impeccable, keeping us informed and updated at every stage, which greatly facilitated our decision-making process.
De Heus Animal Nutrition Kenya
Both Inez and Inari have got a solid understanding of our requirements, and their commitment and perseverance to matching the right candidates with the right roles is clearly visible. JobnetAfrica diligently helped out in talent sourcing and profile matching efforts, despite constant changes in job requirements at the beginning of searching stage.
They have an excellent pool of candidates, and we subsequently hire a position via them. Looking forward to working with them again in future.
JB Cocoa
One of the benefits was that Inez and Ingrid, who were on this journey with us, totally understood was our company culture and had an interest in it.. So, I was able to explain what type of person I was looking for in this role.
Incentro
I’ve experienced a very pleasant collaboration with JobnetAfrica, where we were able to switch quickly with efficient communication, allowing us to fill our vacancy within a reasonable timeframe. Highly recommended!
Tradin Organic
I think you took quite a bit of time to speak with me and other people in the organization, to understand the business and really get to the bottom of the job descriptions. I mean it’s one thing seeing a job description on paper. It’s another thing to figure out exactly what the role requires and what sort of profiles could be needed.”
Sucafina
I think whenever I evaluate any partner who is working with us, I think there are four things that I majorly focus on as a TA manager. One is the Return on the investment we are doing in terms of finding the right talent at the right time, at the right pricing….. So, the way I think JobnetAfrica is meeting the timelines is appreciable. Then the quality of work was there, and quality is something I really focus on and really matters to me with the kind of talent that we are acquiring. So, I think JobnetAfrica really maintained that quality and really understood what we were looking for.
ARISE IIP
Their network is impressive and the candidate selected was top-notch. They made us feel like we were their top priority, with good communication and support. We got our top performing executive, thanks to JobnetAfrica.
Serengeti Energy
We knew the job search would be a challenge. Inari and Inez guided us through their recruitment process and showed us exactly what was, and what was not available in the market, within our set budget. With expectations being managed throughout the process, we managed to find the most suitable candidate for the job. Based on the success we have had, we would like to recommend JobnetAfrica to any company looking for skilled professionals in Africa.
Middle East & South Africa at Stolt-Nielsen Limited
We first tried to recruit a Program Manager in West Africa ourselves, but not very successful. JobnetAfrica is focused on Africa, is quickly up to speed and has a great understanding of what is needed. Which resulted in the placement of a very strong candidate.
Beyond Beans Foundation
I was really happy with how JobnetAfrica handled the process. Everything was done for me, the negotiations, the meetings, the Zoom invites etc. I had no stress at al! Everything was well organized by the JobnetAfrica team and it was quite a relief for me.
Biyinzika Poultry International Ltd, Uganda
We were looking for a COO in Tanzania and were looking for a local candidate. We were worried that an international search company couldn’t come up with good candidates. JobnetAfrica provided a wide pool of good candidates. I will definitely recommend JobnetAfrica to other companies. Growing companies, like ourselves, in the manufacturing and agricultural sector would benefit from JobnetAfrica’s services.
Natural Extracts Industries Ltd., Tanzania
To be frank, recruiters are sometimes annoying. They want to sell as quickly as possible and you don’t know what you are going to get. Some recruiters just shoot at everybody to find candidates, JobnetAfrica already has a good network. That is a big addition and other benefits are having a good relationship with the team and being able to communicate well.
Portside, Ghana
JobnetAfrica has fast and clear communication. You ask, and they deliver. Within given time frames. The briefings were thorough and immediately we felt understood. This feeling was reinforced when receiving the profiles of the candidates proposed. Really fast they were able to fill two of our outstanding vacancies, in both Johannesburg and Cape Town. We will definitely keep using their services!
Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC
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