Job Openings in Nigeria

Immigration Concerns

One of the most important things to consider when contemplating an international move is the immigration process. There are a number of steps required before you can legally work in a foreign country.

You must apply for a Subject To Regulation Visa. To do this, you must have a valid passport for six months or more. Once your visa is granted, you are okay to travel to Nigeria. Once there, you will be granted a visitor pass for three months.

Within three months, you are expected to regularize your stay. This basically means you must become a resident of Nigeria. For more information on becoming an expatriate, or foreign-born resident, of Nigeria, visit Nigeria Business Info or contact the Nigerian embassy in your home country.

Living in Nigeria

Nigeria is the most populous country on the African continent. The country’s official language is English, but tribal languages such as Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo) and Fulani are commonly used.

Nigeria has an abundance of oil, but much of the country lives in poverty. This is due in large part to the political instability the country has suffered since it gained independence from England in 1960. The 2007 election was the first civilian-to-civilian transfer of leadership in the last 40 years. Nigeria spent many years under military rulers who mishandled the country’s finances.

Half of Nigeria’s population is Muslim. Forty percent practice Christianity and the other 10% practice indigenous religions. This is important to know when you’re doing business in the country. You don’t want to offend anyone.

Working Safely in Nigeria

Due to ongoing political instability, your safety while working in Nigeria can be a concern.

Physical Risks

In October, 2007, the U.S. State Department issued a warning for those considering travel to Nigeria. According to the State Department, more than 150 expatriates were kidnapped in 2007. Since late 2006, two kidnapping victims have died.

You should carefully evaluate the risks to your safety before pursuing job openings in Nigeria.

Financial Risks

Nigeria is one of the largest scam capitals of the world. Beware if a company contacts you claiming to want to hire you. You can expend a considerable amount of money preparing to take a job that doesn’t even exist. Legitimate businesses usually don’t work this way unless you have a very specialized skill set. Do your research on the company before committing to travel.

Health Risks

There are 3.6 million Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS. If you plan to work in health care, your risk for exposure will undoubtedly increase. Even if you aren’t planning to work in health care, the possibility that you will come in contact with someone else’s blood is increased because of the high crime rate in Nigeria.

Malaria, Meningitis and Hepatitis A are also prevalent in Nigeria.

Types of Jobs in Nigeria

Reforms to the country’s social policies opened opportunities for a variety of industries to base their operations in Nigeria. They include:

• Oil and gas
• Internet Technology
• Banking and insurance
• Tourism
• Engineering
• Accounting and finance
• Manufacturing
• Services

Banking Jobs in Nigeria

Banking is a fast-growing industry in Nigeria. Many banks are looking to hire experienced employees. The best source for bank openings is the banks themselves. Most of them have a Web site with a career section. Some even offer online applications. Some sites that list Nigeria’s banks include:

• Jidaw Systems Limited
• Naira Land

Finding Job Openings in Nigeria

If you’ve weighed all the pros and cons and you’re ready to find job openings in Nigeria, there are some sites that can assist in your search. These sites list openings, links to companies hiring in Nigeria and helpful information for job seekers.

• Nigeria Galleria
• Careers Nigeria
• Nigeria Jobs Online

Considerations for International Employment

Moving to another country for a job is a huge undertaking. You should be absolutely sure it’s what you want before you commit. The job you are moving for should satisfy your career goals in the long term and you should feel comfortable living in the country you select.