The Nigerian Jobseeker’s Guide to Winning Salary Talks

Despite its large economy, Nigeria’s average income is 339,000 Nigerian Naira ($220), and this doesn’t fully represent the most common income levels, which are often lower. Looking for remote work abroad and in other African countries can help Nigerian jobseekers boost their income by reaching out to markets outside of their home country. The challenge […]

Despite its large economy, Nigeria’s average income is 339,000 Nigerian Naira ($220), and this doesn’t fully represent the most common income levels, which are often lower.

Looking for remote work abroad and in other African countries can help Nigerian jobseekers boost their income by reaching out to markets outside of their home country. The challenge is that employers know Nigerian wages are lower than those of other African and non-African countries and will use this to negotiate a lower wage for the same work.

There are approaches Nigerians can follow to negotiate higher wages from employers based in any country to get the salary they deserve.

This article explores income research, selling your value, timing, tact, and how to use VPNs to get the best role with the highest pay.

Research Is Key: Know Your Industry Standards

The first piece of data Nigerian jobseekers need to know is the standards of the industry they want to work in.

The best way to begin is to browse salary data on job sites based on role and region. Use sites like Glassdoor, Jobberman, and LinkedIn for this process. You can also type in these sites and tell a generative AI tool like ChatGPT to use these and other sites to create an average salary for roles.

LinkedIn can serve another function in your search for industry standards. Simply connect with others who do the same job as you or are currently in a role you aspire to fulfil, and ask them what is a realistic wage for where you’re currently at, and what you’d have to do to improve this figure.

It’s also useful to do some independent research on the differences between public and private sector pay structures as they offer different benefits, and pay grades differ based on different values.

Sell Your Value with Confidence

When you have established the industry standard for your chosen industry, it’s time to build your skills to sell your value with confidence to get the salary you deserve.

Frame your skills and achievements appropriately

Highlight specific accomplishments, certifications, and measurable results. Emphasize how your skills solve business problems and align with the company’s goals to justify a higher salary expectation.

Practice clear, confident communication

Speak calmly and professionally. Use assertive—not demanding—language. Focus on facts, not emotions. Confidence shows preparedness, while politeness keeps the conversation collaborative, not confrontational or defensive.

Handle the “What’s your expected salary?” with confidence

Research industry salary ranges. Provide a reasonable range based on your experience and the role. Say you’re open to negotiation depending on the full compensation package and responsibilities.

Timing and Tact: When and How to Negotiate

It’s fine to ask the salary of a role, but it’s important to do so at the best time to present yourself as professional and confident.

The best time to ask about and discuss salary is at the end of an interview, when the interviewer asks if you have any questions.

If the employer suggests a salary that is lower than your expectations, it’s best to keep a poker face and politely suggest that you are really interested in this role, but you wonder if there is any flexibility on changing the salary, if not immediately, then after the first year in your new role. Try to remain positive and use neutral language to show you are open to negotiation and are not just motivated by money.

And if a salary offer is too low, or the requirements aren’t what you expected, it’s okay to politely walk away after thanking the employer for the opportunity.

Using VPNs to Access Global Salary Insights

VPNs (virtual private networks) can be a useful tool in accessing global salary insights.

Many global job boards and salary tools don’t allow users from certain countries to access them. These geo-location restrictions can be bypassed using a VPN, which hides the IP address so a browser and websites don’t know where a user is browsing from.

A free VPN can allow Nigerian job seekers to access any salary calculator and international job listings to get the data they need to demand the best pay for any role.

However, it’s crucial to choose the right free tool to avoid scams and ensure the VPN doesn’t collect data in a way you might not be aware of.

Conclusion: Build a Negotiation Mindset

If you live in a lower-income country like Nigeria, it can be easy to slip into a defeatist mindset. However, the best mental approach is a confident, negotiation mindset to get the salary you desire.

The challenge is constantly following the changing salaries of roles you’re interested in. This step is essential to be realistic with yourself and be confident in interviews, as you will be equipped with the latest data. This approach should help you get the best salary that you deserve in any role you choose to apply for.