Atom Africa in Nigeria

UK-owned operation in Nigeria.
Employment services, work permit services, and sponsorships.

Local staff, local knowledge

UK-owned operation in Nigeria providing employment and work permit services

Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, presents a vast market with immense opportunities for businesses worldwide. However, navigating the complex Nigerian employment landscape can be a daunting challenge.

By partnering with Atom’s locally-owned office, you can focus on your core business while we handle all employment-related matters, from payroll and tax to compliance and benefits.

  • UK-owned Nigerian company

  • Work permit services, visas services, and sponsorships

  • Local office in-country

  • Employer of Record (EOR)
    We become the legal employer, handling all local legal and regulatory requirements for your team members.

  • Reduced Time & Cost
    Skip the hassle and expense of setting up a legal entity in each new location.

  • Seamless Payroll & Taxes
    We manage payroll processing, tax withholdings, and on-time payments for your employees.

  • 20 years’ experience running payroll
    Access to an experienced in-house, fast turnaround times team, and a single point of contact

  • Fully compliant employment solution
    Navigating local labor laws and regulations, ensuring compliance throughout the employment lifecycle.

Nigeria Office

Atom Lagos
10 Chilaka Close
Adelabu Street
Surulere
Lagos
Nigeria

Atom Africa Team

Meet the Atom Africa team here.

Services

Employer of Record (EOR) service

To streamline your operations and ensure compliance, consider partnering with Atom as your Employer of Record (EOR).

  • Drafting and maintaining compliant employment contracts
  • Visa sponsorship available
  • Payroll and tax administration
  • Timely employee payments
  • Benefits administration
  • Compliant terminations and offboarding
  • Ongoing legal and regulatory guidance
  • All necessary insurance

Lagos, Nigeria

Nigeria: Fact Sheet

  • Capital
    Abuja

  • Official Language
    English
  • National Languages
    Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba

  • Currency
    Naira (₦) (NGN)

  • Population size
    230,842,743

  • VAT
    7.5% standard rate

  • Dialling code
    +234
  • Time Zone
    UTC+01:00 (WAT)
  • Tax authority
    The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)
  • Tax year
    1 January to 31 December

  • Interesting fact
    Nigeria is the most populace country in Africa by far. Ethiopia is in 2nd at about 100 million less!

  • Interesting fact
    Nollywood, aka the Nigerian film inustry, is said to be second-largest film industry in the world in terms of film output. Behind Bollywood and ahead of Hollywood...

Nigeria Employer's Guide

Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, boasts a burgeoning economy driven by its oil and gas industry, agriculture, and growing technology sector. With a large, youthful population and a growing middle class, Nigeria presents significant opportunities for businesses. However, navigating the complex business environment, including labour laws and regulations, is crucial for success.

Nigeria's tax system is multifaceted and includes:

Company Income Tax (CIT) 30% rate applies to large companies, a reduced 20% rate applies to medium-sized companies, and an exemption applies to small companies.

Value-Added Tax (VAT) Standard rate is 7.5%.

Education Tax
A levy of 3%, applied to assessable profit.

Withholding Tax
Imposed on various income types, with rates varying based on the nature of the income.

Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT)
Applied to oil and gas companies.

Nigeria legislated for a doubling of minimum wage to N70,000 in July 2024.

The Nigerian Labour Act provides the foundation for working hours and other employment rights. Employees in Nigeria work eight hours a day, 40 hours a week. The terms of overtime work must be included in the employment contract. There is no government mandate on premium payment for overtime work.

While not mandated by law, many Nigerian employers offer additional benefits to attract and retain talent. Common benefits include:

Housing allowances
To assist with accommodation costs, especially in urban areas.

Transportation allowances
To cover commuting expenses.

Healthcare insurance
Often provided as a group plan for employees

Pension contributions
To supplement retirement savings.

Sick Leave
Employees are entitled to 12 days of paid sick leave per year, requiring a medical certificate.

Rest Hours
Employees must have at least one day off per week and a one-hour break for shifts longer than six hours.

Annual Leave
After one year of continuous service, employees get a minimum of six paid working days of annual leave (excluding public holidays).

Maternity Leave
Female employees get 12 weeks of fully paid maternity leave.

Paternity Leave
Not legally recognised in Nigeria.

Nigeria's large and youthful population presents a vast talent pool. To attract top talent, employers often focus on:

Competitive compensation packages
Offering salaries and benefits that align with market standards.

Career development opportunities
Providing training and advancement paths.

Strong employer branding
Building a positive reputation as an employer of choice.

Flexible work arrangements
To accommodate the needs of a diverse workforce.

Nigerian labor laws regulate the termination of employment. Unfair dismissal is prohibited, and employers must adhere to specific procedures, including notice periods and severance pay. The process can be complex, and consulting with legal experts is advisable

Direct hiring is the primary method of employment in Nigeria. However, utilising recruitment agencies can be beneficial for accessing specialised talent. Additionally, considering the option of employing expatriates might be necessary for certain roles, subject to work permit requirements.

Disclaimer: This information is intended as a general overview and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Employers are advised to consult for specific guidance.

Locations

Our local offices

Our local offices in Africa are ready to help you.

  • South Africa
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Nigeria
  • Ghana
  • Republic of Congo
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo

Offices opening soon

Contact us about how we can help you from these locations in the near future.

  • Angola
  • Gabon
  • Guinea
  • Morocco
  • Uganda
  • Kenya
  • Tanzania
  • Mauritius
  • Madagascar
  • Zambia
  • Botswana

Lagos, Nigeria

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