Skip to content
EOR Ledger
Last updated 5 min read

Cost to Hire an Employee in Nigeria (2026)

For a NGN 15,000,000 salary in Nigeria, modelled employer costs add about NGN 1,800,000 a year (12.0%) before any EOR fee. Here's what makes up that figure, how it changes with salary, and what else to budget for.

Photo of Mitchel Sosa

By · First published

  • Gross salary.
  • Employer costs of about 12.0% at a NGN 15,000,000 salary: NGN 1,800,000 a year, of which the largest is pension (employer).
  • An EOR fee, if you hire without your own entity. The providers in our Nigeria guide publish starting prices of US$349–599 per employee per month.

Mandatory employer costs at a NGN 15,000,000 salary (mid-level professional). Employee contributions and income tax come out of gross pay and aren't included.

Employer costRate or amountAt NGN 15,000,000
Pension (employer)10% of grossNGN 1,500,000
Employees' Compensation Scheme (NSITF)1% of grossNGN 150,000
Industrial Training Fund contribution1% of grossNGN 150,000
Total employer costs12.0% of salaryNGN 1,800,000

Contribution ceilings mean employer costs can be a smaller share of higher salaries. Figures exclude the EOR fee.

Annual salaryEmployer costsTotal before EOR fee
NGN 6,000,000 (junior / support)NGN 720,000 (12.0%)NGN 6,720,000
NGN 15,000,000 (mid-level professional)NGN 1,800,000 (12.0%)NGN 16,800,000
NGN 30,000,000 (senior professional)NGN 3,600,000 (12.0%)NGN 33,600,000
NGN 50,000,000 (lead / manager)NGN 6,000,000 (12.0%)NGN 56,000,000
  • Employer pension: At least 10% of monthly emoluments (employee 8%)
  • Employees' Compensation (NSITF): 1% of monthly payroll
  • ITF training contribution: 1% of annual payroll
  • Group life insurance: Required: cover of at least 3× annual emoluments
  • Annual leave: At least 6 working days after 12 months (Labour Act 'workers')
  • The employee's 8% pension contribution and income tax (PAYE) are deducted from pay and are not employer costs.
  • Group life insurance is compulsory but priced by the insurer, so it isn't in the totals; ask your EOR what it charges.
  • Up to 50% of the ITF contribution can be reimbursed if the employer's training meets the ITF's reimbursement scheme.

Without your own entity in Nigeria, an Employer of Record can employ your hire for a monthly fee. The alternative is setting up your own Nigerian private company limited by shares (Ltd). See the comparison in our Nigeria guide and EOR vs local entity.

How much does it cost to employ someone in Nigeria?
At a NGN 15,000,000 salary, employer costs add about NGN 1,800,000 a year (12.0%), for a total of about NGN 16,800,000 before any EOR fee.
How much is an EOR in Nigeria?
The providers in our Nigeria guide publish starting prices of US$349–599 per employee per month, on top of salary and employer costs. See the EOR pricing tracker.
Can I hire in Nigeria without a local entity?
Yes, through an Employer of Record, which becomes the legal employer and runs payroll and contributions. See EOR in Nigeria.
  1. 1
    Pension Reform Act 2014

    National Pension Commission (PenCom)

    Ss. 2(2)–(3) (private employers with 15 or more employees), 4(1) (at least 10% employer and 8% employee), 4(5)–(6) (group life insurance of at least three times annual total emoluments) and 120 (monthly emoluments: at least basic salary plus housing and transport allowances).

  2. 2
    Services: Employees' Compensation Scheme payments

    Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF)

    Monthly contribution of 1% of total monthly payroll, remitted by every registered employer under the Employees' Compensation Act 2010.

  3. 3
    8th Revised Training Reimbursement Scheme

    Industrial Training Fund (ITF)

    Under the ITF Act as amended in 2011, employers with five or more employees, or fewer with turnover of ₦50 million or more, contribute 1% of total annual payroll; up to 50% reimbursable.