7 most common jobs In Nigeria
Unemployment is a significant issue in Nigeria, which is one of the primary reasons for the creation of the La-Job portal. Fresh graduates and job seekers in the country often wonder, “What job opportunities are available?”
A 2016 publication by The Guardian highlighted that many individuals accept jobs outside their desired career paths due to a lack of suitable employment options.
Here is a list of some common jobs available in Nigeria:
Factory Work: This term refers to the roles of factory workers, which are widely available in Nigeria. Factory jobs typically require physical stamina and are considered unskilled, as they demand little to no formal educational qualifications.
Many factory workers in Nigeria face challenges such as inadequate contracts and employers’ insufficient attention to their welfare. Most factory jobs are found in manufacturing industries and other industrial settings, where workers help produce raw materials and finished products. These factories are often located in Industrial Estates across Nigeria.
- Driving Jobs: There has been a significant increase in driving jobs due to the rise of transportation companies beyond traditional ones like GIGM and CHISCO. New companies such as Bolt, Uber, ORide, and Gokada are now in demand, requiring a large pool of drivers. As a result, driving has become a common job in Nigeria.
- Teaching Jobs: This job role is primarily available in Nigeria, particularly in private schools. Many of these institutions seek inexpensive labour to maximize profits, often offering graduates salaries between ₦10,000 and ₦50,000 or more for their services. Additionally, they frequently employ NYSC members as staff throughout the year, making teaching positions widely accessible.
- Marketing Jobs: According to the Guardian, over 20 million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria recorded approximately 27 per cent international trade between March and May 2017. As a result, many of these businesses sought the services of marketers but often were unwilling to provide proper employment contracts, choosing instead to pay them on commission. In many cases, they did not provide adequate tools for the job. Consequently, many potential employees in Nigeria, driven by the need to avoid idleness, take on these marketing jobs to meet their basic needs. This has made marketing positions quite common in the country.
- Medical Practitioner jobs: Due to the population increase in Nigeria, which the United Nations projects to be 186 million, there is a growing demand for medical practitioners, including doctors and registered nurses. However, many available job roles do not offer reasonable compensation. This situation has led to a migration of these professionals to other countries, such as Canada and others.
- Information Communication Technology (ICT) Jobs: The evolution of technology, especially in Africa, has led to an increased demand for computer professionals in Nigeria. Job roles that involve end users, developers, computer engineers, software designers, server administrators, web developers, and more have risen in prominence, making ICT job opportunities readily available in Nigeria.a
- Farming: – This job role is predominantly available, particularly in rural areas of Nigeria, due to easy access to farmlands. Many individuals engaged in white-collar jobs, especially in government parastatals, also participate in farming to provide food for their families. Additionally, it serves as an option for the unemployed segment of the population.
This article is not intended to diminish the importance of the job role mentioned above. If you are passionate about it, I encourage you to pursue a career in that field.Â