How To Land a Remote Job In Nigeria

Introduction.

Finding a remote job in Nigeria can be both an exciting and challenging journey. With the rise of remote work across the globe, Nigerians are increasingly drawn to the flexibility, higher income potential, and opportunities that remote jobs offer. However, landing one can feel overwhelming, especially when competing in a global talent pool.

It’s not just about having the right skills but knowing where to look, how to position yourself, and navigating some of the unique challenges faced in Nigeria, like access to reliable internet or finding platforms that accommodate the country’s job market.

A web developer living in the USA earns nothing less than $80K annually, which some startups cannot afford, so all they do is look to low-income countries in Africa with cheaper costs of living and a weaker currency to help subsidize these wages.

So instead of paying you $80k/ annum, they pay $24K or even less annually, so when converting that to your local currency, then you know what you get.

In this post, I’ll guide you through actionable steps that can significantly increase your chances of securing a remote job, from building a competitive CV to mastering remote-specific interview techniques.

What is a Remote Job?

Remote work is a working style that allows professionals to work outside of a traditional office environment.

It is based on the concept that work does not need to be done in a specific place to be executed successfully.

Most times, employees are outside of the host countries, but constantly converging and communicating via a preferred software tool.

Why you should get a Remote Job as a Nigerian.

Remote jobs, allow people to enjoy their flexibility so that their professional and personal lives can be experienced to the fullest potential. Here are some of the reasons why you should get a remote job as a Nigerian.

1. Flexible lifestyle

The most obvious reason why people want to work remotely is that it offers them a more flexible lifestyle.

When they aren’t required to be in an office during a set time frame, remote employees can focus on the things that matter to them outside of the office.

Working remotely allows an individual to focus on their personal life and ambitions such as marriage, Family and education. You can even build a business while working remotely.

2. Working Remotely Renews Better health and wellness

Remote employees are notably less stressed and have higher morale than their in-office counterparts.

Remote work helps By eliminating that commute and letting remote employees work in an environment where they’re comfortable.

Just imagine living in a city like Lagos, where it’s as busy as anything, and then you start to appreciate the importance of getting a remote job.

3. Working Remotely Helps To Renew passion for the job.

Remote employees tend to do their best work outside of the office. They are more inspired by their surroundings and can filter out environmental distractions as they see fit. Most people prefer working in a secluded environment, one where they can be without distractions.

4. Remote Work allows for Location Independence.

Most people desire to earn and work abroad, may not have that kind of money, but can do so with the rise of remote jobs.

One of the considerable benefits of telecommuting is having access to a broader range of job opportunities that aren’t limited by geographic location.

This can be especially helpful for job seekers living in rural communities and small towns where there may not be many available local positions.

5. Remote work allows you to save money.

The minimum wage here in Nigeria is less than $300, but you can earn more than $3K with remote jobs, and spend nothing less than $200 every month.

People who work from home half-time can save around $4,000 per year. Gas, car maintenance, transportation, parking fees, a professional wardrobe, lunches bought out, and more can all be reduced or eliminated from your spending entirely.

These savings add up and put more money back into your pocket. Now calculate that saving, over a given period and you know what you have.

How Do I Get a Remote Job as a Nigerian?

Remote work exploded globally, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, but its appeal has remained strong.

Remote jobs offer Nigerians a chance to escape the traditional 9-to-5, which is often hampered by long commutes, high transportation costs, and unreliable power supply.

With internet connectivity becoming more accessible, especially through mobile networks, more Nigerians are looking for ways to work remotely for international and local companies.

In 2022, about 20% of full-time employees in Nigeria were working remotely, with many seeking remote gigs as side hustles or even full-time careers.

The prospect of earning in foreign currency, particularly USD or Euros, also makes this option financially attractive in a country facing inflation and a weakened Naira.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through practical steps on how to successfully secure a remote job in Nigeria, focusing on tips and resources that are highly relevant to the Nigerian context.

1. Build Marketable Skills.

The first step to landing a remote job is to have skills that are in demand. Most remote opportunities are in fields like:

Software Development
Digital Marketing
Graphic Design
Customer Support
Content Writing
Data Analysis
Virtual Assistance

If you’re already skilled in one of these areas, great! If not, I’d recommend getting started with online courses.

Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer affordable courses that can help you learn the ropes.

If you are broke, and don’t have enough to spend on courses and certification, you can check out a few YouTube channels to help you develop your skills for free.

I wrote a comprehensive guide on how to get started in tech with no experience, check out the article below to learn more.

How To Get Started In Tech With No Experience

For example, a popular course like Google’s Digital Marketing & E-commerce Certificate is a good entry point if you’re interested in online marketing. It’s recognized globally and can help you land entry-level positions.

2. Polish Your CV and Portfolio.

Your CV and portfolio are your ticket to securing remote jobs. Since your prospective employer won’t meet you in person, these two documents will do the talking.

Tailor Your CV: Unlike traditional jobs, remote jobs often look for specific remote skills, like being familiar with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello) or communication platforms (e.g., Slack, Zoom). Highlight your proficiency with these tools.
Create a Digital Portfolio: If you’re in fields like design, content writing, or web development, a portfolio is non-negotiable. Use platforms like GitHub for software projects or Behance for design portfolios. Make sure it’s easy to navigate, updated and showcases your best work.

Having an online portfolio is proof that you have actual tech skills without a doubt and will land you tons of interviews without stress. You can build an online portfolio without coding skills by leveraging a website builder.

Recruiters see hundreds of CVs every day. But they don’t read them all. Some of them they can’t even bear to look at. The funny thing is that recruiters are just waiting for something to finally catch their eye.

Creating a CV requires lots of creativity, which is what most job applicants do not have under their belt, this is why you need to check out samples of what works.

Here are tips to help you in creating a comprehensive CV.

Section 1: The title of your CV, at the very top of the CV, should be your name, professional title and contact details.

Section 2: email address and contact number(s) are all that are required now. An address is not required, and do not add your age, nationality, date of birth or marital status. These are NOT required.

Section 3: This is simply a few lines about you, who you are, what you hope to achieve, and your goals. Make it fit the job you are applying for if you can.

Section 4: Set out your previous roles, experience, volunteering, placements or internships. You should list these in reverse chronological order, that is, the most recent first. Your most recent role should be of most importance to your prospective employer.

Section 5: Set out your previous roles, experience, volunteering, placements or internships. You should list these in reverse chronological order, that is, the most recent first. Your most recent role should be of most importance to your prospective employer.

Section 6: Things like experience with a particular piece of software or application, courses you have attended; or anything that will help you secure your dream role, should be stated too.

Section 7: Try and keep this section of your CV interesting, if you use it. Include unusual hobbies, ones that add to your suitability for the role. Try to avoid really common hobbies and interests, such as reading, walking, etc.

I wrote a comprehensive guide on some of the best website builders that can help you develop an awesome portfolio website, check out the link to the article below to learn more.

3. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile.

LinkedIn is a goldmine for remote job opportunities, and an optimized profile can be your gateway to international jobs.

In 2023, LinkedIn reported that over 25 million Nigerians are registered on the platform, many of them seeking professional growth. Here are ways to stand out:

Headline: Clearly state your expertise. For instance, “Digital Marketer Specializing in Social Media Ads | Available for Remote Roles.”
Skills and Endorsements: Make sure you list all relevant skills, and encourage past clients or colleagues to endorse you.
Remote Work Keywords: Use keywords like “remote,” “distributed teams,” or “work from anywhere” to increase your chances of being found by recruiters looking to fill remote positions.

4. Join Remote Job Boards and Freelance Platforms.

There are many platforms designed to connect people with remote jobs. Some of the most popular ones include:

Upwork – Ideal for freelancers, especially in writing, design, and software development.
Toptal – Tailored for software developers, designers, and finance experts.
We Work Remotely – Lists full-time remote positions from around the world.
Remote OK – Curates remote opportunities in marketing, design, and tech.
FlexJobs – A well-known platform for high-quality remote job postings (though it’s subscription-based).

Locally, platforms like Jobberman and MyJobMag occasionally post remote job openings targeting Nigerians.

5. Prepare for Remote Interviews.

Remote job interviews differ from traditional ones in several ways. Aside from the typical questions about skills and experience, you’ll likely face inquiries about your ability to work independently and manage your time. Here’s how to prepare:

Reliable Internet Connection: Employers will want to know that you have access to stable internet. Ensure you have a backup option like a mobile data plan or a secondary network provider.
Quiet Workspace: Create a distraction-free environment where you can work comfortably.
Familiarity with Tools: Be ready to demonstrate your ability to use remote communication and project management tools. You may be asked to join a Zoom or Google Meet interview, so make sure you know how to use these platforms well.

6. Network and Leverage Social Media.

Networking remains one of the most effective ways to land jobs. Attend virtual events, webinars, and workshops relevant to your field.

The next step is to position yourself across every other social media platform such as Facebook, and Twitter Medium, and make sure your profile is optimised.

Next is to keep creating content about what you do, because recruiters are going to ask about various Links to your social media profile.

Social media is now a critical part of the way people in most walks of life communicate and a key part of how work gets done.

Social media allows you to do at least four important things:

Discover new ideas and trends.
Connect with existing and new audiences in deeper ways
Bring attention and traffic to your work.
Build, craft and enhance your brand.

The fact is that it’s impossible to separate the personal use of social from professional, and everything you say online can and will be used against you.

So, the more seriously you can take your social media activities, the better. Follow thought leaders and organizations that frequently post about remote job openings.

Twitter, Facebook groups, and even WhatsApp groups in Nigeria are known to share remote job opportunities in tech, digital marketing, and more.

Make sure to become conscious of what and how you post on social media because it can make or mar your career and potential recruiters.

I wrote a comprehensive guide on how you can grow your business across various social media platforms, check out the link to the article to learn more.

7. Be Cautious of Scams.

Unfortunately, with the increasing popularity of remote work in Nigeria, scams are also on the rise. Be cautious when job offers sound too good to be true, especially if they ask for upfront payment.

Legitimate companies will never ask you to pay to apply for a job. Stick to reputable job boards, do your research on the company, and don’t rush into any offers without verifying their authenticity.

8. Negotiate Your Salary.

Once you’ve successfully secured a remote job offer, it’s time to negotiate your salary. Don’t be shy about asking for compensation that reflects your skill level and the cost of living in your location.

If you’re working for international clients, consider negotiating in foreign currencies like USD, GBP, or Euros. This can offer better financial security in the face of Nigeria’s fluctuating exchange rates.

According to BusinessDay, many Nigerians in tech who work remotely for international companies earn between ₦800,000 to ₦2,000,000 monthly, while freelancers can earn anywhere from ₦100,000 to over ₦500,000, depending on their niche.

It was discovered that 7% of remote workers report greater productivity because they deal with fewer distractions.

Conclusion.

Finally, as I round up, just a few things that could help you damage imposter syndrome are stated below.

The remote job market is growing: By 2028, it’s estimated that 73% of all teams will have remote workers.
The web development job market is thriving: The BLS estimates that the employment of web developers will grow 8% from 2019-2029.
The average web developer’s base salary is around USD 67,442—and remote developers can expect to earn just as much as their in-house counterparts.

I wrote a comprehensive guide on how you can become a web developer as a beginner, check out the link to the article below to learn more.