Table of Contents
1. Key Tech / IT Job Roles in Nigeria
2. Current Demand & Job Market in Nigeria
3. What It Takes to Succeed
4. Challenges & Opportunities in Nigeria
5. Live Job Openings
6. Tips for Applying & Finding More
7. Conclusion
1. Key Tech / IT Job Roles in Nigeria
Below are common roles in Nigeria’s tech sector, with details:
Role | What You Do | Required Skills & Tools | Typical Employers / Context | Salary / Pay Range (approx) |
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Software Engineer / Developer | Design, code, test, and maintain applications (web, mobile, backend). | Proficiency in languages/frameworks like JavaScript, Python, Java, PHP, React, Node.js, etc. Version control (Git), APIs, databases (SQL / NoSQL). | Startups, fintechs, banks, tech consultancies. | Mid-level: ₦300,000-₦800,000+ / month (varies by company & experience) (Indeed) |
Full-Stack Developer | Works both front-end (UI) and back-end (server, database). | Combine frontend (HTML, CSS, JS frameworks) + backend (Node, Django, etc.). | Tech startups, software agencies. | Slight premium over single-focus devs. |
Mobile App Developer | Build mobile apps (iOS, Android) using native or cross-platform tools. | Swift / Kotlin / Java / React Native / Flutter. Understanding of mobile UX, APIs. | Fintech, health tech, e-commerce. | Often contract-based or salaried. |
DevOps Engineer / Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) | Build and maintain infrastructure (CI/CD pipelines, automation, cloud infrastructure). | Tools: Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, AWS/Azure/GCP, Terraform. | Tech firms, startups, cloud teams. | High demand, good pay. |
Cloud Engineer / Cloud Architect | Design, deploy, and maintain cloud infrastructure. | In-depth knowledge of AWS, Azure, GCP, cloud security, networking. | Larger tech companies, fintech, enterprises migrating to cloud. | Among the higher paid roles. (Nucamp) |
Cybersecurity / Information Security Specialist | Protect systems, data, detect and respond to threats. | Skills: ethical hacking, network security, encryption, compliance, SIEM tools. | Banks, telecoms, government, large organizations. | Premium salaries. (Nucamp) |
Data Scientist / Machine Learning Engineer | Analyze data, build predictive models, machine learning systems. | Python, R, ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch), data pipelines, statistics. | Fintechs, data analytics firms, research groups. | Very high demand, good pay. (Nucamp) |
Business Analyst / Systems Analyst | Bridge between business needs and technical implementation. | Requirement gathering, process modeling, data analysis, documentation. | Tech consultancies, banks, enterprises. | Mid-range salaries. |
Quality Assurance / QA Engineer / Test Engineer | Write and run tests, ensure software quality and reliability. | Manual testing, automation (Selenium, Cypress), test frameworks. | Software companies, product teams. | Entry to mid-level roles are common. |
IT Support / Helpdesk / Technical Support | Solve users’ technical issues (hardware, software, network). | Troubleshooting, OS knowledge, network basics, customer service. | All sectors — corporate, schools, hospitals. | Entry-level: ₦100,000-₦300,000+ / month (depending on organization) (Hot Nigerian Jobs) |
Network Engineer / Systems Engineer | Design, manage, maintain network infrastructure (routers, switches, servers). | Networking protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP), firewalls, server OS, virtualization. | ISPs, telecoms, enterprises, data centers. | Solid mid-to-high pay. |
2. Current Demand & Job Market in Nigeria
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- There are hundreds to over a thousand tech / IT job listings in Nigeria, especially in Lagos — e.g. ~1,415 technology jobs in Lagos. (Glassdoor)
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- On LinkedIn, there are ~578 IT job listings across Nigeria. (LinkedIn)
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- On Indeed, ~367 IT roles in Lagos alone. (Indeed)
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- Some roles are remote or hybrid — there are remote tech job marketplaces in Nigeria listing hundreds of roles. (TrueUp)
In-demand roles: software devs, DevOps, cybersecurity specialists, data scientists, support engineers, cloud architects. (nexford.edu)
3. What It Takes to Succeed
To land and thrive in these roles, here’s what you need:
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- Strong foundational skills in programming, data structures, algorithms (for dev roles).
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- Certifications / credentials help: e.g. AWS Certified, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Cisco CCNA, CompTIA, etc.
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- Hands-on experience / projects / portfolio — open source contributions, side apps, internships.
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- Soft skills — communication, teamwork, problem-solving.
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- Continuous learning — tech changes fast.
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- Networking and visibility — GitHub, tech communities, hackathons.
4. Challenges & Opportunities in Nigeria
Challenges:
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- Infrastructure issues (power, internet reliability).
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- Brain drain (talented people moving abroad).
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- Pay disparity — local firms sometimes can’t match global rates.
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- Skill gaps — many grads lack hands-on experience.
Opportunities:
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- Growing tech ecosystem (fintech, health-tech, agritech).
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- Remote work opens access to international earning potentials.
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- Government / NGO programs to train more tech talent.
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- Versatility — you can switch or combine roles (e.g. dev + data).
5. Live Job Openings
Job Title | Company / Location | Key Requirements | Salary / Perks | Application Info |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cybersecurity Officer (2 Openings) | FelamokHR Consulting Services Ltd — Ikeja, Lagos & FCT, Abuja | Experienced in preventing breaches, investigating incidents, good forensics, strong communication, vigilant, multitasker. (Hot Nigerian Jobs) | ₦150,000 – ₦250,000 / month (Hot Nigerian Jobs) | Send resume + cover letter to hr.greengrassnigeria@gmail.com with subject “Cybersecurity Officer — Lagos or Abuja” before deadline. (Hot Nigerian Jobs) |
Software Developer (Many roles) | Various — Lagos (including remote-friendly) | Backend, frontend, full-stack skills; experience in languages/frameworks your target company uses. (Indeed) | Varies hugely by seniority; often mid to senior roles pay significantly more. (ardentuniverse.com) | Apply via Indeed, company websites or techjobs.ng etc. (techjobs.ng) |
IT Support / IT & Telecoms | BlueChip Communications Ltd — Lekki, Lagos | 2-3 years experience, good with troubleshooting hardware/software, network basics, customer centric. (Glassdoor) | ~ ₦250,000-₦400,000 per month for some roles. (Glassdoor) | Glassdoor / company site to apply. (Glassdoor) |
Full Stack Developer | Steeze — Lagos | 5-7 years of work experience; strong in frontend + backend; ability to work independently. (Hot Nigerian Jobs) | Around ₦800,000 – ₦1,000,000 / month in that listing. (Hot Nigerian Jobs) | HotNigerianJobs listing. (Hot Nigerian Jobs) |
Software Quality Assurance Tester | BlueChip Technologies Limited — Lagos | 3-5 years in QA / testing; good understanding of software life cycle; related degree (e.g. Computer Science). (Hot Nigerian Jobs) | Not stated in that listing; should be competitive / depending on seniority. (Hot Nigerian Jobs) | Apply via HotNigerianJobs. (Hot Nigerian Jobs) |
Cybersecurity Analyst (Mid-Senior Level) (Remote) | Alpha Global — Remote (Nigeria) | Scripting (Python, Bash, PowerShell), knowledge of compliance (GDPR, ISO 27001, etc.), experience with incident detection / security operations. (Hot Nigerian Jobs) | ₦400,000 – ₦500,000 / month. (Hot Nigerian Jobs) | Apply via HotNigerianJobs; make sure to emphasise relevant certs. (Hot Nigerian Jobs) |
AI & Machine Learning Specialist | Rhizome Consulting — Abuja (FCT) | 5+ years experience with AI/ML, solution design & deployment. (Hot Nigerian Jobs) | Not clearly stated. Likely dependent on expertise. (Hot Nigerian Jobs) | Apply via HotNigerianJobs. (Hot Nigerian Jobs) |
6. Tips for Applying & Finding More
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- Use aggregators like TechJobs.ng, HotNigerianJobs, Indeed Nigeria, Ardent Universe — they often have up-to-date tech openings. (techjobs.ng)
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- When a job says “remote”, check if it’s fully remote or requires periodic presence in a city.
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- For senior roles, having certifications / proven track record helps a lot (e.g. security, cloud, DevOps).
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- Tailor your CV: highlight projects, GitHub portfolio, demo apps where possible.
7. Conclusion
Nigeria’s tech sector offers strong and growing opportunities, especially in areas like software development, data science, cloud/DevOps, cybersecurity, and product roles. With government initiatives like 3MTT, and increasing demand from startups and established businesses, the field is promising for those who invest in skill-building, gaining hands-on experience, and staying current with global tech trends. That said, to really stand out, individuals should aim to build portfolios, earn relevant certifications, and be ready to work in remote or hybrid setups which often offer better remuneration. (Highest Paying >>>)
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