The most dangerous interview question

You have navigated the aptitude tests, passed the assessment centre, and built great rapport with the hiring manager. Then comes the inevitable question:

"So, what are your salary expectations?"

In the Nigerian job market, especially in 2026 where inflation and currency fluctuations have made the cost of living highly unpredictable, answering this question incorrectly can be disastrous. Aim too high, and they think you are arrogant and out of touch. Aim too low, and you leave money on the table—or worse, you signal that you don't value your own skills.

To win this negotiation, you must understand the current realities of Naira salaries, do your research, and negotiate strategically.

The Reality of Nigerian Salaries in 2026

The legal national minimum wage in Nigeria is ₦70,000 per month. However, for a university graduate applying for formal corporate roles, the baseline is usually higher, though it varies wildly by industry and location.

1. By Industry

• Oil & Gas / Top Banking: These remain the highest-paying sectors. Entry-level graduate trainee roles in top tier banks or multinational energy firms can range from ₦300,000 to over ₦1,000,000 monthly, plus heavy allowances.
• Tech and Fintech: The tech sector is highly competitive. Junior developers or data analysts can expect anywhere from ₦150,000 to ₦350,000, with mid-level roles scaling rapidly depending on the startup's funding.
• General Corporate & Admin: For administrative, basic customer service, or SME roles, entry-level salaries typically range from ₦70,000 to ₦150,000.
• Education & NGO: Private school teaching and entry-level NGO roles often hover between ₦70,000 and ₦120,000, depending on the scale of the organization.

2. By Location

Location dictates pay. A role in Victoria Island or Ikoyi (Lagos) will almost always offer a higher nominal salary than the exact same role in Ibadan or Enugu. Employers know they have to factor in the brutal cost of Lagos transportation and rent. If you are applying for jobs in these areas, read our guide on how to find a job in Lagos to understand the commute math.

How to Answer: "What are your salary expectations?"

Never answer this question with a single, rigid number. Always use a range, and always tie it to your research.

The wrong answer: "I want ₦200,000." (Too rigid).

The desperate answer: "Anything you can pay, I just need a job." (Kills your negotiating power).

The right answer:

"Based on my research for similar entry-level marketing roles in Lagos, and considering the responsibilities of this position, my expectation is in the range of ₦150,000 to ₦200,000 net per month. However, I am open to discussing this depending on the overall benefits package."

This answer does three things: it shows you have done your research, it sets a boundary (the bottom of your range), and it leaves room for flexibility.

Net vs. Gross: A Critical Distinction

When negotiating in Nigeria, you must explicitly clarify if the figures being discussed are Net (what actually hits your bank account) or Gross (the total amount before taxes and pension deductions).

If a company offers you a "Gross of ₦150,000," after PAYE tax and pension deductions, your take-home pay might be closer to ₦125,000. Always ask: "Just to clarify, is this offer net or gross?"

Negotiating Beyond the Basic Salary

If the company simply cannot meet your Naira expectation, look at the total package. In a high-inflation environment, benefits can save you a massive amount of money.

Consider negotiating for:

• Transport Allowance or Company Bus: Transport is a massive expense in Nigeria. A ₦120k job with a company bus that picks you up might be better than a ₦150k job where you spend ₦50k on danfo buses.
• HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): Comprehensive health cover for you (and potentially dependents) saves you out-of-pocket medical expenses.
• Remote / Hybrid Work: If they won't increase the pay, ask if you can work from home two days a week. This instantly cuts your weekly transport budget by 40%.
• 13th Month Salary: This is standard in many Nigerian corporate firms, but always confirm if it is included.

Before you get to the salary negotiation stage, you must pass the interview. Prepare thoroughly by reviewing common interview questions in Nigeria.

And remember, confidence in negotiation starts with a CV that clearly proves your worth. Build a premium, free CV today using Monta meu currículo?.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a reasonable starting salary for a fresh graduate in Nigeria?

It depends heavily on the industry. A graduate entering a top bank or FMCG might start between ₦200,000 and ₦400,000, while a graduate entering general administration or a smaller SME might see offers between ₦70,000 and ₦150,000.

Should I state my salary expectations on my CV?

No. Never put your salary expectations on your CV. Discuss compensation only during the interview stage or if explicitly requested in an online application form.

How do I know if an offer is Net or Gross?

You must ask the HR representative directly during the negotiation. Simply say, "To ensure we are on the same page, could you confirm if the ₦150,000 figure is Net (take-home) or Gross (before tax and pension deductions)?"

What benefits should I negotiate for if the salary is too low?

If the basic pay is inflexible, negotiate for a hybrid work schedule (to save on transport), comprehensive HMO (health insurance), a transport allowance, or a guaranteed 13th-month bonus.