Stop Working for Free: How to Find a Paid SIWES Internship in Nigeria (2026)
To find a paid SIWES (Industrial Training) internship in Nigeria, you must apply at least 3 to 4 months in advance to high-value sectors like Oil & Gas (Shell, Chevron), Tech (Interswitch, Paystack), and FMCGs (Nestle, Nigerian Breweries). Unlike small businesses that offer "transport fare," these multinationals have structured internship programs paying between ₦40,000 and ₦150,000 monthly. Avoid relying solely on your school's introduction letter; create a LinkedIn profile and approach HR managers directly.
The "Photocopy" Mistake
Most Nigerian students make the same mistake: they wait until IT is about to start, print 50 copies of their school's introduction letter, and walk around Lagos or Abuja dropping them at security gates.
Result: The security guards use your letters to wrap roasted corn.
In 2026, the best internships are not advertised on the gate. They are filled digitally. If you want to be paid, you need a strategy.
Where the Money Is: Top Paying Sectors for IT
Oil & Gas (The Jackpot):
Companies: Shell (SPDC), Chevron, ExxonMobil, NLNG.
The Pay: ₦50,000 – ₦150,000/month + Free Lunch/Transport.
How to Enter: You must apply during their "SIWES Windows" (usually opens in January/February for the whole year). Check their careers page weekly.
Tech Startups (The Modern Route):
Companies: Paystack, Moniepoint, Flutterwave.
The Pay: ₦50,000 – ₦100,000.
How to Enter: They love "smart" students. If you are a Computer Science or Marketing student, send a cold email showing your portfolio.
Construction & Engineering:
Companies: Julius Berger, CCECC.
The Pay: ₦30,000 – ₦60,000.
How to Enter: Site visits actually work here. Go to the Project Office (not the HQ) and ask for the Site Engineer, not the security.
How to "Package" Yourself for IT
Employers know you are a student, so they don't expect 10 years of experience. But they do expect professionalism.
The CV: Do not submit a blank CV. List your Class Projects, your Volunteer Work, and your CGPA (if it’s good). Show them you are teachable.
The Cover Letter: Don't write "I need IT to complete my degree." Write: "I want to intern at [Company] to learn how your logistics team manages supply chains, and I am willing to work hard to support the team."
LinkedIn: Search for "HR Manager at [Company Name]" on LinkedIn. Send a polite connection request: "Good afternoon, I is a 3rd-year Engineering student top of my class. I am looking for a SIWES placement to learn from the best..."
Conclusion
An unpaid internship costs you money (transport/feeding). A paid internship launches your career. If you can't find a big company, look for a small business that is growing—they are more likely to pay you a stipend than a stagnant one.
Download our "SIWES Cold Email Template" specifically for Students!