Lagos Salary Guide 2026: What to Expect as a Fresh Graduate in Nigeria Today
As of early 2026, the average starting salary for fresh graduates in Lagos ranges from ₦70,000 to ₦500,000 monthly, depending heavily on the industry. While the national minimum wage is approximately ₦70,000, top-tier sectors like Investment Banking, Oil & Gas, and Technology often pay significantly higher, with some international firms offering over ₦1,000,000 for specialized entry-level roles.
Understanding the Lagos Pay Scale in 2026
Lagos remains the economic heartbeat of Nigeria, but the salary landscape is wide. In 2026, inflation and the rising cost of living have forced many companies to adjust their entry-level packages to remain competitive and help staff cover rising transport and housing costs.
Here is what the actual numbers look like across the major sectors hiring graduates today.
Salary Breakdown by Industry (Entry-Level)
| Sector | Estimated Monthly Net Pay | Top Paying Employers |
| Banking & Finance | ₦130,000 – ₦514,000 | Standard Chartered, Stanbic IBTC, GTBank |
| Technology | ₦200,000 – ₦450,000 | Fintech Startups, Tech Hubs (Yaba/Lekki) |
| Oil & Gas | ₦300,000 – ₦1,200,000+ | Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, Seplat |
| FMCG / Manufacturing | ₦130,000 – ₦350,000 | Nigerian Breweries, Nestle, BUA Foods |
| Digital Media & Sales | ₦90,000 – ₦250,000 | Advertising Agencies, Media Houses |
| Education & Admin | ₦70,000 – ₦150,000 | Private Schools, Small Businesses |
3 Factors That Determine Your Starting Pay
The "Graduate Trainee" Advantage: Multinational programs (like the ones we track at Airtel and BUA) often pay a premium because they are investing in future leaders. These roles also come with the best benefits.
Specialized Technical Skills: A graduate with a degree in Computer Science who also knows Cybersecurity or Data Engineering can command a salary 2x higher than a generalist.
Negotiation & Certifications: Having professional certifications (like ICAN for Accountants or PMP for Project Managers) gives you the leverage to ask for a higher starting point in the salary range.
A Note on the Minimum Wage
While the federal minimum wage is set at ₦70,000, many small businesses and startups in Lagos aim to pay between ₦90,000 and ₦120,000 for entry-level roles to account for the higher cost of living in the city.
Final Verdict
Don't just look at the figure; look at the growth potential. A slightly lower salary at a company that offers world-class training and mentorship can be worth more in the long run than a high-paying job that leads nowhere.
Want to know which companies are hiring at these salary levels right now? Visit our 2026 Job Board!