Salary of programmers in Nigeria 2024: A computer programmer, otherwise called software developer, a programmer or coder, is a person who creates computer software, writes codes for computer programs and mobile application, debug and trouble shoot system software to ensure that the system is running smoothly and efficiently.

Programmers, otherwise known as software engineers or system programmers are tasked with designing and creating software programs, integrating systems, training end users, analyzing algorithm, modifying source code, writing system instructions, debugging and maintaining operating systems. They are usually employed by software companies, which could be governmental or private sector companies.

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Factors Affecting the Salary of Programmers in Nigeria

a. Experience: this is a very important criteria for programmers, as experience in the job, is extra credit and increases your chance of being employed. A computer programmer with less than two years experience might make around 164,000 naira per month, while one with higher experience would make higher. The payment of course increases as one gains more experience due to the number of years in the field.

Take for example, a programmer with around two to five years’ experience is likely to earn 218,000 naira per month, with five to ten years, a salary of 323,000 naira per month, with fifteen to twenty years’ experience, a programmer is likely to be paid a salary of 429,000 naira per month, and lastly, a programmer with twenty years plus experience is likely to be paid 465,000 naira per month.

b. Education: the education level for programmers differs, and the higher you go on the ladder, the more likely it is for the salary to increase. The levels are, Certificate/ diploma, Bachelors degree and Masters degree.

For certificate holders in programming, the average salary is 187,000 naira per month. For programmer with a bachelors degree, they are paid a salary of 293, 000 naira per month, and for master’s degree holder, the average programmer is 491,000 naira per month.

To have a successful career in programming, it is always advisable to pursue higher education as the return is always worth it, not only does it influence the salary, but it also adds class and titles.

c. Gender: Gender has a way of determining the salary of a person in the programming field. Despite the fight of feminists and talks as to how everyone should be equal regardless of gender, the programming world in Nigeria points otherwise.

Take for example, where a male programmer is paid 344,000 in naira, the female counterparts are paid 283,000 naira monthly. The implication of this is that male programmers earn more than female programmers with over twenty two percent.

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Salary Structure of Computer Programmers In Nigeria 2024

The average programmer in Nigeria is paid very well compared to other professions. A Software engineer/Programmer’s salary per month ranges from 144,000 naira to 498,000 naira. This is so because programming is a career that is not widely engaged in, in Nigeria. The list would be made according to the top companies employing the services of a programmer.

In Andela, a software developer is paid 250,000 naira per month, In Appzone, they are paid 221,000 naira monthly, in Impetro technologies, a software developer is paid 2,000,000 naira per year, in Cyberspace network, software developers are paid 147,500 naira monthly, In Fintrak Software, they are paid 162,500 naira monthly, and in EHealth Africa, the monthly salary is 600,000 naira.

For more information about the actual salary of programmers in Nigeria, I encourage you to check out the YouTube video below. Trust me, you will love it!

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How to Increase your Salary as a Developer in Nigeria

One of the major advantages of being a programmer is the fact that it is not just a job but a skill that gives you the ability to make anything out of it. What this means is that, a developer is not restricted to making money from just one means. Take for example, while working for Company A as a frontend Developer, he/she can also work for Company B and still get paid.

Another effective way programmers can make more money in Nigeria is to share their knowledge through social media platforms. Trust me, there are lots of people around the world who are searching for Programmers to learn from and they are ready to pay any amount of money to learn.

Even by sharing the skill for free, you can still make a good amount of money on platforms like Facebook and YouTube. You can also write books and upload courses selling them at a very high price too.

This is one of the reasons why programming (Whether software or application programming) is still regarding as one of the most paying jobs in Nigeria currently.

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How to Become An Employable Programmer in Nigeria

Earn a degree: A bachelor’s degree (usually four years), in programming enables students to diversify their skill by learning several programming languages.

Choose a focus: this stage is where specialization comes in, as Jack of all trade is indeed master of none. It is important to choose, whilst being an undergraduate what aspect of programming appeals to you, and lean towards their direction.

Continuous learning: Learning is a continuous process, and the programming industry keeps evolving. A programmer, who intends to remain relevant, needs to stay abreast with the latest innovation in the programming world, get back to class and if need be, get additional training to be well certified enough to build competency in the market.

It is also important to advance in degree, take for example, obtaining a Bachelor and Master’s degree in programming, as it influences the salary and chances of employment.

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Duties/Responsibilities of Programmers

a. Coding and debugging operating systems

b. Troubleshooting system errors

c. Designing computer structures

d. Managing operating systems.

e. Providing tech support.

f. Collaborating with business developers to produce software designs

g. Transforming software designs and specifications into high functioning code in the appropriate language.

h. Collaborate with technical writers to create documentation for user support

i. Testing codes periodically to ensure they produce the desirable results and performing debugging when necessary.

j. Reviewing existing programs

k. Fixing defects on the operating system

l. Developing in-house software

m. Writing codes and manipulating it into a language that computers understand.

n. Work closely with information technology staff, managers and users in their organization to develop, maintain and test computer programs.

o. Respond to notification by users

p. Identify malfunctioning code

q. Rewrite programs

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Tips To Help You Get Programming Jobs

1. Have A Strong Foundation (Education And Skill Development): Before you can land a programming job in Nigeria, you must have a solid educational foundation and relevant skills. Here are the steps to follow:

Choose the Right Educational Path: Education is the bedrock of any successful job, and programming is no exception. Getting the required education should be your first step. In Nigeria, the majority of programming positions demand at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a closely related discipline. To get the best education possible, select a recognised institution.

There are various educational paths to becoming a programmer in Nigeria:

a. Formal Education: Getting a degree in computer science or a related subject is the conventional route. In Nigeria, universities provide courses in computer science, and some of them work with IT companies to provide students with hands-on training.

b. Online Courses: The emergence of online learning environments has made education more accessible. Programming language, algorithm, and data structure classes are available on websites like Coursera, Udacity, and edX. To acquire useful knowledge and skills, many Nigerians are taking advantage of these courses.

c. Coding Bootcamps: In Nigeria, coding bootcamps are becoming more and more well-liked. Practical coding skills are emphasised in these in-depth, short-term training programs. When compared to conventional degree programmes, they are a faster approach to gaining skills.

d. Skill Development: Building Your Arsenal

Although education gives the academic groundwork, practical skills are just as important in the field of programming. Take into account these factors of skill development to stand out in the cutthroat job market:

e. Programming Languages: It’s crucial to be proficient in several programming languages. Some of the languages in demand in Nigeria are Python, Java, JavaScript, and PHP. Familiarity with multiple languages makes you adaptable and versatile. Self-learning resources like online classes and tutorials are widely accessible.

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Soft skills

Specialize: Consider concentrating on a specific area of computer programming, such as data science etc. Your marketability may be increased by specialised skills.

Build a Strong Portfolio: Employers frequently want to see real proof of your abilities. This is where having a solid portfolio comes into play. A portfolio displays your abilities and works for prospective employers. Create a portfolio of individual projects to demonstrate your abilities. Websites, mobile applications, or data analysis initiatives may be included. Additionally, share your code on websites like GitHub and work with others on open-source projects. When it comes to job hunting, a well-maintained GitHub profile might be a valuable asset.

Internships and Practical Experience

Gaining practical experience is invaluable. Look for internships or entry-level positions in tech companies. Many Nigerian startups and established firms offer internships to students and recent graduates. Practical experience not only enhances your skills but also provides insights into real-world projects and industry practices.

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4. Networking: Networking is unquestionably one of the best ways to locate a programming job in Nigeria, as it is in many other nations throughout the world. In Nigeria’s highly competitive labour market, establishing and leveraging a strong network can significantly increase your chances of landing a programming job. Below are some suggestions:

Attend Tech Events: Attend local tech meetings, conferences, and workshops. Opportunities to network with industry experts and possible employers are presented through these events. Many software organisations attend these events to find good developers; so this is a fantastic opportunity to get employment-related information. Perhaps someone you meet knows of a distant company in need of your skill set. Meetups facilitate project collaboration, socialisation, and working with a diversity of people.

Join Online Communities: Participate in online forums, organisations, and social media platforms where developers debate market trends and employment prospects. Sites like LinkedIn may be especially helpful.

Leverage LinkedIn: Create a professional LinkedIn profile. Connect with industry professionals, join relevant organisations, and contribute your knowledge and thoughts to enhance your online presence.

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5. Strategic Job Search: Online job searches are the most convenient approach to looking for programming jobs. You have a wide range of employers to choose from, and you can always email your resume to the employers at the top of your list. Physical job hunting is another option, although it can be very stressful to visit many employers. The majority of the companies you wish to work for have an online presence. Therefore, it is preferable to send your CV via email and show up in person for the interview when you are contacted.

Because Searching for job openings is a crucial step in landing a programming job. Here are some strategies:

Online Job Portals: You can find programming jobs in Nigeria by using job search engines like Jobberman, MyJobMag, and LinkedIn Jobs.

Company Websites: Visit the careers pages on the websites of Nigerian tech companies. Many organisations prefer to hire straight through their website

Recruitment Agencies: Sign up with respected tech-focused recruitment companies that specialise in IT placement.

Networking: Leverage your network to inquire about job openings and obtain referrals. Personal connections can be an effective strategy to secure interviews.

Use LinkedIn: You can use LinkedIn’s job search feature to look for opportunities by location and industry. Additionally, you can set up job alerts to get notifications regarding relevant openings.

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The Future of Programming in Nigeria

The salary of programmers is this high because the market is not very competitive, yet. It is expected that in the nearest future, the average salaries of programmers will reduce. It doesn’t remove the fact that a significant proportion of programmers will not still be paid well.

Take for example, the legal profession in Nigeria is highly competitive, and we have lawyers complaining about how low they are being paid, but it doesn’t remove the fact that there are lawyers still being paid well in the same profession. The trick is being progressive.

As programmers, it is imperative for you to specialize in areas that will likely be lucrative in the nearest future. Identify growing trends and specialize in it, as people skilled in these areas are usually few and the demand for them is high. High demand means more pay.

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The lucrative skills in programming today are:

HTML and CSS: These skills have been around for a while and are not likely to go down any time soon, If you can do a good job at writing HTML, it would be a good way to earn money.

Javascript: Programmers with knowledge of Javascript are in high demand, and the demand rate is likely to increase over the years.

Python: This has been around and still trending. Due to its flexibility and speed, it is expected that it becomes one of the fastest growing languages in the nearest future.

AI: Short form for artificial intelligence, it is the future of programming. For this, it is necessary that you learn Python, R, Lisp, Prolog, or Java.

Augmented Reality (AR): This area has been quite static for a while now, simce the touch screen revolution. AR is successfully navigating the move from Sci- Fi to reality. For AR, it is required you learn ARKit Framework with Swift or Objective C.

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Other Facts About Programmers In Nigeria

1. Expanding Technology Sector: An increasing need for software solutions has driven a spectacular increase in Nigeria’s IT industry, especially programmers, in recent years. Nigeria’s commercial powerhouse, Lagos, has become a center for innovation and tech entrepreneurs.

Developments in computer programming have been greatly aided by government programs and alliances with foreign groups. To educate and assist ambitious programmers, a large number of coding boot camps, tech hubs, and innovation centers have been formed. For aspiring programmers, these initiatives have not only made coding boot camps accessible but also enabled networking and mentoring possibilities.

2. Entrepreneurial Spirit: The entrepreneurial spirit is a well-known quality among Nigerian programmers. Their focus on innovation and desire to launch their tech businesses stems from their entrepreneurial spirit, which makes them stand out. They frequently find inventive ways to solve regional problems in finance, e-commerce, and healthcare by founding their software firms.

Programmers from Nigeria are very focused on finding solutions to problems. Using technology, they discover problems in their community and provide solutions. Their strategy is problem-centric, which enables them to find gaps in the market and develop solutions that meet certain requirements. This has led to a notable increase in the number of skilled programmers in Nigeria during the last ten years.

Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka ACMC

Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka, ACMC, is a lawyer and a certified mediator/conciliator in Nigeria. He is also a developer with knowledge in various programming languages. Samuel is determined to leverage his skills in technology, SEO, and legal practice to revolutionize the legal profession worldwide by creating web and mobile applications that simplify legal research. Sam is also passionate about educating and providing valuable information to people.