10 Companies in Nigeria That Pay Salaries in Dollars (2025)

In the dynamic landscape of the Nigerian economy, compensation packages have evolved beyond the traditional naira-based structure. A growing number of companies are opting to pay their employees in US dollars, offering a range of benefits and considerations. This blog post delves into the world of dollar-paying companies in Nigeria, exploring the driving factors, advantages, and potential drawbacks of this compensation strategy.

You are undoubtedly aware that geographical restrictions on making money in Nigeria are no longer in place. Therefore, it is possible to earn US dollars in Nigeria. For that reason, the companies that pay in dollars in Nigeria are listed in this article.

Because there are no income restrictions, Nigerians can continue to make money in dollars even while they live there. While we also throw light on the different ways Nigerians can take advantage of international possibilities and earn some cash, let’s take this piece a little too personally. The opportunities are endless, ranging from creating several passive revenue streams to using local talent for foreign gigs. You are going to enjoy an eye-opening experience if you have ever wondered about Nigerian companies that pay in dollars or how to go about this profitable route.

One thing you should know, though, is that many Nigerian companies won’t openly declare, “I pay in dollars,” at least not while they are operating there. This is so because Naira, not dollars, is the currency used in Nigeria. Therefore, the majority of well-known corporations pay in Naira rather than dollars because doing so could put them in legal hot water. However, it was eventually verified that US dollars can now be paid to Nigerian labourers, according to a recent Punch report.

TOP 10 NIGERIAN COMPANIES THAT PAY SALARIES IN DOLLARS

These are the top 10 Nigerian companies that pay salaries in US dollars to both local and foreign workers. Like most African nations, Nigeria is rich because of its natural resources, therefore it should come as no surprise that the majority of its businesses are oil-related and pay well in foreign currencies, especially the strong USD.

SHELL NIGERIA

Shell is listed among the top ten Nigerian firms that pay wages in US dollars, as well as those that pay their staff. In partnership with Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the corporation runs a joint venture. According to Nigerian press reports, entry-level salaries at Shell Nigeria range from $2500 to $35,000 annually, depending on the expertise and nature of the position.

CHEVRON

Chevron is also on the list of oil companies in Nigeria paying salaries in dollars.  This oil and gas firm has been operating in Nigeria for a very long time. Chevron, an American oil firm, is one of the highest paying companies in Nigeria and pays in US dollars. Their employees receive an entry-level pay of about USD 8000 annually.

MOBIL OIL AND GAS MULTINATIONAL

Another American petroleum corporation operating in Nigeria is Exxonmobil. They rank among oil companies paying the highest salaries in the country. They are also the largest refiner of petroleum products in the world. Their entry-level wage ranges from USD 26,600 to USD 25,600 per year.

NNPC (OIL AND GAS)

Nigeria’s top ten largest companies that pay salaries in US dollars make it abundantly evident that the country’s main cash cow is oil. Because it has its own oil and gas corporation, NNPC has become the employer of choice for many Nigerian graduates. They are also in charge of overseeing the regulation of other oil and gas companies operating in Nigeria.

Even if the business is one of the top ten in Nigeria for paying salaries in US dollars, not all employees receive US dollars. The top management tier receives compensation in US dollars, with the annual salary range for NNPC employees being USD $4000. When compared to other employees, their pay is higher.

MTN NIGERIA (TELECOM SERVICE PROVIDER)

In addition to being the most well-known telecom provider in Nigeria, MTN Nigeria is also among the highest paying telecommunications company in Nigeria and the only provider on the list of firms that pay some of their Nigerian staff in US dollars.

The firm is among the top five in Nigeria, even though several Nigerians have expressed severe reservations about their tariff and declining service. Some of MTN’s highest-ranking employees earn up to USD 4,000 a month in remuneration.

NESTLE NIGERIA PLC

Nestle Nigeria is one of the largest Nigerian manufacturers of household goods. The success of the corporation is strongly correlated with the density of the Nigerian population, which in turn drives up demand for the company’s goods. They pay their top employees, excluding any bonuses, between $2,500 and $6,000 per month.

THE NIGERIA CIVIL SERVICE (FEDERAL)

Although it is unclear whether any Nigerian civil servant earn their salary in dollars, the government of the nation is among the highest paying organisations, due to the corrupt activities that go on in these government agencies.

In addition to the pay, job security in the civil service is the reason why many Nigerians opt to join the civil service, as employment stability in the private sector is not always guaranteed. Because the civil service is such a large and complex organisation, pay differ between ministries.

TOTAL OIL AND GAS

Total is one of the largest corporations in Nigeria that is known to pay it staff high salaries. Pay varies by geography though, with some employees at the same level earning different incomes in various areas. The pay disparity between employees in Port-Harcourt and Lagos serves as one illustration.

The former receives a greater salary than the latter. Every employee can make up to $125,000 a year. Due to their international employees, other senior management employees receive up to $10,000 per year as salary.

DANGOTE GROUP

Dangote Group is owned by Aliko Dangote, the richest man in Africa. He is also one of the most paid bosses in Nigeria. They compensate their international workers well in dollars, but for the sake of this research, specifics regarding the entrance compensation range could not be found.

NIGERIA BREWERIES

It is commonly known that the majority of beverage companies and breweries operate profitably in most African nations, as well as other countries. Nigeria Breweries compensates its workers appropriately and is not an exception. The government owns the business, and entry-level salaries start at USD 2000 per year.

WHY THESE COMPANIES PAY IN DOLLARS

The decision by companies to pay their employees in US dollars rather than the local currency, the Nigerian naira, stems from a complex interplay of economic, talent acquisition, and operational factors. Let’s delve into the key motivations driving this trend:

• Dollar salaries provide a hedge against the volatility of the Nigerian naira.

The Nigerian naira has experienced periods of significant depreciation, making it challenging for employees to maintain their purchasing power. Dollar-denominated salaries offer a degree of insulation against these currency fluctuations, ensuring a more stable and predictable income for employees. This stability is particularly crucial for long-term financial planning, such as saving for education or retirement.

• Dollar-paying salaries enhance a company’s competitiveness in the global talent market.

In today’s interconnected world, companies are competing for top talent on a global scale. Offering dollar salaries makes a company more attractive to highly skilled professionals from diverse backgrounds, who may prioritize the stability and international recognition that come with dollar-based compensation. This global talent pool can bring fresh perspectives, expertise, and innovation to organizations.

• Dollar salaries streamline financial transactions and simplify payroll management for companies with international operations.

Companies with operations in multiple countries often face the complexities of managing payroll across varying currencies. Dollar-based salaries can simplify this process, reducing administrative burdens and ensuring consistency in compensation practices across borders. This streamlined approach can be particularly beneficial for companies with a growing international presence.

CONCLUSION

Dollar-paying salaries have become a prevalent feature in the Nigerian employment landscape, offering a range of benefits for both companies and employees. While there are potential drawbacks to consider, the advantages often outweigh the challenges, particularly for companies operating in an increasingly globalized world. As the Nigerian economy continues to evolve, dollar-based compensation is likely to play an even more prominent role in attracting and retaining top talent.