First Steps for HR Green Horns in Nigeria
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By Frank Ofili
Starting a career in HR in Nigeria can feel overwhelming, but the truth is—if you focus on the right foundations early, you’ll stand out quickly. Here’s a practical, Nigeria-focused roadmap for HR “greenhorns” (beginners) to get started effectively:
1, Understand What HR Really Means (Beyond Admin)
Many beginners think HR is just about recruitment or issuing queries. In reality, HR is about business support through people.
Start by learning the core HR functions:
- Recruitment and Selection
- Employee Relations
- Performance Management
- Learning and Development
- Compensation and Benefits
- HR Operations/Admin
In Nigeria, HR often doubles as compliance + culture manager, especially in SMEs.
2, Learn Nigerian Labour Laws (Non-Negotiable)
You cannot function effectively without understanding the legal environment.
Key laws to study:
- Labour Act (Cap L1, LFN 2004)
- Pension Reform Act 2014
- Employee Compensation Act (NSITF)
- National Minimum Wage Act
- Lagos-specific PAYE tax rules (if working in Lagos)
This protects your organization from lawsuits and builds your credibility instantly.
- Master HR Documentation Early
Your power as a HR professional lies in documentation. Learn how to draft:
- Offer letters
- Employment contracts
- HR policies
- Query and disciplinary letters
- Exit letters
In Nigeria, “if it’s not documented, it didn’t happen.”
- Develop Strong Recruitment Skills
Recruitment is usually your entry point into HR. Focus on:
- Writing clear job descriptions
- Conducting structured interviews
- Basic candidate assessment techniques
- Spotting red flags (e.g., job hopping, unverifiable experience)
Bonus tip: Learn how to recruit for attitude, not just qualifications—very critical in the Nigerian workforce.
- Build Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
You will handle:
- Employee complaints
- Workplace conflict
- Sensitive conversations
Skills to build:
- Active listening
- Neutral judgment
- Confidentiality
- Conflict resolution
HR is not about “taking management’s side”—it’s about balance and fairness.
- Get Comfortable with Payroll & HR Operations
Even if you’re not in finance, understand:
- Salary structures
- PAYE deductions
- Pension contributions
- Leave management
In Nigeria, HR often collaborates closely with Accounts—especially in SMEs.
- Learn HR Tools (Even Basic Ones)
You don’t need advanced systems to start. Start with:
- Excel (very important)
- Google Workspace
- Simple HR software (if available)
Being tech-comfortable will make you faster and more reliable.
- Join HR Communities in Nigeria
Networking accelerates your growth.
Consider:
- CIPMN, CIHRM, CIPMD, CIPD etc.
- HR forums and LinkedIn groups
- Local HR events and workshops
HR certification is a major credibility boost in Nigeria.
- Understand Business, Not Just HR
To grow fast, think like a business person. Ask:
- How does this company make money?
- How do employees affect profit?
- What talent gaps exist?
HR that understands business becomes strategic—not just administrative.
- Build Personal Credibility Early
As a beginner:
- Be discreet (confidentiality is everything)
- Be reliable (meet deadlines)
- Avoid office gossip
- Stay professional—even under pressure
In Nigerian workplaces, trust is your biggest currency as HR.
- Seek Practical Experience (Even Informal). If youare just starting:
- Volunteer to assist with recruitment
- Help with documentation
- Intern in SMEs (they expose you faster)
Experience matters more than theory in HR.
- Keep Learning Consistently
HR is evolving—don’t stay static. Follow:
- Nigerian HR influencers on LinkedIn
- Workplace trends (hybrid work, employee wellness, etc.)
- Basic HR analytics
Final Thought
Your first goal is not to “know everything”—it is to become dependable, legally aware, and people-smart.
If you get these three right, your HR career in Nigeria will grow rapidly.
