Companies in Nigeria That Pay Salaries in Dollars: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025

In Nigeria’s dynamic economy, where the naira faces frequent fluctuations, earning salaries in US dollars offers significant financial stability and a competitive edge for professionals. With the rise of remote work, globalization, and Nigeria’s growing tech and oil sectors, several companies—both multinational corporations and local firms with international operations—pay their employees in dollars. This practice is particularly prevalent in industries like oil and gas, telecommunications, fintech, and technology, where skilled professionals are in high demand. This article provides a detailed overview of companies in Nigeria that pay salaries in US dollars, the benefits and challenges of such compensation, and tips for securing these lucrative opportunities, based on the latest insights as of July 2025.

Why Companies Pay in Dollars in Nigeria

Paying salaries in US dollars is a strategic move for companies to attract and retain top talent in Nigeria, especially in sectors competing globally. Key reasons include:

Financial Stability: Dollar-based salaries protect employees from naira devaluation and inflation, providing a stable income for planning and savings.
Global Competitiveness: Multinational companies and tech firms pay in dollars to align with international salary standards, making it easier to hire skilled professionals like software engineers.
Remote Work Opportunities: The rise of remote work allows Nigerians to work for international companies while residing in Nigeria, with payments often in dollars via platforms like Payoneer or Wise.
Industry Dominance: Sectors like oil and gas, which generate revenue in dollars, can afford to pay employees in foreign currency, particularly for senior or specialized roles.

However, not all employees in these companies receive dollar payments; this benefit is often reserved for top management, expatriates, or highly skilled professionals like software engineers.

Top Companies in Nigeria That Pay in Dollars

Below is a curated list of companies in Nigeria known to pay salaries in US dollars, based on recent reports and industry trends. The list includes their sectors, salary details (where available), and contact information, focusing on opportunities for both local and foreign employees.

1. Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC)

Sector: Oil and Gas
Details: Shell, a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell, operates a joint venture with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). It is a leading employer in Nigeria’s oil sector, offering dollar-based salaries for senior management and specialized roles like petroleum engineers and IT professionals. Entry-level salaries start at approximately $2,500 annually, with higher roles earning up to $35,000 per year, depending on skills and job type.
Address: Freeman House, 21/22 Marina, Lagos Island, Lagos, Nigeria.
Contact: Check www.shell.com.ng/careers for job openings.
Application Process: Apply through Shell’s career portal, submitting a CV, cover letter, and relevant certifications.

2. Chevron Nigeria Limited

Sector: Oil and Gas
Details: Chevron, an American oil company, is among Nigeria’s highest-paying employers, offering dollar-based salaries for roles in engineering, geosciences, and IT. Entry-level salaries average $8,000 per year, with senior positions earning significantly more. Chevron supports career growth through training and global exposure.
Address: 2 Chevron Drive, Lekki Peninsula, Lagos, Nigeria.
Contact: Visit www.chevron.com/careers for opportunities.
Application Process: Submit applications via Chevron’s career portal or contact their Lagos office.

3. ExxonMobil Nigeria

Sector: Oil and Gas
Details: As the world’s largest petroleum refiner, ExxonMobil offers lucrative dollar-based salaries for roles in petroleum engineering, IT, and project management. Entry-level salaries range from $9,600 to $25,600 annually, making it a top choice for Nigerian graduates.
Address: Mobil House, 1 Lekki Expressway, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.
Contact: Apply through www.exxonmobil.com/careers.
Application Process: Submit CV and qualifications via the career portal or Lagos office.

4. Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)

Sector: Oil and Gas
Details: NNPC, Nigeria’s state-owned oil company, regulates the oil and gas sector and pays dollar-based salaries to top management. The average annual salary is around $4,000, with senior executives earning significantly more. Not all employees receive dollar payments, as this is reserved for high-level roles.
Address: NNPC Towers, Herbert Macaulay Way, Central Business District, Abuja, Nigeria (Lagos office: 7 Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island).
Contact: Check www.nnpcgroup.com/careers for openings.
Application Process: Apply online or submit applications at their Lagos office.

5. MTN Nigeria

Sector: Telecommunications
Details: MTN Nigeria, a subsidiary of South Africa’s MTN Group, is the only telecommunications company on this list paying some employees in dollars. Top-tier staff, such as senior engineers and IT specialists, can earn up to $4,000 monthly. Despite criticisms of service quality, MTN remains a top employer.
Address: Golden Plaza, Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria.
Contact: Visit www.mtn.ng/careers for job listings.
Application Process: Apply through MTN’s career portal with a CV and relevant qualifications.

6. Nestlé Nigeria Plc

Sector: Food and Beverage
Details: Nestlé, a subsidiary of Swiss-based Nestlé S.A., pays competitive salaries, with some senior roles and expatriates receiving dollar-based compensation. Annual salaries range from $1,000 to $2,500, excluding allowances, for roles in IT, supply chain, and management.
Address: 22-24 Industrial Avenue, Ilupeju, Lagos, Nigeria.
Contact: Check www.nestle-cwa.com/en/jobs for opportunities.
Application Process: Apply via Nestlé’s career portal or contact their Lagos office.

7. Andela

Sector: Technology
Details: Andela builds high-performing engineering teams with African talent, paying software engineers, data scientists, and tech professionals in dollars. Salaries are competitive, often ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 monthly for remote roles with global clients.
Address: 298 Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.
Contact: Visit www.andela.com/careers for openings.
Application Process: Apply through Andela’s career portal, showcasing a strong tech portfolio.

8. Paystack

Sector: Fintech
Details: Paystack, a leading payment processing company, pays employees in dollars, especially for tech roles like software engineering and product management. Salaries vary but are competitive, with opportunities for career growth in Africa’s fintech sector.
Address: 126 Joel Ogunnaike Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, Nigeria.
Contact: Check www.paystack.com/careers for job listings.
Application Process: Submit applications via Paystack’s career page, including a CV and portfolio.

9. Flutterwave

Sector: Fintech
Details: Flutterwave, a prominent fintech company, offers dollar-based salaries for software engineers, data analysts, and other tech roles. Salaries typically range from $1,000 to $4,000 monthly, depending on expertise, with a focus on innovation and global projects.
Address: 8 Providence Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, Nigeria.
Contact: Visit www.flutterwave.com/careers for opportunities.
Application Process: Apply online with a CV, cover letter, and evidence of tech skills.

10. TotalEnergies Nigeria

Sector: Oil and Gas
Details: TotalEnergies pays dollar-based salaries, particularly for senior staff and expatriates, with some employees earning up to $125,000 annually. Salaries vary by region, with Port Harcourt staff often receiving higher pay than those in Lagos.
Address: Total House, Plot 1637 Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.
Contact: Check www.totalenergies.ng/careers for openings.
Application Process: Apply through TotalEnergies’ career portal or Lagos office.

Additional Opportunities for Dollar-Based Earnings

Beyond traditional employment, Nigerians can earn dollars through remote work and freelancing for international companies. Notable platforms include:

Upwork: Offers freelance opportunities in software development, digital marketing, and writing, with payments in dollars via Payoneer or Wise.
Fiverr: Allows Nigerians to sell skills like graphic design and content writing to global clients, earning $20–$100 per project.
Toptal: Connects elite software engineers with global companies, paying in dollars for remote roles.
Arc.dev: Facilitates remote tech jobs with dollar payments for Nigerian engineers.
Clickworker/Amazon Mechanical Turk: Offers data entry tasks paying $10–$20 per hour.

Benefits of Dollar-Based Salaries

Financial Stability: Dollar payments shield employees from naira devaluation, enabling better financial planning.
Career Growth: Working for multinational or tech firms provides global exposure and career advancement opportunities.
Higher Earnings: Dollar-based salaries often exceed naira equivalents, especially in tech and oil sectors.
Remote Work Flexibility: Many tech and fintech roles allow Nigerians to work from home for international clients, earning dollars without relocating.

Challenges and Considerations

Limited Access: Dollar payments are often reserved for senior management, expatriates, or highly skilled roles, limiting opportunities for entry-level staff.
Legal Restrictions: Nigerian companies must comply with local regulations, as the naira is the official currency. Dollar payments may attract scrutiny from authorities.
Payment Logistics: Receiving dollars requires a US bank account, virtual dollar card (e.g., Geegpay, Payday), or fintech platforms like Payoneer, which may involve fees.
High Competition: Roles in oil, tech, and fintech are highly competitive, requiring advanced skills or certifications.

Tips for Securing Dollar-Paying Jobs

Develop In-Demand Skills: Focus on skills like software development, cybersecurity, data science, or digital marketing, which are sought after by global employers.
Build a Strong Portfolio: For tech roles, showcase projects on GitHub or a personal website to attract companies like Andela or Flutterwave.
Leverage Job Platforms: Use Indeed (ng.indeed.com), Workfromhome.ng, or Remote.co to find dollar-paying remote jobs.
Network: Connect with industry professionals via LinkedIn or attend tech events in Lagos to learn about opportunities.
Set Up Payment Systems: Use Payoneer, Wise, or virtual dollar cards (e.g., SwyftPay, Cleva) to receive payments securely.
Avoid Scams: Verify job offers through reputable platforms and avoid unverified Telegram groups promising “quick cash.”

Conclusion

Earning salaries in US dollars in Nigeria is a game-changer for professionals seeking financial stability and global opportunities. Companies like Shell, Chevron, ExxonMobil, MTN, and tech firms like Andela and Flutterwave lead the way in offering dollar-based compensation, particularly in oil and gas, telecommunications, and fintech. By developing in-demand skills, leveraging remote work platforms, and setting up reliable payment systems, Nigerians can access these lucrative roles. For more opportunities, explore career portals of listed companies or platforms like Upwork, Toptal, and Arc.dev. With persistence and the right strategy, earning dollars in Nigeria is achievable, even without leaving the country.