International Relations Jobs Salary in Nigeria 2025: Full Details With Complete Breakdown

International relations (IR) professionals in Nigeria play a vital role in fostering diplomatic, economic, and social connections in a globally interconnected world. With Nigeria’s prominence as a leading African nation, IR jobs span government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), multinational corporations, and international organizations. These roles offer competitive salaries, particularly for those with advanced degrees and experience. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of salaries for international relations jobs in Nigeria for 2025, covering key roles, salary ranges, benefits, influencing factors, and career insights, drawing from sources like Nexford University, MySalaryScale, and PayScale.

Overview of International Relations Jobs and Salaries

International relations jobs in Nigeria encompass diverse roles such as Diplomatic Officers, International Development Specialists, Policy Analysts, and Humanitarian Officers. Salaries vary based on experience, education, sector (public, private, or NGO), and location. The field is interdisciplinary, requiring skills in diplomacy, policy analysis, and cross-cultural communication.

• Salary Range: Salaries for IR professionals in Nigeria typically range from ₦147,636 to ₦1,000,000+ per month, with senior roles in multinational organizations or government reaching higher.
• Average Salary:
  • MySalaryScale reports an average of ₦250,000 per month for roles like International Relations Officer, based on limited data from 3 employees.
  • Nexford University estimates high-paying roles like International Development Specialists at ₦7,000,000 to ₦10,000,000 annually (approximately ₦583,333 to ₦833,333 per month).
• Key Employers: Include the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, United Nations, African Union, NGOs (e.g., IRC, ICRC), and multinational corporations like Shell or consulting firms.

Salary Breakdown by Role

Below is a detailed breakdown of salaries for key international relations roles in Nigeria, based on available data and estimates for 2025:

1. Diplomatic Officer/Foreign Service Officer:
   • Role: Represents Nigeria in foreign missions, promotes national interests, and facilitates diplomatic relations. Involves negotiating treaties and supporting citizens abroad.
   • Salary: Estimated at ₦300,000 to ₦600,000 per month in Nigeria, with senior diplomats earning up to ₦1,000,000+ per month in government roles. Internationally, diplomats earn $75,260–$90,304 annually (~₦6,270,833–₦7,525,333 per month at 2025 exchange rates).
   • Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in international relations, political science, or related fields; master’s degree preferred for senior roles.
   • Example: A Foreign Service Officer at the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja earns ₦350,000–₦500,000 per month, with allowances for overseas postings.
2. International Development Specialist:
   • Role: Collaborates with NGOs, governments, or organizations like the World Bank to design and implement programs for sustainable development, poverty reduction, and socioeconomic growth.
   • Salary: ₦7,000,000 to ₦10,000,000 annually (₦583,333 to ₦833,333 per month). Entry-level roles start at ₦300,000 per month.
   • Qualifications: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in international development, economics, or related fields; 3–5 years of experience.
   • Example: A specialist at UNDP Nigeria earns ₦600,000–₦800,000 per month, with additional allowances.
3. International Humanitarian Officer:
   • Role: Coordinates emergency response, disaster relief, and development programs for NGOs or agencies like the IRC, focusing on health, food security, and shelter.
   • Salary: ₦4,000,000 to ₦6,000,000 annually (₦333,333 to ₦500,000 per month). Entry-level roles pay ₦200,000–₦350,000 per month.
   • Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in humanitarian studies or related fields; experience in crisis-affected regions like Northeast Nigeria.
   • Example: An IRC Humanitarian Officer in Maiduguri earns ₦338,000–₦500,000 per month, with hardship allowances. [From prior conversation]
4. Policy Analyst:
   • Role: Researches political systems, analyzes policies, and advises government or organizations on implications. Works in think tanks, NGOs, or government.
   • Salary: Estimated at ₦250,000 to ₦500,000 per month in Nigeria, with senior analysts earning up to ₦800,000 per month. Internationally, salaries average $62,782 annually (~₦5,231,833 per month).
   • Qualifications: Master’s degree in political science, international relations, or public policy; analytical skills.
   • Example: A Policy Analyst at a Lagos-based think tank earns ₦300,000–₦450,000 per month.
5. International Relations Researcher:
   • Role: Conducts research on global issues, security, or economic trends for universities, think tanks, or NGOs.
   • Salary: ₦200,000 to ₦400,000 per month for mid-level roles; senior researchers may earn ₦600,000+ per month.
   • Qualifications: Master’s or Ph.D. in international relations or related fields; research experience.
   • Example: A researcher at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs earns ₦250,000–₦400,000 per month.
6. Immigration Specialist:
   • Role: Manages immigration processes, advises on legal compliance, and supports clients or organizations.
   • Salary: Estimated at ₦200,000–₦400,000 per month in Nigeria, compared to $51,181–$89,656 annually internationally (~₦4,265,083–₦7,471,333 per month).
   • Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in law, international relations, or related fields; knowledge of immigration laws.
7. International Trade Specialist:
   • Role: Facilitates trade agreements, analyzes market trends, and supports export/import policies for government or private firms.
   • Salary: ₦300,000 to ₦600,000 per month, with senior roles in multinationals reaching ₦1,000,000+ per month.
   • Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in economics, international business, or related fields; trade expertise.

Benefits and Allowances

IR professionals in Nigeria, especially those with NGOs or international organizations, receive competitive benefits:

1. National Staff Benefits:
   • 13th-Month Salary: Paid in December, prorated based on months worked.
   • Annual Leave: 20–30 days per year, depending on the employer.
   • Health Insurance: Covers employees and sometimes dependents, common in NGOs like IRC or ICRC.
   • Pension Contributions: Mandatory 8% employee and 10% employer contributions under Nigeria’s Pension Reform Act.
   • Training Opportunities: NGOs and government agencies offer professional development, e.g., diplomacy or policy analysis courses.
2. Mobile/Expatriate Staff Benefits:
   • Hardship Allowance: 5–15% of salary for high-risk areas like Borno or Yobe.
   • Cost-of-Living Allowance: Covers expenses in high-cost cities like Lagos or Abuja.
   • Accommodation: Fully covered during field assignments.
   • Travel and Relocation: Covers travel and luggage transport for international assignments.
   • Pension Plan: 17% employer contribution for expatriates, with retirement at age 62.
   • Loss-of-Earnings Insurance: Salary continuance for up to 720 days for illness or accidents.

Factors Influencing Salaries

1. Experience:
   • Entry-Level (0–2 years): ₦147,636–₦300,000 per month.
   • Mid-Level (3–5 years): ₦300,000–₦600,000 per month.
   • Senior-Level (5+ years): ₦600,000–₦1,000,000+ per month.
2. Education:
   • Bachelor’s degree: Average ₦250,000–₦400,000 per month.
   • Master’s degree: Increases earnings by 20–30%, averaging ₦400,000–₦600,000 per month.
   • Certifications (e.g., CFA, diplomacy courses) enhance salaries by 10–15%.
3. Sector:
   • Government: Stable salaries but lower than NGOs or multinationals (e.g., ₦300,000–₦600,000 per month for diplomats).
   • NGOs: Competitive salaries with benefits, e.g., IRC’s ₦338,000–₦796,579 per month. [From prior conversation]
   • Private Sector: Highest salaries in multinationals, e.g., ₦600,000–₦1,000,000+ per month.
4. Location:
   • Lagos, Abuja: Highest salaries due to economic activity and cost of living.
   • Northeast (e.g., Maiduguri): Lower base salaries but higher hardship allowances.
5. Gender:
   • Limited data on gender pay gaps, but general NGO trends show men earning slightly more (e.g., 13% higher in related fields).
6. Economic Climate:
   • Nigeria’s 33% inflation rate in 2025 erodes real income, impacting lower-paid roles.
   • Donor funding for NGOs affects salary stability.

Challenges and Considerations

• High Competition: IR roles are competitive, requiring strong networks and qualifications.
• Stressful Environments: Humanitarian roles in conflict zones like Borno involve high stress and security risks.
• Salary Negotiation: Limited in NGOs and government roles, with fixed salary bands.
• Nepotism: Connections often influence hiring, particularly in government roles.
• Funding Dependence: NGO salaries rely on donor funding, which can be inconsistent.

Comparison to Other Professions

• IRC Staff: Averages ₦168,750–₦796,579 per month, comparable to mid-level IR roles like Humanitarian Officers. [From prior conversation]
• Investment Banker: Averages ₦194,000–₦562,500 per month, similar to IR roles but with higher bonuses. [From prior conversation]
• Industrial Chemist: Averages ₦83,000–₦640,000 per month, lower than senior IR roles. [From prior conversation]
• General Banker: Averages ₦121,000–₦180,000 per month, significantly lower than IR roles in NGOs or multinationals.

Recruitment and Requirements

• Eligibility:
  • Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in international relations, political science, or related fields.
  • Preferred: Master’s degree or certifications (e.g., CFA, diplomacy courses) for senior roles.
• Skills: Analytical skills, cross-cultural communication, policy analysis, and project management.
• Recruitment Process: Applications via job portals (e.g., MyJobMag, ng.indeed.com), followed by interviews and assessments.
• Job Platforms: Indeed lists 28 IR jobs in Abuja, including Knowledge Manager and Program Manager. LinkedIn notes 97 IR jobs across Nigeria.

Conclusion

International relations jobs in Nigeria offer salaries ranging from ₦147,636 to ₦1,000,000+ per month, with high-paying roles like International Development Specialists earning ₦583,333–₦833,333 per month. Diplomatic Officers, Humanitarian Officers, and Policy Analysts also command competitive pay, enhanced by benefits like health insurance, pension contributions, and hardship allowances. Factors like experience, education, and location significantly influence earnings, with Lagos and Abuja offering the highest salaries. Despite challenges like competition and inflation, IR remains a rewarding field for those passionate about diplomacy and global impact. For the latest opportunities, check platforms like MyJobMag, Indeed, or LinkedIn.