The job market in Nigeria is set for noteworthy change in 2026, driven by faster digital adoption, policy reforms, and a young, expanding labour market.
These changes will bring fresh opportunities while also exposing old weaknesses, and for job seekers, employers, and policymakers, the new year will demand adjustment.
Below are five key job market shifts to watch in 2026.
- Digital and tech skills surge: Demand for AI, cybersecurity, cloud, and data skills continually increase.
- Hybrid, remote work and the gig economy expand: Flexible work models gain ground in tech, creative, and service roles.
- Informal sector dominance persists: Most jobs remain informal, with slow movement towards formalisation.
- Youth-focused job creation intensifies: Agriculture, fintech, renewable energy, and education attract more hiring attention.
- Skills-based hiring gains ground: Employers prioritise demonstrable skills over degrees.
1. Digital and Tech Skills Surge
The most visible shift in 2026 is the demand for tech-related skills. Employers are prioritising artificial intelligence literacy, machine learning, cybersecurity, cloud services, and data analysis as digital tools become central to business operations.
Until recently, many organisations were hesitant about adopting artificial intelligence, partly due to security and public dismay. That hesitation eased in 2025, when adoption grew and integration became more common.
In 2026, uptake is expected to increase further as resistance softens and competition gets a greater hold.
Growth in fintech, e-commerce, and public sector initiatives such as N-ATLAS and the 3 Million Technical Talent programme is reinforcing this trend. Telecoms and technology are leading in the hiring sectors, with software development, AI engineering, and data science roles offering better pay and remote options.
The downside is a strong skills gap, as many graduates lack job-ready competencies, increasing the pressure to reskill and upskill.
2. Rise of Hybrid, Remote Work and the Gig Economy
Flexible work arrangements are gaining ground, particularly in technology, media, and creative industries. While traditional full-time roles still dominate Nigeria’s labour market, remote and hybrid work options are becoming more visible, though largely concentrated in cities like Lagos and Abuja.
According to FlexJobs’ 2026 work trends report, about 85% of respondents prioritise the flexibility of remote work over salary.
The World Economic Forum also projects global digital jobs will grow by 25% by 2030. This confirms the trend is global, not uniquely Nigerian.
Gig platforms are also enabling side income through content creation, social media management, and freelance tech services. While this helps absorb young talent, it often comes without formal benefits, reinforcing informal work patterns.
3. Informal Sector Dominance Persists With Gradual Formalisation
Most Nigerians still work in the informal economy. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that over 80% of the workforce is either informally employed or self-employed, particularly in trade, agriculture, and small-scale services. Underemployment also remains widespread.
Despite this reality, 2026 is expected to see gradual movement towards formalisation. Digital payments, mobile banking, and targeted government policies are encouraging structure, especially in agro-processing and services.
Reports reveal that informality is high due to issues such as multiple taxation and limited access to finance, but the direction of travel is slowly changing.
4. Youth-Focused Job Creation in Key Sectors
With nearly 70% of Nigeria’s population under the age of 30, job creation for young people is unavoidable. Agriculture, fintech, renewable energy, education, healthcare, and development-focused organisations are likely to lead recruitment.
Youth unemployment is significantly higher than the national average, pushing the government to prioritise digital infrastructure and talent development. At the same time, private-sector innovation, particularly in startups, continues to open new roles.
Lagos, Abuja, and other major cities remain the main employment hubs, with strong demand for skills in sales, finance, engineering, and technology.
5. Skills-Based Hiring Becomes the Norm
By 2026, skills-based hiring is expected to be firmly established. Employers are taking focus away from formal qualifications towards demonstrated ability, problem-solving skills, and real-life experience.
Artificial intelligence is impacting this transition, helping employers assess candidates more accurately. Hybrid skill sets and evidence-based hiring, such as portfolios and assessments, now matter more than paper credentials.
Globally, workers are responding by investing in certifications, employer-led training, and independent learning. Research from The Recruiting Office shows companies make fewer hiring mistakes when they prioritise skills over degrees.
While this approach helps address talent shortages, it creates new challenges for graduates entering a competitive and often stagnant entry-level market.
The Market Context
The labour market is closely tied to economic and technological trends. After reforms in 2025 helped stabilise inflation, exchange rates, and reserves, 2026 is expected to bring modest growth, particularly in services and digital industries.
The digital economy, driven by mobile usage, fintech expansion, and AI adoption, is becoming a stronger contributor to GDP. This growth is bolstered by Nigeria’s young population, which continues to drive demand for digital jobs.
Issues such as unreliable power supply, skills mismatches, and high informality will not disappear overnight. Even so, technology provides one of the clearest paths to job creation and productivity gains across agriculture, finance, and services.
Conclusion
In 2026, the job market will see digital progress and policy reforms opening new opportunities, especially for skilled young workers. However, this progress depends on closing the skills gap, supporting informal workers, and maintaining reform efforts.
For job seekers, adaptability and digital competence will be essential. For employers and policymakers, sustained investment in training and inclusive growth will determine whether this moment becomes a turning point or a missed opportunity.
