Working in Nigeria
International jobs: individual and challenging
Working in Nigeria lives long the memory for the vast majority of our employees. Challenging, large-scale projects, the potential to earn well and the chance to savour African culture beyond simply taking a holiday all make working abroad a special experience. In an informal, pragmatic atmosphere, colleagues soon become friends. Julius Berger International works hand in hand with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc: a partnership that goes back over 50 years offers employees long-term prospects in Nigeria. And once one project has been wrapped up, there is always a chance to stay on in Nigeria for longer and take on new projects.
Our projects in Africa are all about adaptability, intuition and the constant willingness to break new ground. We often realise international projects both Germany and Nigeria. This international approach lies at the heart of our identity – both as a company and as an employer.
Living and working in Nigeria
Your tasks in Nigeria: Where will you be working?
Technical or commercial construction management on site or the office
Project management in technical and commercial fields
Providing training to Nigerian colleagues
Coordinating construction machinery fleets
Supporting the operation of manufacturing facilities
Logistics and materials handling
You take care of your work, we do the rest.
Working with us means working with a reliable, trustworthy partner, for clients and employees alike. Employees who work in Nigeria on behalf of the Julius Berger Group have all of their arrangements made for them, including travel and accommodation, so they can concentrate 100% on their job. There is also always someone on hand in Nigeria to assist our teams and take care of everything they need.
Comprehensive travel arrangements
We take care of all of our employees’ travel arrangements, including all preliminary and follow-up medical examinations in accordance with principle G35 of the German employer’s liability insurance principles (working abroad under special climatic or health conditions), vaccinations, visas, flights, etc. We are also on hand to answer any questions you may have in the run-up to your trip or relocation.
Company camps
Our employees live in fully serviced company camps offering a range of features depending on the location. They are provided with fully furnished, air-conditioned apartments and are free to make use of the clubhouse facilities and enjoy a range of leisure activities. In addition, employees can also use our medical facilities on site at any time, which are equipped to a European standard and provide responsible and reliable medical care.
Comprehensive security concept
We work together with external partners and the relevant authorities such as the German Federal Foreign Office, the German embassy and the Nigerian government to ensure your safety while you are in Nigeria. We have a joint early warning system in place to constantly analyse the latest developments and spot any indications of potential conflict and, if necessary, adjust our security concept. An in-house, local security team also provides round-the-clock protection at all of our camps in Abuja, Lagos and Uyo. All of these important efforts work towards ensuring that our employees can live and work safely and at ease in Nigeria.
Company car and driver
All employees have the option of using company cars, with drivers, in Nigeria. Whether it’s for the daily commute into work, leisure activities or visiting the shops, the driver service means that you can concentrate on what’s important instead of navigating unknown roads and enjoy the peace of mind of the presence of someone familiar with the country and its people.
Childcare and schools
Some of our Nigerian locations offer facilities for children and actively encourage employees to bring their families with them to Nigeria. Our Life-Camp in Abuja, for instance, is the perfect spot for families. We have our own childcare facilities and schools where children are taught the same curriculum as in Hesse and Thuringia. This approach prevents children from being at a disadvantage in terms of their education upon their return to Germany and later integration into the German schooling system.
Personal development
Employees in Nigeria are free to participate in the Julius Berger Group’s development and further training programmes. Some of the services offered to our teams in Nigeria include on-the-job training, employee training programmes, coaching courses with external consultants and staff training/exchanges through the Julius Berger Academy, where necessary and possible.
Life moves fast in Nigeria.
"I have been working for Julius Berger in Nigeria for over 10 years now. It all started when I submitted a speculative application for a job in Nigeria. After a four-week induction phase in Wiesbaden I began working in client acquisition in Abuja, before switching to internal technical services in Lagos. After a number of roles in project and construction management at our Uyo and Abuja locations, I am now regional manager for infrastructure, Central and North Nigeria. Living here is a joy, but it is the complete opposite of life in Germany. For example, we live in a very familiar environment at most of our locations. This allows you to develop close friendships with your colleagues. One day we are doing leisure activities together, the next day we’re sitting together in a meeting. It’s essential that our employees in Nigeria are able to identify with the country and its culture. You need to be adaptable and fond of the dynamic of working here. Moving to Nigeria was definitely the right decision for me. I like the individual approach to my work and the responsibilities entrusted in me."
Before signing on the dotted line
If you are weighing up a job offer with us in Nigeria you are probably going to have one or two unanswered questions. You may be considering the tasks that await you, and perhaps your family will be worried about the time you have together or your future lifestyle. This is all completely normal, and that is why we have prepared for precisely these situations. In our view, transparency is one of our top priorities from the outset of the application process – for both you and your family – which is why we like to involve everyone before any contracts are signed. Your family is free to ask their own questions so that we can allay any fears or uncertainty they may have. What’s more, applicants can also get in touch with employees already working in Nigeria and get some direct feedback on what life there is like.
Is a job in Nigeria right for you?
Are you...
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highly motivated and open-minded?
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someone who embraces different cultures?
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over the age of 27 (Nigeria does not issue work permits to foreign citizens who are under the age of 28)?
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creative, able to work as part of a team and experienced at being abroad?
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looking for a new challenge because you have achieved everything you can in your current job?
If any of these characteristics apply to you, or if there are other reasons why you are interested in working in Nigeria, simply get in touch! We look forward to hearing from you.
Frequently asked questions on working abroad
1. What kind of social security benefits do I receive during my stay in Nigeria?
Health insurance:
Julius Berger Nigeria Plc arranges private health insurance with coverage in your country of work and your country of residence. We recommend that you apply for your statutory or private health insurance to be suspended for reinstatement when you return to Germany. The employer covers the cost of the insurance. You can find out more about social security benefits in your interview.
Pension in your country of residence:
It is possible to continue your pension contributions in your country of residence under certain circumstances.
Unemployment insurance:
It is possible to continue your unemployment insurance in your country of residence under certain circumstances.
Accident insurance:
Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has a group accident insurance policy in place covering accidents both at work and outside of work.
Tax:
You are responsible for the taxation of your earnings generated abroad in your country of residence. The top tax rate in Nigeria is 25%. Julius Berger Nigeria Plc arranges the calculation and payment of taxes.
2. What does above-average remuneration mean?
Besides your salary, you will also receive many other benefits depending on where you work. We provide you with a furnished apartment, including electricity, gas, water, etc., and transport to building or project sites free of charge.
3. How can I prepare for my work in Nigeria?
The project manager will arrange an in-depth meeting with you about the position and the project in Nigeria. Human resources will also speak to you about the terms and conditions and arrange everything for the visa application and the tropical fitness test, including your vaccinations.
4. What will the working conditions be like on site?
We work according to the highest international safety standards, have a very high level of manufacturing depth, use the latest equipment and machinery and are committed to professional quality management.
5. How big are the apartments provided for employees?
Accommodation varies from location to location. All apartments are furnished and have their own kitchens and bathrooms. We also provide kitchen appliances and standard range of crockery, kitchen utensils and bed linen. All apartments are also fitted with air conditioning and insect screens.
6. How long do stays abroad usually last?
The length of your stay will depend on the task at hand and the project. On average, stays last around four-and-a-half years, although if employees perform well they will have the opportunity to spend a significantly longer amount of time in Nigeria if they wish.
7. Who will my colleagues be?
You will work as part of an international team, and the majority of your colleagues will be Nigerian.
As a respectful employer, Julius Berger International provides a wide range of opportunities to both experienced professionals and people only just getting started in their careers. From extensive social security benefits and excellent opportunities for further training, you are sure to find what you’re looking for.