Here are 20 virtual assistant job opportunities in Nigeria, along with details on how to apply and estimated salary scales in Naira (₦).
1. Upwork (Freelance Platform)
- How to Apply: Create a profile on Upwork and bid for virtual assistant jobs.
- Salary: ₦50,000 – ₦300,000/month (varies with experience).
2. Fiverr (Freelance Platform)
- How to Apply: Sign up on Fiverr and offer VA services.
- Salary: ₦40,000 – ₦250,000/month.
3. Remote.co (Remote Jobs)
- How to Apply: Check Remote.co for remote VA jobs.
- Salary: ₦80,000 – ₦400,000/month.
4. Toptal (High-Paying Freelance Jobs)
- How to Apply: Apply via Toptal (rigorous screening).
- Salary: ₦150,000 – ₦600,000/month.
5. Indeed Nigeria (Job Listings)
- How to Apply: Search for “Virtual Assistant” jobs on Indeed Nigeria.
- Salary: ₦60,000 – ₦350,000/month.
6. LinkedIn (Professional Networking)
- How to Apply: Search for VA jobs on LinkedIn.
- Salary: ₦70,000 – ₦400,000/month.
7. Virtual Staff Nigeria
- How to Apply: Apply via Virtual Staff Nigeria.
- Salary: ₦50,000 – ₦200,000/month.
8. Outsourcing Companies (e.g., 1840 & Company)
- How to Apply: Check 1840 & Company.
- Salary: ₦100,000 – ₦500,000/month.
9. PeoplePerHour (Freelance Platform)
- How to Apply: Sign up on PeoplePerHour.
- Salary: ₦60,000 – ₦300,000/month.
10. OnlineJobs.ng (Nigeria-Based Jobs)
- How to Apply: Search for VA jobs on OnlineJobs.ng.
- Salary: ₦50,000 – ₦250,000/month.
11. Guru (Freelance Platform)
- How to Apply: Register on Guru.
- Salary: ₦70,000 – ₦350,000/month.
12. Freelancer Nigeria
- How to Apply: Sign up on Freelancer.
- Salary: ₦40,000 – ₦200,000/month.
13. We Work Remotely (Remote Jobs)
- How to Apply: Check We Work Remotely.
- Salary: ₦100,000 – ₦500,000/month.
14. Remote OK (Remote Jobs)
- How to Apply: Apply via Remote OK.
- Salary: ₦120,000 – ₦600,000/month.
15. VA Connect (Virtual Assistant Agency)
- How to Apply: Apply via VA Connect.
- Salary: ₦80,000 – ₦300,000/month.
16. Belay Solutions (U.S.-Based VA Jobs)
- How to Apply: Apply via Belay Solutions.
- Salary: ₦150,000 – ₦500,000/month.
17. Time Etc (Virtual Assistant Jobs)
- How to Apply: Apply via Time Etc.
- Salary: ₦100,000 – ₦400,000/month.
18. Boldly (Premium Virtual Assistants)
- How to Apply: Apply via Boldly.
- Salary: ₦200,000 – ₦800,000/month.
19. Facebook Groups (Job Listings)
- How to Apply: Join Nigerian remote job groups (e.g., “Remote Jobs Nigeria”).
- Salary: ₦50,000 – ₦300,000/month.
20. Nairaland Jobs Section
- How to Apply: Check Nairaland Jobs.
- Salary: ₦40,000 – ₦250,000/month.
Salary Summary (Per Month)
| Experience Level | Estimated Salary (₦) |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level | ₦40,000 – ₦100,000 |
| Mid-Level | ₦100,000 – ₦300,000 |
| Expert/International Clients | ₦300,000 – ₦800,000+ |
Tips to Increase Earnings
✔ Build a strong profile (LinkedIn, Upwork, Fiverr).
✔ Learn niche skills (e.g., social media management, email handling).
✔ Apply for high-paying international jobs.
Major Rules Governing Virtual Assistant Jobs in Nigeria
Virtual assistant (VA) jobs in Nigeria are governed by various rules, including legal, contractual, financial, and ethical guidelines. These rules ensure smooth operations, protect both clients and VAs, and maintain professionalism in the remote work industry. Below is an 800-word breakdown of the key regulations and best practices for virtual assistants in Nigeria.
1. Legal and Contractual Rules
A. Work Agreements & Contracts
Before starting any VA job, a written contract is essential. Key elements include:
- Scope of Work: Clearly defined tasks (e.g., email management, scheduling, social media).
- Payment Terms: Fixed salary, hourly rate, or project-based pay (in ₦ or foreign currency).
- Confidentiality Clause: Protects sensitive client information (NDA may be required).
- Termination Policy: Conditions under which either party can end the contract.
Why It Matters:
- Avoids disputes over unpaid wages or job expectations.
- Legally binding in case of breach (enforceable under Nigerian contract law).
B. Tax Compliance
- Freelancers & Self-Employed VAs: Must file annual taxes with the FIRS (Federal Inland Revenue Service).
- Income Threshold: If earnings exceed ₦25 million/year, VAT registration may be required.
- Foreign Payments: If paid in USD/GBP, comply with CBN forex regulations for conversion.
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
- Fines or legal action for tax evasion.
- Account freezes for undisclosed foreign income.
2. Payment & Financial Regulations
A. Payment Methods
Common options for Nigerian VAs:
- Bank Transfers (₦): For local clients.
- PayPal, Payoneer, Wise: For international payments (subject to fees).
- Cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin): Risky due to CBN restrictions.
B. Exchange Rate & Withdrawals
- CBN Policies: International earnings must be converted via official channels (e.g., domiciliary accounts).
- Platform Fees: Upwork/Fiverr deduct 10–20% per transaction.
Best Practice:
- Use Payoneer or Wise for lower withdrawal fees (compared to PayPal).
- Declare foreign income to avoid CBN sanctions.
3. Platform-Specific Rules
A. Freelance Platforms (Upwork, Fiverr, etc.)
- Upwork:
- Job Success Score (JSS) affects visibility.
- Fixed-price vs. hourly contracts (must use Upwork’s time tracker for hourly jobs).
- Fiverr:
- Gig rankings depend on reviews and delivery time.
- 20% service fee on earnings.
Violation Penalties:
- Account suspension for fake reviews, missed deadlines, or unprofessional conduct.
B. Remote Job Sites (Remote.co, We Work Remotely)
- Most require resume/CV, portfolio, and cover letters.
- Some mandate background checks for high-paying roles.
4. Data Protection & Privacy Laws
A. Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR)
- VAs handling client data must:
- Obtain consent before processing personal data.
- Secure data (use encrypted tools like Google Drive, LastPass).
- Report breaches within 72 hours to NDPR.
Penalties for Violations:
- Fines up to ₦10 million or 2% of annual revenue.
B. GDPR (For International Clients)
- If working with EU clients, comply with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
- Must allow clients to request data deletion.
5. Work Ethics & Professional Conduct
A. Punctuality & Deadlines
- Missing deadlines can lead to termination or poor ratings.
- Use tools like Trello, Asana, or Google Calendar for time management.
B. Communication Etiquette
- Prompt responses (within 24 hours).
- Professional language (avoid slang in emails/chats).
C. Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
- Non-compete clauses may restrict working with rival clients.
6. Skill & Certification Requirements
A. Mandatory Skills
- Basic: Email management, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace.
- Advanced: Social media marketing, SEO, CRM tools (e.g., HubSpot).
B. Certifications (For Higher Paying Jobs)
- Google Certified Digital Assistant
- Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)
- HubSpot Academy Certifications
Impact on Salary:
- Certified VAs earn 30–50% more (₦200,000–₦800,000/month).
7. Dispute Resolution & Legal Recourse
A. Handling Unpaid Wages
- Freelance Platforms: Upwork/Fiverr have dispute resolution centers.
- Direct Clients: Small claims court (if within Nigeria).
B. Scams & Fraud Prevention
- Red Flags:
- Clients asking for upfront payment.
- Vague job descriptions.
- Protection Measures:
- Use escrow services (e.g., Upwork Milestone Payments).
- Avoid sharing bank details unnecessarily.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways
- Always sign a contract to define work terms.
- Comply with Nigerian tax laws to avoid penalties.
- Follow platform rules (Upwork, Fiverr) to prevent bans.
- Protect client data per NDPR/GDPR guidelines.
- Upskill with certifications to increase earnings.
By adhering to these rules, Nigerian virtual assistants can build sustainable careers, avoid legal issues, and maximize earnings in the remote work industry.
