High-Paying Skills that are Surprisingly Neglected in Nigeria and how to take advantage of them

 


Recently, I was asked by a reader who had read some of my previous posts on navigating the current job market about the high-paying skills one needs to acquire to remain competitive. After conducting preliminary research on the high-paying skills thriving in advanced economies, I discovered that quite a few of them are neglected in Nigeria. This neglect is surprising given the statistics: Nigeria has a youth unemployment rate of 53.4% as of 2023 (National Bureau of Statistics), and a World Bank report highlights that over 65% of Nigerians aged 15-34 are either underemployed or unemployed. Yet, there is a growing demand for specialized skills globally, with reports by McKinsey estimating that skill gaps could result in 85 million job vacancies worldwide by 2030. Leveraging these neglected skills could be a game-changer for individuals and the nation’s economy. In today’s fast-evolving global economy, certain high-paying skills remain untapped goldmines in Nigeria. These skills, often overlooked due to societal preferences, limited awareness, or inadequate infrastructure, hold the potential to transform careers and stimulate the economy. This post details a breakdown of these neglected skills, supported by statistics and actionable tips to leverage them effectively.

#1. Digital Marketing

Why It’s Neglected: Despite Nigeria’s massive internet penetration standing at 47.6% in 2023, according to Statista many businesses lack structured digital marketing strategies. Traditional advertising still dominates, while digital marketing expertise remains underutilized. Digital marketers can earn between NGN 300,000 and NGN 1,000,000 monthly, depending on experience and niche.

How to Acquire:

  1. Where to Learn: Enroll in online certifications such as Google Digital Skills for Africa, Hutspot Academy or Udemy.
  2. Tools to Master: Google Ads, Facebook Business Suite, and SEO tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush.
  3. Practical Tip: Volunteer to manage social media accounts for SMEs to build hands-on experience.

#2. Data Analysis and Data Science

Why it’s neglected: Nigeria’s educational system prioritizes theoretical knowledge over practical, tech-driven skills like data science. Despite the growing global demand, only 1.5% of Nigerian professionals are skilled in data analytics, according to LinkedIn’s 2023 skills report. Thus, it is estimated that Data analysts earn between NGN 350,000 and NGN 800,000 monthly, while experienced data scientists can earn over NGN 1.5 million monthly.

How to Acquire:

  1. Where to Learn:  visit Coursera, Udemy, and DataCamp, which offer beginner to advanced courses.
  2. Tools to Master: Python, R, SQL, and data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI.
  3. Practical Tip: Join communities like Data Science Nigeria for networking and mentorship.

#3. Renewable Energy Technology

Why It’s Neglected: With over 85 million Nigerians lacking access to electricity (World Bank, 2023), renewable energy solutions like solar installations remain underexplored. This is partly due to a focus on traditional energy sources and insufficient technical training. Some estimates put  Solar energy technicians' and engineers' earnings between NGN 400,000 and NGN 1,200,000 monthly.

How to Acquire:

  1. Where to Learn: Enroll in programs at the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) or the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN).
  2. Tools to Master: PV System Design Tools, Solar Pathfinder, and HOMER software.
  3. Practical Tip: Start small by offering solar solutions in rural areas with little to no electricity access.

#4. UI/UX Design

Why it’s neglected: Despite the tech boom, user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design receive less attention than software development. Yet, the success of apps like Flutterwave and Paystack highlights the importance of seamless user experience. UI/UX designers are estimated to earn between NGN 300,000 and NGN 800,000 monthly, with the potential for remote jobs paying over USD 4,000 monthly.

How to Acquire:

  1. Where to Learn: Take Coursera, Udemy, or Interaction Design Foundation courses.
  2. Tools to Master: Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, and InVision.
  3. Practical Tip: Build a portfolio by redesigning popular apps or websites to showcase your skills.

#5. Technical Writing

Why It’s Neglected: Nigeria’s talent pool for technical writing remains small despite the growing need for documentation in tech and other sectors. The misconception that writing isn’t lucrative adds to its neglect.  Freelance technical writers earn USD 50–100 per article, translating to over NGN 1,000,000 monthly for consistent projects.

How to Acquire:

  1. Where to Learn: Platforms like Technical Writing Academy and free resources on Medium.
  2. Tools to Master: Markdown, Google Docs, and tools like Snagit for visuals.
  3. Practical Tip: Start by documenting open-source projects to gain experience.

 #6. Robotics and Automation

Why It’s Neglected: Automation and robotics are often seen as futuristic, yet they’re already transforming industries globally. Nigeria’s focus on manual labor and outdated manufacturing techniques limits adoption. It is estimated that Robotics engineers earn over NGN 2,000,000 monthly in top firms.

How to Acquire:

  1. Where to Learn: Enroll in robotics courses on Udemy, edX, or MIT OpenCourseWare.
  2. Tools to Master: Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and programming languages like Python.
  3. Practical Tip: Build DIY robots to understand the fundamentals and showcase your skills.

 

#7. Video Editing and Motion Graphics

Why It’s Neglected: The entertainment industry thrives in Nigeria, yet technical roles like video editing are less appreciated than on-screen talent.  Professional video editors earn between NGN 300,000 and NGN 700,000 monthly, with freelancers earning more based on project scope.

How to Acquire:

  1. Where to Learn: Take online courses on Skillshare, Adobe’s Learning Hub, or Motion Design School.
  2. Tools to Master: Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and DaVinci Resolve.
  3. Practical Tip: Build an online portfolio showcasing diverse projects, including personal or client work.

To tap into these high-paying but neglected skills in Nigeria, identify a skill that resonates with your interests or complements your career goals. Research available learning resources many of which are free or affordable and dedicate consistent time to mastering the associated tools and techniques. Build a portfolio to showcase your expertise, leverage online communities for networking and mentorship, and stay updated with industry trends. By starting small and being persistent, you can position yourself for lucrative opportunities locally and globally, transforming your career while contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth

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