How to Ask for a Raise in Nigeria (and Actually Get It)

 

A Step-by-Step Guide to Proving Your Value and Negotiating Your Worth Without Fear.

You've been at your job for over a year. You work hard, you consistently deliver, and you've taken on responsibilities far beyond your original job description. You know, deep down, that you are more valuable to the company now than you were on your first day. And yet, your salary has remained exactly the same.

The thought of asking for a raise sends a jolt of anxiety through you. The conversation feels awkward, confrontational, even ungrateful. What if your boss says no? What if they think you're greedy? In a competitive job market, it's easy to convince yourself that it's safer to just keep your head down and hope your hard work gets noticed.

But hope is not a strategy. Advocating for your professional worth is one of the most critical skills you will ever learn. This is not about confrontation; it is about communication. It is a calm, professional business discussion about the value you create.

This guide will walk you through a step-by-step process to strip the fear away from this conversation. We will replace anxiety with preparation, emotion with data, and hope with a solid, professional plan.

The Litmus Test: Is It the Right Time to Ask?

Timing is everything. Walking in to ask for a raise at the wrong moment is a guaranteed way to get a "no." Before you do anything else, you must honestly assess if the time is right. Ask yourself these questions:

• Have I been here long enough? The golden rule is that you should have been at the company for at least one full year, or six months after a significant promotion or change in responsibilities.

• Have I exceeded expectations? Are you just doing your job, or are you actively doing it better than expected? Have you taken on new tasks, led a project, or found ways to improve a process? You need proof that your value has increased.

• Was my last performance review positive? Your most recent formal feedback should be strong. It's very difficult to ask for more money if your last review indicated you only "meet expectations."

• Is the company doing well? Is the company financially healthy? If there have been recent layoffs or profit warnings, your timing might be off, no matter how great you are.

If you can confidently answer "yes" to these questions, it's time to move to the preparation phase.

Your Homework: Building an Undeniable Case for Your Value

You must never walk into this meeting with just a feeling that you deserve more. You must walk in with a file of evidence. This preparation is your greatest source of confidence.

Step 1: Create Your "Brag Sheet"

This is a document where you list your specific, quantifiable accomplishments since your last salary review. This is not a list of your daily tasks; it is a list of your impact.

• Use the "Problem-Action-Result" Framework:

  • Problem: What was the challenge? ("The monthly reporting process was slow and prone to errors.")

  • Action: What specific thing did you do? ("I created a new Excel template with automated formulas.")

  • Result: What was the measurable outcome? ("This reduced the time spent on the report by 5 hours each month and eliminated manual errors.")

• Gather at least 3-5 strong examples. This is the proof that you are not just a cost to the company; you are an investment that delivers a return.

Step 2: Research Your Market Value

You need external data to back up your request. Your feelings don't set your salary; the market does.

• Action: Go to websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, and LinkedIn Salary. Research the typical salary range for your specific job title, in your city, with your level of experience.

• Talk to Recruiters: If you are connected with any recruiters on LinkedIn, they are a fantastic source of real-time salary information.

• The Goal: You need to find a realistic, data-backed salary range. This transforms your request from "I want more money" to "The market data suggests that a professional with my skills and contributions is typically compensated within this range."

Step 3: Know Your Number

Based on your research and your accomplishments, decide on your target salary. It’s often best to have a specific range in mind (e.g., a 10-15% increase). This gives you a clear goal for the conversation.

The Conversation: A Script for a Calm, Professional Meeting

This is not a confrontation. It is a planned, professional meeting.

Action: Send an email to your manager asking for a specific, private meeting. "Hi Sir/Ma, I'd like to schedule a 30-minute meeting to discuss my performance and career growth here at the company. Would Tuesday at 2 PM work for you?"

The Script:

1. The Opening (Gratitude): Start by expressing gratitude and affirming your commitment.

   • "Thank you for meeting with me. I first want to say that I've really enjoyed my time here over the past year, and I'm very proud of the work I've been able to do, especially on [mention one project you enjoyed]."

2. Presenting Your Case (The Brag Sheet): This is where you calmly present the evidence you gathered.

   • "Over the last few months, I've been focused on increasing my contribution to the team. For example, when I took on the responsibility for the monthly report, I was able to streamline the process, which has saved us about 5 hours of work each month. I also took the lead on the XYZ project, which we delivered ahead of schedule." (Mention 2-3 of your strongest points).

3. The Ask (Based on Data): Connect your value to your compensation request.

   • "Based on this increased contribution and the value I'm bringing to my role, I would like to discuss my compensation. I've done some research into the market rate for a [Your Job Title] with my experience here in Lagos, and the data shows a typical salary range of [State your researched range]. I would like to request that my salary be adjusted to reflect this market value and my performance."

4. The Close (Silence): After you have made your request, stop talking. Let your manager be the next person to speak. This can be uncomfortable, but it is crucial. It shows you are confident in your request and are waiting for their considered response.

Handling the Response: What to Do Next

• If they say "Yes": Fantastic! Thank them professionally and ask for the confirmation in writing. "Thank you so much. I truly appreciate it. Could I expect a formal letter from HR with the updated details?"

• If they say "No" or "Let me think about it": This is not a failure. It is the beginning of a new negotiation. Do not get emotional.

  • Your Response: "Thank you for considering my request. I understand that an immediate adjustment might not be possible. Could we discuss what performance goals I would need to achieve over the next six months for us to be able to revisit this conversation with a positive outcome?"

  • Why this is a power move: This response is incredibly professional. It shows you are committed to your growth and it puts the responsibility on your manager to give you a clear, actionable path forward.

Asking for a raise is a rite of passage in your professional journey. It is a sign of self-respect and a declaration that you understand your own value. By preparing meticulously, communicating professionally, and handling the outcome with grace, you are not just negotiating a salary; you are building the foundation of a powerful and successful career.