HomeBlogTop 10 Nigerian Companies with the Highest Number of Employees

Top 10 Nigerian Companies with the Highest Number of Employees

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Finding a job in Nigeria’s competitive market can be challenging, but targeting companies with large workforces significantly improves your chances of landing a role. Private corporations dominate the job market, with some employing tens of thousands of workers across various industries. 

Among these, the banking sector stands out as the largest collective employer, while individual giants like Dangote Cement employ over 20,000 people. These companies not only offer abundant job opportunities but also provide competitive salaries, career growth programs, and robust employee benefits. 

According to an analysis by Nairametrics, Nigeria’s top firms collectively spent ₦1.695 trillion on salaries and invested heavily in training, making them ideal destinations for job seekers aiming for stability and growth.

In this article, we highlight the 10 Nigerian companies with the highest number of employees and share practical tips to help you secure a position with them.


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10 Nigerian Companies with the Most Employees (2024)

Below is the full list of 10 Nigerian companies that employ the largest workforce. Each list includes a direct link to apply for current job openings at the company.

Dangote Cement 

Dangote Cement is Nigeria’s largest private employer, with 20,910 staff as of 2024. The company operates nationwide, offering frequent job opportunities in production, logistics, sales, and engineering. In 2024, Dangote Cement spent N232.78 billion on employee salaries, providing competitive pay and benefits.

Industry: Manufacturing
Number of Employees:  20,910 staff
Salary Expenditure: N232.78 billion

Click Here to Apply for Dangote Group

First HoldCo Plc (First Bank of Nigeria)

FirstHoldCo Plc, the parent company of Nigeria’s oldest banking institution, First Bank of Nigeria, stands as the bank with the highest number of staff in the country.  With 9,950 employees, it maintains an extensive branch network across all 36 states, offering career opportunities in retail banking, corporate finance, and digital innovation. The company invested N229.10 billion in employee compensation in 2024, demonstrating its commitment to competitive remuneration and staff welfare.

Industry: Banking/Financial Services
Number of Employees: 9,950 staff
Salary Expenditure: N229.10 billion

Click Here to Apply for First Bank of Nigeria

Julius Berger

Julius Berger remains one of Nigeria’s largest construction employers despite reducing its workforce by 20% from 11,716 in 2023 to 9,419 in 2024. The company significantly increased its investment in employee compensation, with salary expenses nearly doubling from N79.32 billion to N154.08 billion year-over-year, reflecting improved remuneration for its remaining workforce.

Industry: Construction/Engineering
Number of Employees: 9,419 staff (down from 11,716 in 2023)
Salary Expenditure: N154.08 billion (up from N79.32 billion)

Click Here to Apply for Julius Berger

United Bank of Africa (UBA)

UBA maintains its position as one of Nigeria’s top banking employers with 9,323 staff in 2024, despite a 7% reduction from its 10,007 workforce in 2023. Notably, the bank significantly increased its investment in employee compensation, with salary expenses surging 71% to N297.60 billion in 2024 from N173.65 billion in the previous year.

Industry: Banking/Financial Services
Number of Employees: 9,323 staff (down from 10,007 in 2023)
Salary Expenditure: N297.60 billion (up from N173.65 billion)

Click Here to Apply for United Bank of Africa (UBA)

Access Holdings

Access Holdings, the parent company of Access Bank, increased its workforce to 8,939 employees in 2024, up from 7,576 in 2023. During the same period, salary expenditures more than doubled, rising to N357.62 billion from N160.25 billion. The company was recognized as the “Best Trade Partner Bank in West Africa 2024” by the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Industry: Banking/Financial Services
Employees: 8,939 (+18% YoY growth)
Salary Expenditure: N357.62 billion (123% increase from 2023)

Click Here to Apply for Access Holdings

Zenith Bank

Zenith Bank increased its workforce by 15%, expanding the number of employees to 7,704 in 2024, up from 6,681 in 2023. Additionally, the bank raised its salary investments by 49%, reaching N137.69 billion. The bank was also recognized as Nigeria’s Most Sustainable Bank at the International Banker Awards 2024.

In 2024, Zenith Bank made history by appointing its first female CEO, Dr. Adaora Umeoji. Furthermore, females constituted 4,090 employees, while males accounted for 3,614 employees, demonstrating its commitment to gender-balanced leadership.

Industry: Banking & Financial Services
Employees: 7,704 (+15% YoY growth)
Salary Expenditure: N137.69 billion (+49% from 2023)

Click Here to Apply for Zenith Bank

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Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO)

GTCO, the parent company of GTBank, manages a workforce of 5,803 employees across its financial group. In 2024, the company allocated N88.69 billion to employee salaries and benefits. The holding company structure offers career opportunities in traditional banking through GTBank as well as in digital finance via its HabariPay fintech subsidiary.

Industry: Banking & Financial Services
Employees: 5,803
Salary Expenditure: N88.69 billion

Click Here to Apply for GTCO

Flour Mill

As Nigeria’s largest employer in food manufacturing and agro-allied industries, Flour Mills maintained a workforce of 5,803 employees in 2024. The company significantly increased its investment in staff welfare, raising salary expenditures by 15% to N57.14 billion (from N49.68 billion in 2023).

Industry: Food Manufacturing & Agro-Allied 
Employees: 5,803
Salary Expenditure: N57.14 billion 

Click Here to Apply for Flour Mill

FCMB Group

FCMB Group increased its workforce by 7%, bringing the total number of employees to 3,796 from 3,554 in 2023. Additionally, the company significantly raised its salary investments by 72%, reaching N58.54 billion. FCMB provides strong commercial banking services along with specialized support for small businesses and has been recognized as the Best Bank for MSME Credit Access by the Development Bank of Nigeria.

Industry: Financial Services
Employees: 3,796 
Salary Expenditure: N58.54 billion

Click Here to Apply for FCMB

Stanbic IBTC

Stanbic IBTC grew its workforce by 6.1% to 3,243 employees in 2024 (from 3,056 in 2023) while increasing salary expenditures by 33.5% to N81.72 billion – demonstrating one of Nigeria’s highest per-employee compensation levels. Despite having fewer staff than competitors like FCMB (3,796) and Flour Mills (5,803), the bank invests more heavily in its workforce, offering premium career opportunities in corporate banking, asset management, and pension services.

Industry: Banking & Financial Services
Employees (2024): 3,243 (+6.1% YoY growth)
Salary Expenditure: N81.72 billion (+33.5% from 2023)

Click Here to Apply for Stanbic IBTC

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Hired by These Companies

1. Check the Job Openings in These Companies

Regularly visit the careers pages of top Nigerian companies like Dangote Group, MTN Nigeria, or Access Bank. Many companies update their job listings frequently, so setting up alerts or checking weekly can help you stay ahead. Additionally, platforms like LinkedIn, Jobberman, or NgCareers often feature openings from these employers.

To stay updated on available opportunities, regularly visit the career pages of these top Nigerian companies. You can also streamline your search by checking platforms like JobsRegion, which aggregates job openings from various companies. This saves time and ensures you don’t miss out on relevant opportunities.

2. Find the Position You Are Most Interested In

Companies recruit across different departments, such as finance, marketing, IT, and operations. Identify roles that align with your skills, experience, and career goals. Focusing on positions that match your strengths increases your chances of standing out during the application process.

3. Check the Job Description and Requirements

Carefully review the job description to understand the responsibilities and qualifications needed. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences in your application to demonstrate you’re a good fit. Meeting the requirements is the first step to getting shortlisted.

4. Tailor Your CV to the Position

Avoid using a generic CV for all applications. Customize your resume to reflect the keywords and skills mentioned in the job description. A tailored CV shows recruiters you’ve taken the time to understand the role and are genuinely interested.

5. Prepare for Interviews

Research the company’s culture, values, and recent achievements to answer interview questions confidently. Practice common interview scenarios and prepare questions to ask the interviewer. Being well-prepared boosts your confidence and leaves a positive impression.

6. Networking with employees

Networking can significantly enhance your job search. Connect with employees of your target companies on LinkedIn or attend industry events to build relationships. Many job openings are filled through referrals, so having a strong network can give you an edge.

However, remember that networking alone won’t secure a job if you’re unqualified. Companies prioritize merit, so ensure you meet the role’s requirements before seeking referrals.

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