You get the call: "We'd like to offer you the position." You're relieved, you say thank you, and then you realise you don't know your take-home pay, when you'll be confirmed, or whether the company pays pension. That's common, and it's fixable. A good offer can survive a day or two of careful questions. A bad one usually shows itself when you ask.
This guide gives you the questions to ask, how to word them, what a clear answer sounds like, and what to do if the answers are vague. Before you ask anything, confirm the offer is real and costs you nothing. If anyone asks for a fee for "processing" or "training," stop and read our guide on spotting fake job adverts and recruitment fee scams.
Step zero: get the offer in writing
A phone call or WhatsApp message isn't an offer you can rely on. Reply politely: "Thank you, I'm very happy about this. Could you send the offer letter and job description by email so I can review them properly?"
A real employer will not mind. If they push you to resign from your current job or accept "today" without paperwork, treat that as information about how they operate.
Questions about pay
Pay is more than the headline number. Ask for it broken down.
- Is the figure gross or net? Many Nigerian offers quote an annual gross figure. Your take-home is what remains after PAYE tax, pension and any other deductions.
- What are the components? Basic salary, housing, transport and other allowances. Pension and some benefits are often calculated on parts of the package, not the whole, so the split matters.
- When is salary paid? Ask for the exact date each month and whether it has ever been delayed.
- Are there bonuses, and are they guaranteed? "Performance bonus" with no written formula is a hope, not income.
- Will I be paid during probation at the same rate? Some employers pay a reduced amount until confirmation.
If you want to negotiate the figure, do it after you've seen the full breakdown. Our guide on negotiating your first salary offer may help, though check the Nigerian posts list on the blog for the current link before relying on it.
Questions about the contract
- What is the employment type? Permanent, fixed-term, contract or "consultant." A consultant is usually responsible for their own tax and pension and may not get leave or benefits.
- How long is probation, and what are the confirmation criteria? Three to six months is a common range, but ask what the company actually does. "Confirmation depends on performance" should come with named targets or a review date.
- What is the notice period, for both sides? If you must give three months but they can end it in one week, note the imbalance.
- Are there restrictions after I leave? Non-compete or non-solicit clauses can limit your next move. Read them carefully.
- Is there a bond or training repayment clause? Some employers require you to repay training costs if you leave early. Ask for the amount and period in writing.
Questions about benefits and legal basics
Ask which of these apply and who handles them.
- Pension: Will the employer register you with a Pension Fund Administrator and remit contributions monthly? If you already have a retirement savings account, say so and give them your PIN rather than opening a second one.
- Health cover: Is there HMO cover? For you only, or your family? Which hospitals are on the plan near where you live?
- Leave: Annual leave days, sick leave, maternity or paternity leave, and whether unused leave is paid out.
- Tax: Does payroll deduct PAYE and remit it? You should be able to see this on your payslip.
- Insurance and other statutory items: Ask what the company provides and confirm details against official sources or an adviser if you're unsure.
Exact legal minimums change, so check current rules with the relevant government agencies or a labour lawyer rather than relying on what a friend remembers.
Questions about the actual work
- What will my first 90 days look like? A clear answer means someone has planned for your arrival.
- Who will I report to, and can I meet them? Your manager affects your daily life more than the company name does.
- Why is the role open? New position, growth or replacement? If someone left, ask gently how long they stayed.
- Where will I work, and how often? Ask about commute, hybrid days, and whether staff transport, generator power or data allowance is provided. These cut real costs in Nigerian cities.
- What are the hours, including overtime and weekends? Ask whether extra hours are paid or given as time off.
- What does growth look like? Ask what the typical path is for someone who does well in this role.
A worked example (hypothetical)
Say Amaka is offered ₦3,600,000 a year as an operations officer in Lagos. She asks for the breakdown. It's ₦1,440,000 basic, ₦720,000 housing, ₦480,000 transport and ₦960,000 "other allowances." She sees that the last block is large and asks what it covers. HR says it is paid only after confirmation, at six months.
That changes her decision. For the first six months she'd earn much less than ₦300,000 a month gross, and she has rent and transport to pay. She replies: "Could the full package apply from my start date, or could we shorten probation to three months?" Whatever the answer, she now decides with real numbers. The figures here are invented to show the method, not typical pay.
How to ask without sounding difficult
Group your questions in one email instead of sending ten messages. Open with enthusiasm, then say, "Before I confirm, I'd like to clarify a few points." Keep each question short and neutral.
Phone calls are fine, but follow up in writing: "Thanks for your time today. To confirm, probation is three months at full pay, and pension begins from my first month." That email becomes your record. If the answer changes later, you have it.
Red flags that should slow you down
| What you hear | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| "We'll sort out the details after you resume" | Terms may not be agreed | Ask for the letter before you resign |
| Any fee for the job, uniform or training | Likely a scam | Walk away; never pay for a job |
| "Salary is negotiable" but no number given | Pay may be low or undefined | Ask for the range in writing |
| Pressure to decide within hours | Disorganised or hiding something | Ask for 48 hours |
| Refuses to put anything in writing | No protection for you | Treat as unconfirmed |
| "Consultant" role with fixed hours and one boss | Employer avoiding benefits | Ask what benefits you lose |
Common mistakes
- Resigning before you hold a signed letter. Offers get withdrawn. Wait.
- Comparing gross offers to your current net pay. Compare like with like.
- Skipping the contract's fine print because you're excited. Clauses on bonds and notice periods matter most when you leave.
- Asking only about money. A slightly lower salary with pension, health cover and stable payment can beat a higher one without them.
- Not checking the company. Look it up, check reviews carefully, and ask current or former staff if you can reach any through LinkedIn.
Frequently asked questions
Is it rude to ask questions after an offer?
No. Employers expect it. Polite, specific questions show you take the job seriously.
Can the offer be withdrawn if I ask too much?
It's uncommon when you're courteous and reasonable. If an employer withdraws an offer because you asked for the terms in writing, that tells you what working there would be like.
What if I have two offers?
Ask both the same questions and compare using take-home pay, benefits, commute cost and growth. You can tell one employer, honestly, that you have a deadline from another.
Should I ask these questions in the interview?
Save pay and contract detail for after an offer. During interviews, focus on the role and team, using ideas from our post on questions to ask the panel.
Your next step
Copy the lists above into a note on your phone, delete what doesn't apply, and send the rest in one email to HR today. Don't resign until the signed letter is in your hands.
Always apply through the employer's official website or verified channels. Genuine employers never ask applicants to pay for a job, training, or an interview.