Updated July 21st 2026
All About Employee Leave & PTO in Nigeria
Learn what you need to know about leave requirements in Nigeria and how Justworks EOR can help streamline hiring.
How an EOR Can Help with Employee Leave & PTO
Understanding Nigeria’s leave and PTO policies is essential to remain compliant and competitive when hiring.
Justworks helps your business meet local employment standards by managing leave policies as part of Justworks’ EOR service. From sick leave to vacation to maternity entitlements, we handle the complexity of local compliance so you can focus on your team.
Vacation Leave
Full-time employees in Nigeria are entitled to at least six working days of paid annual leave after completing 12 months of continuous service. Many employers provide two to four weeks as standard practice. Leave can be deferred by agreement.
Sick Leave
Manual and clerical workers are entitled to 12 paid sick days per year under the Labour Act, provided the illness is certified by a registered medical practitioner. For other workers, sick leave is governed by contract.
Maternity Leave
Female employees are entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave, with six weeks before the expected birth and six weeks after. Employers must pay at least 50% of the employee’s salary during this period, provided she has been employed continuously for at least six months.
Public Holidays in Nigeria
Nigeria observes 13 public holidays, which are announced by the Federal Government each year. Employees working on public holidays may be entitled to additional pay depending on their contract or industry norms. Common holidays include:
New Year’s Day — January 1
Good Friday & Easter Monday — March/April
Workers’ Day — May 1
Democracy Day — June 12
Independence Day — October 1
Christmas Day — December 25
Boxing Day — December 26
Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday — dates vary by lunar calendar
Ready to Hire Confidently in Nigeria?
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