The workplace in Nigeria has undergone a significant transformation since the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped global work structures. As of 2025, hybrid work models are gaining traction, balancing the traditional in-office culture with the flexibility of remote work. While fully onsite work remains dominant, a growing number of organizations are embracing hybrid models due to technological advancements, employee preferences, and economic factors.
The Shift Towards Hybrid Work
Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted businesses worldwide, its impact on work structures remains evident. The lockdown forced fully onsite organizations to transition to fully remote work almost overnight, exposing structural weaknesses in companies that were unprepared for such a shift. Human Resources and Operations managers scrambled to develop strategies to ensure employees could work effectively from home, leveraging video meeting tools such as Zoom and Google Meet, which had previously been an afterthought.
Some businesses adapted so well to remote work that they chose to maintain it even after restrictions were lifted. For many, it improved employee satisfaction, reduced operational costs, and removed geographical limitations on hiring. Employers could now recruit talent from outside their immediate location, and some even expanded their workforce to other continents.
In Nigeria, while a return to traditional in-office work has been common, many organizations have opted for a hybrid approach. A 2024 report by Zoho, which surveyed over 500 Nigerian organizations, revealed that 55% of businesses still operate fully onsite, 31% have adopted hybrid models, and 14% function entirely remotely. Although onsite work remains the norm, the shift towards hybrid structures highlights an evolving mindset in Nigeria’s corporate landscape. Employees and employers are recognizing the benefits of flexibility, particularly in reducing costs and improving productivity.
Key Drivers of Hybrid Work Adoption
Technological Advancements
The widespread adoption of digital collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet has made remote work more efficient. Additionally, improved internet penetration in urban areas has enabled employees to work from home with minimal disruptions. However, challenges remain, as 80% of Nigerian employees still face slow Wi-Fi and data issues, highlighting the need for more reliable infrastructure.
Employee Preferences for Flexibility
Work-life balance has become a priority for Nigerian professionals. A growing number of employees are actively seeking roles that offer flexible work arrangements. A survey showed that 55% of job seekers prioritize hybrid or remote options when considering new roles. Many employees argue that reduced commuting stress leads to better mental health, increased focus, and ultimately, improved job performance.
Rising Cost of Transportation
Nigeria’s economic situation, particularly the high cost of fuel and transportation, has made daily commuting less practical for many workers. Hybrid work allows employees to save money by reducing the number of days they need to be physically present in the office. This is particularly beneficial for those living in high-traffic areas like Lagos and Abuja, where long commutes can be physically and mentally draining.
Challenges in Implementing Hybrid Work Models
Despite the increasing acceptance of hybrid work, several obstacles hinder its full adoption in Nigeria.
Cultural Resistance to Remote Work
Many Nigerian employers still value physical presence over output. In traditional industries such as banking and consulting, management prefers employees to work under direct supervision. While some companies have adapted by introducing performance-based tracking systems, others continue to resist remote or hybrid arrangements due to concerns about productivity and discipline.
Infrastructure Limitations
Inconsistent electricity supply and unreliable internet connectivity remain major barriers to remote work in Nigeria. While urban areas have better access to these resources, rural and semi-urban locations struggle with frequent power outages and expensive internet costs. Without infrastructure improvements, hybrid work models’ effectiveness may remain limited to certain regions and industries.
Impact on Real Estate and Office Space
The adoption of hybrid work has had a noticeable impact on Nigeria’s commercial real estate sector. Many companies are downsizing their office spaces to cut costs, leading to increased demand for co-working spaces and flexible office arrangements. Businesses that previously rented large office spaces are now opting for shared workspaces that allow employees to come in only when necessary. This shift is reshaping the commercial property market, forcing landlords and developers to rethink traditional office leasing models.
Conclusion
In 2025, hybrid work will become a significant part of Nigeria’s corporate environment, offering a balance between in-person collaboration and remote flexibility. While fully onsite work remains prevalent, the benefits of hybrid models such as cost savings, employee satisfaction, and increased productivity are driving more businesses to adopt flexible work structures. However, challenges such as cultural resistance and infrastructure limitations must be addressed to ensure long-term success. As technology continues to evolve and employee expectations shift, hybrid work is poised to become an even more integral part of Nigeria’s professional landscape in the coming years.
References
WTOP News: Job seekers place higher priority on remote work, survey, 2022 (WTOPNEWS)
Zoho Report: The State of Productivity and Collaboration in Nigeria, 2024 (Nairametrics)
Digital Times Nigeria: Transforming Work in the Modern Era (Digital Times NG)
BusinessDay Nigeria: Office Market Hurt as Hybrid Work Preference Grows (BusinessDay NG)
Dataleum is a technology training and consulting firm that develops, nurtures, and deploys globally functional tech talents.