Environmental Biologist Salaries in Nigeria - OgaJob - Fastest Growing Job Board Site in Nigeria

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There is an enduring need for an environmental biologist in Nigeria, especially considering the persistent challenges with pollution, the ongoing climate crisis, the gradual loss of biodiversity, and others.

These specialists are pivotal in the management of extensions of natural resources, developing frameworks for the environment, and implementing policies suiting defined standards.

In this article, we provide an overview on the projected salaries for environmental biologists in Nigeria, along with their job availability, prospects, and professional advancement opportunities in 2025.

Who is an Environmental Biologist?

Environmental Biologists examine how living things interact with the ecosystem. Their work includes research, ecosystem monitoring, analyzing nature’s responses and damage by anthropogenic factors, and suggesting solutions to curb ecosystem damage.’

Key task activities encompass:

Field and laboratory research engagement
Pollutant measurement for air, soil, and water
Monitoring of species and habitats under threat
System advisory for Corporates and Governments on sustainable practices
Pre-application for Environmental impact assessment (EIAs)

Average Environmental Biologist Salary in Nigeria (2025)

The approximate monthly income for an environmental biologist in Nigeria is projected to be between ₦150,000 and ₦500,000. This evaluation corresponds with the accumulation of experience, education, employer, and the region the environmental biologist works at.

According to data obtained from Glassdoor, an Environmental specialist earns between ₦190,000 to ₦350,000.

Below is a table giving the estimated salaries of environmental biologists in Nigeria with respect to their experience levels:

Experience Level	Monthly Salary Range (₦)
Entry-level (0–2 years)	₦150,000 – ₦250,000
Mid-level (3–5 years)	₦250,000 – ₦400,000
Senior-level (5+ years)	₦400,000 – ₦500,000+

Professionals working with international NGOs or oil and gas companies can earn even higher, especially in consultancy roles.

Salary Breakdown by Employer Type

Where an environmental biologist works also determines his or her salary. Lets see below the various sectors of employers and their corresponding salary structure for entry to mid level role for environmental biologist.

Government Agencies:

Pay: ₦150,000 – ₦300,000/month
Employers include the Federal Ministry of Environment, NIMET, NESREA, and state environmental agencies.

Private Sector:

Pay: ₦250,000 – ₦500,000/month
Environmental biologists in oil companies, environmental consulting firms, and manufacturing industries often earn more due to the technical demands and compliance requirements.

International NGOs/Research Institutes:

Pay: ₦400,000 – ₦700,000/month
Organizations like the UNDP, WWF, and USAID offer higher salaries and global exposure.

Key Factors Influencing Environmental Biologist Salary in Nigeria

Environmental biologist salaries in Nigeria are influenced by several variables:

Level of education (B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.)
Field specialization (e.g., aquatic biology, toxicology, environmental microbiology)
Type of employer
Location (urban areas like Abuja and Lagos offer better pay)
Certifications and technical skills (e.g., GIS, EIA reporting)

Entry-Level Salary Expectations for Environmental Biologists

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Biology or a related field can expect a starting salary between ₦120,000 and ₦200,000/month, depending on the hiring organization.

Common entry-level job titles:

Environmental Field Assistant
EIA Analyst (Junior)
Lab Technician
Conservation Officer

Gaining field experience early on helps boost career advancement and earning potential.

High-Paying Specializations in Environmental Biology

To increase income, environmental biologists can specialize in high-demand fields such as:

Environmental Toxicology
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Climate Change & Policy
Marine and Aquatic Biology
Biodiversity Conservation

Specialists in these areas, especially those who consult for industries or government, can earn up to ₦700,000/month.

Required Qualifications and Certifications

To become an environmental biologist in Nigeria, you typically need:

B.Sc. in Environmental Biology, Ecology, or related discipline
M.Sc. or Ph.D. (for research or advanced consultancy roles)
Certifications: EIA certification (FMEnv), GIS training, HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) certifications

Membership in professional bodies like Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) and Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) can enhance job prospects.

Career Opportunities for Environmental Biologists in Nigeria

Environmental biologists in Nigeria can work across various sectors:

Oil and Gas: Environmental monitoring and spill response
Agriculture: Soil and water management
Construction & Real Estate: EIA for large projects
Public Sector: Environmental regulation and inspection
Academia: Research and lecturing
NGOs: Conservation, wildlife monitoring, and climate change advocacy

These opportunities offer both salary stability and avenues for impactful work.

Is Environmental Biology a Lucrative Career in Nigeria?”

The field of environmental biology is a rewarding career in Nigeria, both for one’s pocket and societal concern. While starting salaries may seem low, specializing and gaining experience through continuous professional developments greatly increases income.

Pros:

Various fields to build a career in
Fieldwork and international travel opportunities
Growing career prospects because of enforceable environmental laws

Cons:

Low starting salaries
Heavy manual labor in fieldwork
High job competition in metropolitan areas.

Despite all these challenges, the profession is well-suited to an individual who is deeply interested in ecological sustainability and conservation.

Final Thoughts on Environmental Biologist Salaries in Nigeria

The Salaries of Environmental Biologists in Nigeria as presented in this post sheds light on the pay range among professionals whose work involves studying and protecting the ecosystems. With increasing concern for the environment, the need for specialists in biodiversity conservation, pollution control, sustainable development, and related fields is on the rise, which is good for employment opportunities.

As the country focuses more on climate adaptation and environmentally sustainable developments, and with the right skill training needed to make a difference, the need for environmental biologists is ever-growing. From entry-level expectations of an advanced degree to experiences focused on impactful development, there is hope for environmental biologist pay in Nigeria to soar by 2025, making it a great time to jump into the field.