Hotel and hospitality jobs in Nigeria: front desk, housekeeping and how to get hired

Hotels, guest houses, restaurants and event venues need people every week, from front-desk staff to kitchen assistants. Many of these roles are open to people without a degree, and they can be a strong first step into a larger service business.

The main roles

• Front desk and reception: check-in, check-out, bookings and guest questions.
• Housekeeping: room cleaning, linen, inventory and quality checks.
• Food and beverage service: restaurant, bar and room service.
• Kitchen support: preparation, washing and station work, with a path to commis chef.
• Events and banqueting: staffing for weddings, conferences and corporate functions.

What employers check

• Availability. Ask what the shift pattern is, and whether nights, weekends and public holidays are included.
• Languages. English and Pidgin are essential in most hotels. Another Nigerian language or a foreign language helps in tourist and business areas.
• Reliability. Attendance is the first thing a supervisor notices, so give a reference who can speak to it.

A first application that stands out

Keep the CV to one page. Lead with customer contact, and list any food handling or first aid certificate you hold, because some employers ask for them.

Food hygiene and trial shifts

Hotels, restaurants and catering companies look closely at food handling and hygiene. A basic food hygiene certificate, or clear evidence of training on the job, is a strong signal. If you have one, list it under certifications with the year.

Many employers run a short trial shift before they decide. Say in your application that you are happy to do one. Keep a reference handy who has seen you work under pressure, because a manager who has watched you on a busy service is worth more than a title.

• Arrive on time, in clean, correct uniform, and ready for a briefing.
• Ask what the station expects before the shift starts.
• Ask for feedback at the end, and act on it the next time.