CV references in Nigeria: who to list and how

References sit at the end of a CV and get the least care, even though a bad reference can lose you a job you'd otherwise have earned. Here is how to handle them in the Nigerian job market.

Who makes a good referee

1. Your most recent manager. They can speak to how you performed. Essential.
2. A senior colleague or project lead who worked with you day-to-day on a specific achievement you mention in your CV.
3. For graduates: a project supervisor or lecturer who can speak to your academic strengths - a HoD is better than a general lecturer.

Two referees is the Nigerian norm. Three for senior roles.

Who to avoid

• Family members. Immediate disqualifier.
• Religious leaders unless the role is explicitly church-affiliated.
• Managers you had problems with. Even a lukewarm reference reads as negative.
• Anyone who hasn't agreed to be your referee. Always ask first.

Format on the CV

Mr. Adeola Ibrahim
Head of Engineering, Flutterwave
+234 801 234 5678 · [email protected]
Reports-to relationship, 2023 - present

Mrs. Chidinma Okafor
Senior Lecturer, Department of Computer Science, University of Lagos
+234 802 345 6789 · [email protected]
Final-year project supervisor, 2018 - 2019

"References available on request" - should you use it?

This phrase is accepted in Nigeria but less common than in the UK or US. Nigerian recruiters often want to see referee names upfront because contacting them is part of the screening. If you use it, be ready to send referee details within an hour of request.

Rule of thumb: if your referees are well-known in your industry, list them (adds credibility). If they are private or you don't want to spam them with cold calls, use "available on request".

Before you submit

1. Email each referee: "I'm applying for X role at Y company. They may call you between the 15th and the 30th. Here is a brief on the role and what I'd like you to emphasise."
2. Attach your CV to the email so the referee has fresh context.
3. Confirm their preferred phone + email are the ones you've listed.

Ready to apply? Browse openings and line up your referees before you hit submit.