How to Negotiate a Better Salary Without Losing the Offer

You have gotten the call. The email just came in: “We are excited to offer you the position!”
Your heart races. You are thrilled until you scroll down and see the salary figure. It is decent, but not quite what you expected.

Now you are torn between two voices:

“Just accept it; you don’t want to lose the offer.”
“But you deserve more, you’ve earned it.”

If that sounds familiar, you are not alone. Many Nigerian professionals shy away from salary negotiation because they fear sounding greedy or ungrateful. But here is the truth: negotiating your salary is not confrontation, but communication.

Handled well, it can strengthen your professional image and even increase your employer’s respect for you. So, how do you ask for more money without risking the offer? Let’s break it down.

1. Do Your Homework (Know Your Market Value)

Before you even think about numbers, research the average salary range for your role in Nigeria. Platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn can help.

For example, if you are a digital marketer in Lagos, knowing that the average pay ranges between ₦250,000 – ₦400,000 monthly helps you negotiate from an informed position, not guesswork.

You can also check recruitment agency websites (like LD&D Consulting’s job board) to see what similar roles are offering. When you know your worth, you negotiate with confidence not apology.

2. Wait for the Right Moment

Don’t rush into negotiation the moment you receive the offer. First, express genuine appreciation:

“Thank you so much for the offer. I’m really excited about this opportunity and the team.”

Then, ask for a day or two to review the offer. This shows professionalism and gives you time to prepare your counteroffer. Employers respect candidates who handle negotiations calmly and thoughtfully, not impulsively.

3. Highlight Your Value, Not Your Bills

Avoid making the negotiation about your personal needs, “I need more money because my rent just went up”. Instead, focus on your professional value, the results you can bring.

“Based on my experience driving 30% social media growth for my last company and leading campaigns that generated ₦2 million in new sales, I believe a salary of ₦X would reflect the value I bring to this role.”

This approach positions you as an asset, not an expense. Employers respond better to that.

4. Practice How You Will Say It

Negotiation is partly psychology. The more you rehearse, the more confident and natural you’ll sound.

Try saying your key points out loud. Record yourself. Ask a friend to role-play as the HR manager. This helps reduce tension and ensures you come across as composed, not confrontational.

Remember: tone matters as much as words. Smile (even over the phone). Sound collaborative, not demanding.

5. Be Ready to Compromise

Sometimes, a company truly can’t increase the base pay, but that does not mean the negotiation is over.

You can explore non-cash benefits such as:

• Hybrid or remote work options
  
• Performance bonuses
  
• Professional development or certification sponsorship
  
• Extra leave days
  

These “hidden benefits” can make the offer much more valuable long-term. In Nigerian workplaces, flexibility and growth opportunities are becoming just as important as pay.

6. Back It Up With Confidence (Not Arrogance)

Confidence is quiet. It is in your research, your calm tone, and your professionalism. Arrogance is defensive and dismissive.

Say: “I am very interested in joining your team, and based on the market range for this role and my experience, I was hoping we could explore a salary closer to ₦X.”

Avoid: “That amount is too small; I can’t work for that.”

One earns respect. The other shuts down the conversation.

7. Know When to Say Yes

If the company meets you halfway or adds valuable perks, it is okay to accept gracefully. Not every negotiation ends with your exact figure. Sometimes, mutual respect is the real win.

Before accepting, confirm everything in writing. A simple email that summarizes your agreed salary, benefits, and start date helps prevent misunderstandings.

8. Don’t Let Fear Stop You

The fear of losing an offer is real especially in a competitive job market like Nigeria’s. But here is the truth: employers expect negotiation. It is part of the hiring process.

When done respectfully, you will not lose the offer, you will gain respect. And if an employer withdraws an offer just because you asked a fair question? That is a red flag.

You deserve to work in an environment that values open communication and fairness.

Final Thoughts

Negotiating your salary is not about greed, but more about value alignment. It shows you are self-aware, confident, and serious about your career growth.

So the next time you get that job offer, don’t let fear make the decision for you. Do your research, present your worth, and start that new role knowing you did not just get hired; you got what you deserve.