Co-working spaces in Nigeria are more than just shared offices, they are redefining how professionals work and connect. From Lagos to Abuja, these hubs are empowering freelancers, entrepreneurs, and corporate teams with affordable infrastructure, community, and a platform for innovation.
According to a report by Small Business Lab, 83% of workers say co-working spaces made them feel less lonely, and 89% reported feeling happier since working in a coworking space. Conversations with Nigerians further reveal why these spaces are reshaping the country’s professional landscape, though not all deliver on their promises.
What Are People Saying About Co-Working Spaces?
Olafimihan Bello, a Lagos-based artificial intelligence expert, sees co-working spaces as a lifeline. “Power outages and noisy neighbours made working from home a nightmare,” she says to TechParley’s Quadri Adejumo. At Hub for Works in Ajah, where she pays ₦25,000 monthly, Bello gets stable electricity and internet access. “It’s professional—I can work and even stay in meetings without disruptions.”
She values the networking, further noting that co-working users globally expand their professional circles. “I’ve connected with people in my field just by sharing a desk. It’s just like I’m at work.” Yet, she cautions that some spaces may fall short. “Some spaces overpromise, with below standard amenities or overcrowded desks undermining the experience.”
Amadi Chinedu, a data analyst highlights the economic appeal of co-working spaces. “Office rents in Lagos start at ₦1 million a year. At most of the workspaces, you pay barely ₦30,000 monthly for a desk with power, internet, and coffee,” he says. “As a data analyst, I need focus for complex datasets but also connections with tech founders. Co-working spaces deliver both.”
He added: “You’re surrounded by designers and founders. I recently joined a fintech project with someone I met here.” Still, he warns, “Some spaces brand themselves as ‘premium’ but skimp on service—slow Wi-Fi or noisy environments can kill productivity.”
Quality Control: A Key Concern in Nigeria’s Co-Working Space Industry
As Nigeria’s co-working space industry continues to surge, experts caution that not all spaces are created equal. While some spaces offer state-of-the-art amenities, others may fall short in terms of quality, reliability, and overall experience.
Temi Adebayo, a programmer in Ibadan, stresses the need for quality. “Some co-working spaces in Nigeria are truly world-class. However, others do not meet the same standards,” she said. “I’ve used several co-working spaces, and I have to say that the quality can vary greatly. Some had slow internet, and limited amenities. I think it’s essential to do your research and read reviews before choosing a co-working space.”
Further speaking on the importance of having a quality co-working space, Chinedu added: “I’ve been using a co-working space in Lagos for a few months now. The space has high-speed internet, and a comfortable workstation. However, I do wish they had more meeting rooms. Overall, I’m happy with the space, but I think there’s always room for improvement.”
How Co-Working Spaces Can Thrive in Nigeria
The co-working space industry in Nigeria has tremendous potential for growth, driven by a growing number of entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote workers seeking flexible and collaborative work environments. While the industry has made significant strides in recent years, there is still room for improvement and expansion.
According to Olafimihan, one area for growth is expanding co-working spaces to new locations and cities. “Currently, many co-working spaces are concentrated in major cities like Lagos and Abuja. By expanding to new locations, co-working space providers can reach a wider audience.”
Another area for growth is offering more specialized services and amenities. “The co-working space industry in Nigeria has a lot of potential for growth. Users are looking for more than just a desk and internet connection. It requires innovation, and a focus on user needs.”
By addressing these areas, co-working space providers in Nigeria can continue to meet the needs of users and support the growth of the country’s startup ecosystem.
