Stakeholders See Nigeria’s Outsourcing Industry Exceeding $1.8bn by 2028

However, despite recording an impressive annual growth rate of 12.56 per cent, the sector is weighed down by financial inefficiencies.

This was one of the reasons critical players in the landscape brainstormed recently in Lagos to on payroll solutions for sustainable growth.

The gathering was called by a leading human resource and payroll technology company, SeamlessHR, in partnership with the Association of Outsourcing Professionals of Nigeria (AOPN).

More than 30 chief executives of Nigeria’s top outsourcing companies gathered at Four Points by Sheraton, Lagos, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, for the event themed Enhance Business Efficiency Through Automation and Immersive Workflows.

They agreed that thin margins, inconsistent client payments, and outdated payroll systems have created conditions where salary delays are frequent and talent attrition is on the rise.

Across the industry, many workers now view delayed wage disbursements as normal, with employees often waiting weeks or even months to be paid. For outsourcing firms, the consequences extend beyond cash flow.

Delayed salaries damage brand perception, undermine operational efficiency, and threaten long-term growth. The urgency for innovation in payroll and financial operations has never been greater.

Another key focus of the discussion was the transformative impact of SeamlessHR’s Embedded FInance for employers and employees.

SeamlessHR’s solution enables workers to access earned wages on-demand, bypassing the traditional pay cycle. Through seamless integration with payroll systems, employees can withdraw accrued earnings in real-time to address emergencies or manage cash flow gaps.

Additionally, low-interest salary advances and built-in financial tools empower staff to avoid exploitative lenders and plan their finances with confidence.

“Outsourcing companies face daily liquidity issues, irregular cash flow, and growing payroll obligations.

“SeamlessHR’s Embedded Finance closes that gap by integrating capital into the payroll system to ensure people get paid on time, operations run seamlessly, and CEOs sleep better at night.

“When employees no longer stress about delayed salaries, their engagement and output improves dramatically,” the Director of Embedded Finance at SeamlessHR, Oke Egbi, stated.

Also commenting, the president of AOPN, Mope Abudu, said, “This roundtable addresses a critical challenge in our industry. As key contributors to Nigeria’s economy, we cannot afford to be left behind in the wave of digital transformation shaping the future of work.

“The outsourcing sector must lead in efficiency and innovation, and the integration of intelligent systems that support workforce management.

“Today’s theme speaks directly to that need. By exploring solutions like embedded finance, we open new opportunities to enhance value delivery and improve operational efficiency across our industry. I extend my gratitude to SeamlessHR for bringing this event to life.”