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Gateman / Mai-Guard for Lagos

SecurityLive-in
Mainland
₦25.0K–60.0K
/month
Island
₦40.0K–100.0K
/month

Gateman dey control access to your compound — open/close gate, screen visitor, receive delivery, and provide overnight security. For Lagos, gateman essential for any standalone building. Most gateman na live-in.

📍 Salary by area

AreaSalary range
Banana Island₦60.0K–150.0K
Ikoyi₦50.0K–100.0K
Victoria Island₦50.0K–100.0K
Lekki Phase 1₦40.0K–80.0K
Ikeja GRA₦35.0K–60.0K
Yaba₦30.0K–50.0K
Surulere₦25.0K–50.0K
Alimosho₦20.0K–40.0K
Ikorodu₦20.0K–40.0K

📋 Duties & responsibility

🎓 Qualifications

Lagos.Cool Editorial
4 June 2026 · 2 min read

Lagos.Cool Editorial

Gateman na Lagos most common domestic worker. For city where security na top concern, even middle-income mainland family employ one. Salary range — ₦25,000 (mainland basic) to ₦100,000 (Island professional). Most gateman na live-in, so total cost include accommodation, meals (₦30,000-₦60,000/month), and utilities. Effective cost of ₦40,000/month gateman na really ₦70,000-₦100,000.

A day for di life

6 PM (night shift start): Take over from day gateman, sweep gate area. 7-9 PM: Receive late delivery, screen visitor. 10 PM: Lock di main gate. Overnight: stay alert, do walk around. 6 AM: Open gate for early commuter, hand over to day shift.

🤔 You suppose hire one?

Hire if:

  • Standalone house or duplex (not in a serviced estate)
  • Frequent deliveries and visitors
  • Children at home in the evenings
  • You travel often and need package management

Skip if:

  • Serviced estate with shared 24-hour security
  • High-rise apartment with concierge
  • Live alone with minimal foot traffic
  • Budget can't accommodate two gatemen for 24-hour coverage

💡 Hiring tips

  1. Live-in gateman need sleeping space — BQ room or guard post
  2. Give food or feeding allowance (₦1,000-₦2,000/day)
  3. For 24-hour coverage, you need TWO gateman on shift
  4. Agree on clear visitor policy

🚩 Red flag wey you suppose watch

  • Sleeping on duty (the most common issue)
  • Allowing unauthorized visitors for personal reasons
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Collusion with external parties (rare but serious)
  • Demanding excessive tips from delivery personnel

Pros

  • 24/7 security presence
  • Package and delivery management
  • Compound maintenance
  • Peace of mind — especially for families with children
  • Relatively affordable — most accessible security option

Cons

  • Hidden costs: accommodation + meals + utilities add 50-100% to cash salary
  • Quality varies — untrained gatemen provide limited real security
  • Sleep-on-duty is extremely common
  • Need two for proper 24-hour coverage (doubles cost)
  • Management responsibility — disputes, performance, time off

🔍 Where to find

Village/community networks — most gatemen come through ethnic/religious community referralsSecurity companies (more expensive but professionally trained)Existing gatemen in your estate recommending replacementsNairaland domestic staff forums

FAQ

Gateman / Mai-Guard for Lagos dey earn ₦25,000–₦60,000/month for mainland and ₦40,000–₦100,000/month for Island.