PaidHR, an African software company that provides payroll and human resources tools, has launched a program with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund to give selected Nigerian businesses access to HR technology and management training.
The initiative targets 100 companies and combines software with operational support. Through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, a public agency created to reduce unemployment through financial and non-financial assistance, participating businesses will receive one year of free access to PaidHR's platform and take part in a training program focused on management and business operations.
Small and medium sized enterprises account for about 48% of Nigeria's gross domestic product and represent the country's largest source of employment. The program is intended to address operational challenges that can affect growing businesses, particularly in areas such as payroll administration and workforce management.
“Small businesses are a vital part of the Nigerian economy — they employ people, generate income, and drive innovation across every sector. But many of them are still managing critical processes like people management and payroll with limited time, tools, and internal capacity, and that holds them back. This initiative is about more than giving businesses a product. It is about giving them a real operational foundation — the tools, the knowledge, and the support they need to run better and grow with confidence. We are proud to be doing that in partnership with LSETF.” said Seye Bandele, Co-founder and CEO, PaidHR.
The software package includes employee records management, contract administration, leave tracking, performance monitoring and payroll processing. Businesses will also have access to statutory compliance functions covering PAYE obligations, pension remittances and other regulatory requirements. Employees will be able to use self service tools to access payslips, leave balances and personal information.
“At LSETF, our commitment is to businesses and to the people those businesses employ. This partnership with PaidHR speaks directly to both. It helps business owners build the operational and people management capacity they need to grow sustainably, and it creates better, more structured working environments for the employees who depend on those businesses for their livelihoods. That is exactly the kind of initiative we are proud to stand behind.” said Oyindamola Egbeyemi, Director of Programmes and Coordination of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF).
Participating companies will also attend training sessions covering human resources practices, financial management, planning and process improvement. According to PaidHR, the combination of software and education is intended to help businesses strengthen internal operations.
“People are the most important asset any business has, and yet people management is often the thing small businesses are least equipped to do well. What this initiative gives businesses is not just a product — it is a genuine upgrade in how they relate to their teams. When managers have the right tools and training to manage people fairly and consistently, the whole business performs better. And the employees feel the difference every single day. That is the change we are here to create.” said Olakunle Awosanmi, Head of Business, PaidLife.
The program is expected to affect not only business owners but also employees working in the selected companies, many of whom face issues such as irregular pay cycles, limited access to employment records and informal leave and performance processes. Existing participants will receive access to tools designed to provide greater visibility into payroll and employee information.
