Question 1

What is Pukena?

Accepted Answer

Pukena is Lagos's vetted domestic staffing and concierge marketplace. We help private households hire chauffeurs, nannies, housekeepers, private chefs, butlers, and related home staff through managed recruitment — with screening, shortlists, contracts, and ongoing support when you choose a management arrangement.

Question 2

Who is Pukena for?

Accepted Answer

Pukena is built for employers in premium Lagos neighbourhoods who want discreet, structured hiring instead of informal referrals. We also onboard professionals as PukenaPros who complete verification and onboarding before appearing in our network.

Question 3

Are Pukena professionals your employees?

Accepted Answer

No. Professionals are independent service providers or your direct hires depending on the contract type you choose. Pukena facilitates vetting, introductions, recruitment processing, and — on management contracts — ongoing concierge coordination. The day-to-day employment relationship is between you and your worker unless your agreement states otherwise.

Question 4

What does hiring through Pukena cost?

Accepted Answer

Pukena does not charge open-ended hourly marketplace fees. You pay a one-time recruitment processing fee when you submit a managed hiring request, then agree monthly salary separately with your worker. Management contract processing is ₦60,000. Direct contract processing is ₦80,000. Many requests use ₦60,000 per professional slot on the booking (up to 10 slots). Part-time driver trips use a quoted service fee for that assignment — not the full-time processing fee. Full details are on our Hiring fees page before you pay.

Question 5

What is the difference between a management and direct contract?

Accepted Answer

Management contract (₦60,000 processing): Pukena screens candidates, supports placement, and stays involved under Pukena management — including tools for payroll coordination, replacement requests, and service issues on active engagements. Direct contract (₦80,000 processing): we recruit and hand over; you employ and manage payroll in-house. Replacements through Pukena are available on management contracts only.

Question 6

Does the processing fee include the worker's monthly salary?

Accepted Answer

No. The processing fee covers recruitment — your request, vetting, shortlisting, and concierge coordination to placement. Monthly salary or package is agreed directly between you and the professional (or managed with Pukena on a management contract) and is separate from the one-time fee.

Question 7

How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

Processing fees and eligible placement payments are collected securely via Paystack checkout or bank transfer, depending on the step in your dashboard. After payment you will see an awaiting-confirmation status until concierge verifies funds; matching then moves forward. For help coordinating payment, contact concierge.

Question 8

When does Pukena start searching for candidates?

Accepted Answer

Your request is queued for matching after your processing fee is confirmed on file — not when the form is submitted alone. Concierge may reach out within one business day if anything is missing. Shortlisted profiles are typically shared within up to five working days after fee confirmation, depending on role and availability.

Question 9

How do I hire staff through Pukena?

Accepted Answer

Create an employer account, submit a recruitment request from your dashboard (role, location, schedule, live-in needs, contract type), pay the processing fee, then review shortlisted profiles we send to your dashboard or WhatsApp. Interview virtually or in person, approve your preferred candidate, and complete placement and resumption steps with concierge support.

Question 10

How long does it take to get a shortlist?

Accepted Answer

Our recruiters aim to present a vetted shortlist within 48 hours for many roles once your processing fee is confirmed, with profiles delivered within up to five working days depending on specificity and demand. Complex or multi-staff requests may take longer — concierge will keep you updated.

Question 11

What roles can I hire?

Accepted Answer

Executive and part-time drivers, nannies and caregivers, housekeepers, private chefs, butlers, security, gardeners, personal assistants, and related domestic roles. Browse role-specific pages on the site or describe your need in a recruitment request.

Question 12

Do you handle live-in staff?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Indicate live-in or live-out requirements in your booking notes and recruitment request. Our concierge will help structure expectations, interviews, and handover around accommodation and household rules.

Question 13

Can I hire part-time drivers only?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Part-time and trip-based driver bookings use a separate service-fee flow quoted for that assignment (airport runs, events, daily hire, and similar). Submit a part-time request from your dashboard; this is not the same as the full-time ₦60,000-per-slot recruitment processing fee.

Question 14

How does Pukena vet professionals?

Accepted Answer

Every PukenaPro goes through identity verification, reference checks, an in-person interview, and background screening before we introduce them for placements. Profiles on your shortlist are pre-screened; you still interview and approve the final match.

Question 15

What if the placement is not the right fit?

Accepted Answer

On active management contracts you may request a replacement from your dashboard (My staff). You receive 3 free replacement requests per calendar year; after that a ₦30,000 fee applies per request. Direct contracts do not include Pukena-managed replacements. Part-time driver assignments are handled with a new booking rather than a replacement case. For full-time drivers in the first three months of placement, special replacement timelines may apply (often 3–7 working days) as noted in your agreement.

Question 16

Can I report a service or conduct issue?

Accepted Answer

Yes. On active management engagements you can open a service ticket from your employer dashboard (performance, conduct, safety, damage, payment disputes, and more). Our operations team reviews and coordinates next steps with you and the professional.

Question 17

Which areas do you cover in Lagos?

Accepted Answer

We actively serve Lekki, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Ikeja GRA, and Banana Island, with households across other Lagos neighbourhoods on request. Expansion to Abuja is planned — contact concierge for the latest coverage.

Question 18

Is my household information kept private?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your contact details and household notes are shared only with professionals you approve for placement and with Pukena staff who coordinate your request. We do not publish your home information publicly on the marketplace.

Question 19

How do I join Pukena as staff?

Accepted Answer

Sign up via "Become a PukenaPro", choose your primary role, and complete onboarding — including orientation, documents, and profile details. Once verified, you may be matched to employer requests that fit your skills and availability.

Question 20

Can I earn money by referring others to Pukena?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Join the Pukena Referrals programme, share your unique link or code, and earn commission when someone you refer books a qualifying Pukena service and payment is confirmed. Withdrawals are available from a minimum wallet balance — see the Referrals page for current rates and tiers.

Question 21

How do I contact Pukena concierge?

Accepted Answer

Email concierge@pukena.ng or call 0816 841 1237. We typically reply within one business day. Use the Contact page for general enquiries, or your employer dashboard for active bookings and placements.

Questions, answered.

About Pukena

Fees & payments

How hiring works

Vetting & quality

Coverage & privacy

For professionals (PukenaPro)

Referrals

Support