Effect of Automation on the Roles of Administrative Secretaries in Multinational Companies in Lagos

This study investigates the effect of office automation on the evolving roles of administrative secretaries in multinational companies operating in Lagos, Nigeria's South West economic centre. Technological advances, including artificial intelligence-powered scheduling tools, automated email management systems, and digital workflow platforms, are progressively transforming traditional secretarial functions. The research employs a survey design targeting administrative secretaries, executive assistants, and human resource managers in twelve multinational firms across Victoria Island and Ikoyi. Data are gathered using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interview protocols. The theoretical framework integrates the Technological Displacement Theory and the Role Theory, with reference to literature published between 2021 and 2024. The study explores how automation has affected task composition, decision-making latitude, and professional identity among secretarial staff. It also assesses organisational approaches to reskilling and role redefinition in the context of automation. Findings are expected to reveal a significant restructuring of secretarial roles, with both displacement and value addition effects. Recommendations address reskilling investment, professional development policies, and the strategic repositioning of the secretarial profession. Keywords: office automation, administrative secretaries, multinational companies, role transformation, Lagos