Essential info for Nigeria
Time: The local time in Nigeria is GMT +1.
Electricity: Nigeria’s electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz and round and square three-pin plugs are used in the country.
Language: Expats from English speaking countries will be pleased to know that English is the official language in Nigeria and is widely used, but many other languages are also spoken.
Safety: Expats planning on relocating to Nigeria should be warned that there has been an increase in kidnapping on British nationals over the last few years and this is something that needs to be taken into consideration. Expats should also be aware that a dusk-to-dawn curfew was declared in Ebonyi State due to the increase in safety issues. Lagos is like any other big city and petty crime exists, but violent street crime, armed robberies, muggings and car-jackings are on the rise there too, as well as in the south of the country. In recent years oil facilities have been attacked and expatriate oil workers seized offshore and abductions from oil rigs taking place for ransom.
Beware too of scams aimed at foreigners where conmen will try to extort money from expat’s relatives back home and sometimes hostages are even taken for ransom. Ethnic tensions can very often lead to civil unrest and strikes are common, disrupting public transport and other services. Expats are urged to make sure they have reliable cars of their own as the public transport system can be extremely dangerous with buses and taxis poorly maintained as well as illegal activity occurring frequently amongst drivers.
Beware too of scams aimed at foreigners where conmen will try to extort money from expat’s relatives back home and sometimes hostages are even taken for ransom. Ethnic tensions can very often lead to civil unrest and strikes are common, disrupting public transport and other services. Expats are urged to make sure they have reliable cars of their own as the public transport system can be extremely dangerous with buses and taxis poorly maintained as well as illegal activity occurring frequently amongst drivers.
Local customs: Expats should note that dress in Nigeria is relatively formal and foreigners should address Nigerians by their surnames they know them well. Beachwear is only appropriate for the beach as Nigeria has one of the largest Muslim populations in Africa. Female residents who have relocated here should dress conservatively and avoid wearing trousers and all visitors should show respect during the religious time of Ramadan. Ever heard of ‘African time’? In Nigeria, time is not an issue and being 'on time' to a Nigerian could easily be a couple of hours after an agreed start-time, this includes social events too. Expats should also note that photography in airports may lead to arrest and that homosexuality is illegal in this Muslim country.
Business: Expats should beware that Nigeria is known for a variety scams, especially in the business sector. It is worth researching the company you intent to work for beforehand and contact a local embassy for more information if need be. Business in Nigeria is formal and although being ‘on time’ in Nigeria may not mean the same thing it does to a foreigner, punctuality is important, although meetings may not begin on time. Business suits are the norm for both men and women. Business can be slow in Nigeria due to the bureaucracy involved and expats will have to learn to exercise some patience. Business hours are usually Monday to Friday from 8am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 4.30pm.
Communications: Expats living in Nigeria should note that the international outgoing code is 009, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00927 for South Africa), while the country code for Nigeria is +234. GSM 900 and 1800 mobile phone networks cover Lagos, Abuja and some other major towns and Internet cafes can be found in major cities.
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