Moving to Nigeria

In truth very few expats relish the prospect of moving to Nigeria. Nigeria expats are normally posted under some form of career duress or strong financial enticement, and their accompanying families are typically unwilling participants in the relocation.

 

There is no doubt that Nigeria has bad reputation abroad regarding safety, with reports of crime, corruption and kidnapping in the press and endlessly inventive 419 advance fee scams visiting most people’s email inbox. Nigeria is currently re-branding itself under the slogan “Good people, Great nation” as local Nigerians attempt to present a different face to Africa’s most populous nation and its second most significant economy after that of South Africa.

 

Nigeria expats are mostly surprised by the positive realities of the country they move to. This might derive from having such low expectations that actual disappointment in the place is difficult to achieve.

 

So what are the good parts of moving to Nigeria? The people, for one, are famously hospitable and friendly. And the diversity of cultures make for consistently interesting discoveries from expats that leave the confines of their expat compounds.

 

Another frequently reported pro to expat life in Nigeria is the camaraderie and sociability of the expat community. Presuming one is living in a city such as Lagos or Abuja there are many sports, social activities, restaurants and bars to enjoy, and expat social circles are mostly receptive to new members.

 

These positives are compensations for what is certainly a challenging place to live and work. Crime, pollution, corruption and a crumbling infrastructure are realities for which expats should prepare and for which they should be compensated for in their packages.