Top Tips on Nigeria

Tip 1
Although many endemic problems remain when trying to develop business in Nigeria, many steps have been taken to tackle institutional and corporate corruption – things seem to be moving in the right direction.

Tip 2
Try to do some research on the Nigerian company you visit before you arrive. Are you dealing with an internationally influenced subsidiary of a global MNC or a locally owned and managed business?

Tip 3
Most local companies will be very hierarchical. Try to get to know the hierarchy of the company at an early stage.

Tip 4
Don’t try to get decisions out of middle-managers – they usually cant make them.

Tip 5
Age is worthy of respect in Nigeria – should your delegation reflect this fact?

Tip 6
Although organisations are hierarchically structured with decisions made at the top, do not ignore lower ranking officials – they may still be highly influential.

Tip 7
Managers are expected to manage. They make decisions and give instructions. A more consensus-style approach might be bewildering.

Tip 8
Managers expect loyalty and compliance in return for which they offer support and help in both business and non-business areas.

Tip 9
It is important to develop good, long-term relationships in Nigeria. If meetings seem a little informal and non-business focussed, do not worry – the more time spent on relationship-building, the better.

Tip 10
Although punctuality can be very patchy, it is probably best if you show up on time. Be careful to allow enough time to negotiate the traffic.

Tip 11
Try to be patient at all times in Nigeria – the more you push, the further away the decision might become.

Tip 12
English is very widely spoken in Nigeria and you are unlikely to meet any internationally-oriented business people or government officials who are not fairly fluent.

Tip 13
Try to address Nigerians using their titles (if they have one) as this shows respect to the status of the person.

Tip 14
Remember to shake hands with everybody when you enter a room and go through the obligatory, fairly lengthy introductions with warmth and good grace.

Tip 15
Be aware that Nigerians are likely to stand quite close to you. This should not be seen as threatening.

Tip 16
You are unlikely to meet women in senior positions within commercial organisations.

Tip 17
Dress smartly when you go to Nigeria. Your relative importance may be very largely judged on your appearance.

Tip 18
Try to avoid using your left hand when handing things to people, eating food etc.

Tip 19
A large part of the Nigerian population are Muslim so be aware of Muslim taboos on alcohol, pork, gambling etc.

Tip 20
Take care at all times and never go anywhere with people you do not trust or know quite well.

Author

This country-specific business culture profile was written by Keith Warburton who is the founder of the cultural awareness training consultancy Global Business Culture. 

Global Business culture is a leading training provider in the fields of cross-cultural communication and global virtual team working.  We provide training to global corporations in live classroom-based formats, through webinars and also through our cultural awareness digital learning hub, Global Business Compass.

This World Business Culture profile is designed as an introduction to business culture in Nigeria only and a more detailed understanding needs a more in-depth exploration which we can provide through our training and consultancy services.