Nigeria Business Etiquette

Business travelers will find Nigeria a country of contrasts, with many Westernized elements as well as indigenous cultures. In the cities, traditional practices do not usually stand in the way of business. English is widely spoken, and Nigerians are generally friendly.

Visitors should stand when they are introduced to someone. People shake hands upon meeting. Visitors should wait for older people to extend a hand first. Both men and woman may initiate a handshake. No alternative form of greeting is expected. Older people should generally be addressed first and should be allowed to speak without interruption. Business cards are widely used in Nigeria. There is no special etiquette regarding their use. They should be in English. Initially, business conversations will be formal. When rapport develops, the tone is more casual. Most Nigerians are not reserved, and they appreciate humorous stories about travels, money, places and people. Nigerians are title conscious. It is unwise to use first names, even when relations have been fully developed. A chief and an Alhaji (someone who has undertaken the pilgrimage to Mecca) expect to be addressed by their titles. Professionals prefer to be addressed by occupational titles, such as engineer (Dolapo Falola) or barrister (Bisola Falola). If a person does not have a title, Mr., Ms. or Mrs. is appropriate. Men do not necessarily stand when a woman enters the room, unless she is a highly placed government official. Men should avoid kissing or hugging women, unless they become close friends. A married woman uses her husband's surname. Marital status has no effect on the conduct or success of business meetings.

In all business meetings, visitors should sit and stand in a formal manner. It is not polite to touch people in such situations. In other situations, a friendly pat on the back is an indication of friendship. Do not use a finger to beckon to someone to come near or to leave.

English is widely spoken in all official and business situations. It's not necessary to hire an interpreter. Speech volume is moderate. Slang and profanity should be avoided.

To save time, have a local contact or an intermediary schedule business meetings and make arrangements. Meetings should be scheduled three months in advance, especially if they will involve government officials. Punctuality is expected of visitors, but visitors should not expect the same from their hosts. Government officials may be late or even reschedule the meeting for the next day. Visitors should not be annoyed if their hosts do not keep to a schedule—it is not meant to be disrespectful.

Business is usually conducted in offices, though the host may sometimes suggest another venue. Business starts immediately after formal greetings. If it's to be a long meeting, refreshments may be served, including beer, soda, coffee and tea. Younger professionals usually proceed immediately to the business at hand, but if there is any small talk, current news and sports are the best topics. It's also acceptable to discuss politics. Topics to be avoided include religious conflicts, tribal differences and corruption. Other guests and staff who have short messages to relay may interrupt meetings. A local dignitary may be considered more important than foreign visitors, which could also lead to interruptions. Negotiations may be difficult until trust is established. Business visitors should expect a lot of competition.

Lunch is the most common meal for business. It can start anytime from 1-3 pm and may last more than an hour. If a visitor is entertained at a bar or restaurant, acquaintances of the host who happen by may join the table uninvited, especially if they know the host well. This can happen even when you are in the midst of a serious business discussion. It could put an end to the discussion, and the meeting would have to be rescheduled. If you are invited to a meal in a private home, it's appropriate to leave about 30 minutes after dinner is over. Meals take place around a table, with diners seated on chairs. The host will determine the seating arrangement. Women and men eat together. However, in some Muslim homes, the male visitors and the hosts may eat separately from the women. The traditional meal consists of one large course. It's best to start by tasting small portions. If you don't like the taste of something, don't eat it. For traditional meals, you may choose to follow the custom of eating with your hands (using only the right hand), or you may ask for cutlery. For those who eat with their hands, finger bowls and towels are provided. Napkins will be provided. There are no particular customs regarding their use. Do not pass or receive food with the left hand. You may excuse yourself from the table in the same manner as you would at home. Inform your hosts in advance about any foods you cannot eat. Men do not stand when a woman arrives or leaves the table. Declining alcohol is perfectly acceptable. When the host makes a toast, you may respond by thanking all the guests and the host. If a host takes visitors to a restaurant for a meal, the visitor should not offer to pay. An expression of gratitude is sufficient. Tips are optional—about 5% would be fine.

Business suits are appropriate for men and women. Women should avoid wearing clothing that is too revealing. Casual clothes are appropriate for meals and private entertainment. Shorts are appropriate for beaches and some related casual social events, but they are not for business or restaurants. Sneakers are not appropriate for business meetings but may be worn for casual events.

Small company gifts are appropriate, such as pens, decorative items or ties. Do not give any gifts associated with religion. Gifts should cost less than US$50. Handwritten thank-you notes are preferable to e-mail messages.

Women are regarded as equals in the workplace. At home, especially among some religious communities, women play subordinate roles. Women are found at many levels in business and do occupy high-ranking positions. Married women enjoy greater respect than single women. Women are barred from some places and events. The rules on public transportation are the same for women and men. A woman who is unaccompanied in public will not experience unwanted attention or censure.

Visitors should be careful not to make generalizations about religions. It is appropriate to inquire about the family members of an acquaintance, especially about the education of children. Avoid using the left hand to receive or give objects. It is appropriate to compliment a host's home and possessions. A visitor's choice of hotel will not have an effect on business discussions. If possible, new visitors should not drive but should arrange to hire a car and driver. Some areas such as airports and military barracks prohibit photographs.