Nigeria Culture and Safety tips

General Culture

The Culture of Nigeria is shaped by Nigeria’s multiple ethnic groups. The country has over 250 different languages and cultures. However, the three largest are the Hausa-Fulani who are predominant in the north, the Igbo who are predominant in the southeast, the Yoruba who are predominant in the southwest. Note that Nigeria is a culturally and religiously diverse country where tribe and ethnic affiliation is important. Be sure to be sensitive to these differences

The four primary languages are Fulani, Hausa, Ibo, and Yoruba. The official language of the government and of many businesses is English.

Religious diversity abounds in Nigeria: Christians predominantly live in the south, while Muslims live in the north. Indigenous religions exist throughout the country, which are connected to traditional medicine and magic.

Nigerians employ proverbs, wise sayings, and even songs to enrich the meaning of what they say.

Non-verbal facial expressions that imply empathy are preferred to indifferent facial expressions, which indicate to Nigerians that a person is ignorant or obnoxious.

Nigerians can be both direct and indirect communicators depending upon the situation or degree of friendship. Even when stating their position clearly, they will temper their language so that they do not cause offense.

Nigeria is a hierarchical society. Age and position earns, even demands, respect. Age is believed to confer wisdom so older people are granted respect. The oldest person in a group is revered and honoured. In a social situation, they are greeted and served first. In return the most senior person has the responsibility to make decisions that are in the best interest of the group.

It is appropriate and considered respectful to address Nigerians by their surnames until you know them very well. Titles are important and should be used whenever appropriate. Many Nigerians especially drivers and household staff, strongly prefer that children do not address them by their first name, but insert a title beforehand such as ‘Mr Joseph’ or ‘Miss Rose’. Relatively formal greetings, such as ‘Good morning’ or ‘Good afternoon’, should be given before engaging in conversation or getting down to business.

Women with children, pregnant women and the elderly should always get the right of way in public places or public transportation.

Do be not over complimentary of a person's dress or belongings, he or she may feel obligated to give you what you find attractive. However, be sure to compliment a dinner or food prepared by a Nigerian host.

The left hand rules apply here. Do not take or give anything with the left hand. Do not eat with the left hand.

Time

• Time is a different concept in West Africa than in Europe or North America. Being ‘on time’ to a Nigerian could easily be a couple of hours after an agreed start-time. Evening social events tend to start late and often continue into the small hours
• Nigerians themselves often talk about “Nigerian time” which is a concept where things rarely start on time, appointments are not usually made, interruptions are frequent, and one can expect to and wait for things to happen.
• Patience is very important, as even getting simple things done often requires several requests but losing your temper almost never improves the situation.
• Note that when a Nigerian says “by ten”, they usually mean “ten at the very earliest”.
• It is common for meetings to start hours late and this is usually tolerated because transportation can be very erratic and emergencies can delay people. 
• In many situations, being late is also a way of showing how important you are or that you are of higher status by making the other person wait.  That being said, some senior officials and business people make a point of being punctual.

Meeting and Greeting People

• The most common greeting is a handshake with a warm, welcoming smile. Shake hands at the beginning and end of meetings.
• Men may place their left hand on the other person’s shoulder while shaking hands. Smiling and showing sincere pleasure at meeting the person is important.
• As in the rest of Africa, it is rude to rush the greeting process. You must take the time to ask about the person’s health, the health of their family, or other social niceties. A quick “hello” and then moving on to business is regarded as very rude.  Many of the greetings have been translated literally from local languages and can sound a bit odd: “How was the night?”, “How body?”, “How enjoyment?” for example.  “Well done” is used liberally, without the sarcastic overtones it would usually have in some countries.  For example, if you start talking to someone who is working you could start the conversation with “Well done! How work?”
• Close friends and family members often kiss and hug when meeting.
• A Nigerian generally waits for the woman to extend her hand.
• Observant Muslims will not generally shake hands with members of the opposite sex.
• Address people initially by their academic, professional or honorific title and their surname Friends may address each other in a variety of ways: the title and the first name, the first name alone, the surname alone, or a nickname. Always wait until invited before using someone’s first name. This is not a first name culture, although that may be changing with people under the age of 35.
• When greeting someone who is obviously much older, it is a sign of respect and deference to bow the head or lower your eyes.
• Men greeting Men- Men usually shake hands with the right hand.  It is common to hold on to the hand during the whole initial part of the conversation.  If there is a difference in status then the junior man should bow slightly.  In the north of the country, instead of bowing many make a gesture of a clenched fist in front of the chest, derived from presenting spears to their Emir.  It is customary in many parts for the senior person to initiate the greeting,
• Women greeting Women– Handshakes are common during initial meetings.  Good friends and family may exchange a kiss on the cheek and a hug in certain parts of the country.
• Greetings between Men & Women– In the north of the country which is mostly Muslim, physical contact between the sexes is discouraged, so a northern woman is unlikely to shake a man’s hand and vice-versa.  As a man, it’s best to wait to see if a woman offers her hand before offering yours.  In the south of the country, greetings are much the same as between men. 

National Pride

Along with South Africa, Nigeria is considered a super-power in the African continent and consequently Nigerians are generally proud of their country.

It has the largest population in Africa and the land is endowed with vast quantities of natural resources. It is the sixth largest oil-producing nation and has a well-educated and industrious society.

They are fond of the expression, “When Nigeria sneezes, the rest of the African nations (with the exception of South Africa) catch cold.”

The Family

Extended families are still the norm and are in fact the backbone of the social system. Grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers and in-laws all work as a unit through life.

Family relationships are guided by hierarchy and seniority. Social standing and recognition is achieved through extended families.

Similarly a family’s honour is influenced by the actions of its members. Individuals turn to members of the extended family for financial aid and guidance, and the family is expected to provide for the welfare of every member.

Although the role of the extended family is diminishing somewhat in urban areas, there remains a strong tradition of mutual caring and responsibility among the members.

Gift Giving Etiquette

• If invited to dinner at someone’s home then bring fruit, nuts or chocolates for the host.
• A gift for the children is always a nice touch.
• Gifts should be given using the right hand only or both hands. Never use the left hand only.
• At Ramadan, it is customary for Muslims to give gifts of food and fruit.
• Gifts from a man to a woman must be said to come from the man’s mother, wife, sister, or other female relative, never from the man himself.
• Gifts should be wrapped, although there are no cultural taboos concerning paper colour.

Communication Style

Nigerians can be very direct but getting to the point often takes some time.  It’s important that people don’t feel you are rushing them.

Patience is very important, as even getting simple things done often requires several requests but losing your temper almost never improves the situation.

Large displays of emotion are very common and acceptable in public situations. Often times it may appear that people are arguing when in fact they are just having a conversation.

Due to the ethnic make-up of the country, communication styles vary. In the southwest, where the people are from the Yoruba tribe, people’s communication employs proverbs, sayings and even songs to enrich the meaning of what they say. This is especially true when speaking their native language, although many of the same characteristics have been carried into their English language usage. The Yoruba often use humour to prevent boredom during long meetings or serious discussions. They believe that embedding humour in their message guarantees that what they say is not readily forgotten.

Nigerians living in the south of the country tend to speak more directly. You may also find their tone slightly louder than elsewhere. They may raise their voices even more and become emotionally excited when they feel passionately about a topic. At the same time, a harsh tone is considered unwelcoming and even hostile. Nigerians prefer facial expressions that imply empathy and believe an indifferent facial expression indicates that a person is ignorant or obnoxious.

Generally speaking, Nigerians are outgoing and friendly. Communication commences with polite inquiries into the welfare of the person and his family. Such social niceties go a long way since. Therefore, foreigners who take the time to get to know the Nigerian as a person are considered friends and welcomed into a Nigerian’s inner circle of family and close friends.

Nigerian communication can also be indirect and may rely on non-verbal cues. Many use gestures when communicating. They may smile to mask their true feelings, especially when disappointed or confused. Many employ indirect eye contact to demonstrate their respect for the other person. It is common to gaze at the forehead or shoulders of someone they do not know well. Very direct eye contact may be interpreted as being intrusive unless there is a longstanding personal relationship.

At the same time, there are some Nigerians who are extremely direct communicators and have no difficulty stating what is on their minds. Therefore, it is a good idea to observe the situation carefully before determining what behaviour is appropriate.

In general, Nigerians start with the general idea and slowly move into the specific, often using a somewhat circuitous route. Their logic is often contextual. They look for the rationale behind behaviour and attempt to understand the context. They tend to examine behaviour in its total context, not merely what they have observed.

Nigerians tend to have little concept of personal space.  Less than an arm’s length is acceptable in most situations.  More distance is usually kept between men and women, especially in the Muslim areas in the north of the country.

Members of the same sex will often touch while talking.  It is not uncommon to see men walking down the street hand in hand having a conversation.  Touching is also used to reinforce status, such as a senior man placing a hand on a junior’s shoulder.

Eye contact is highly dependent on gender and status.  For example, women (especially in Muslim areas) will not usually make eye contact with men while talking. Direct eye contact is common between members of the same gender who are of the same status.Making direct eye contact with superiors is often seen as being confrontational and/ or rude. Deference is usually shown by the junior party bowing their head and looking at the floor while the senior party looks directly at them.

Many people beckon one another in the street by making sucking the lips and making a hissing or kissing sound.

The thumb’s up sign combined with a an upward motion of the arm is considered a rude/obscene gesture by many.

Homosexuality is illegal and not tolerated in society.

Public display of affection between members of the opposite sex is considered rude and offensive in most areas.

It is expected that foreigners will make cultural mistakes and Nigerians are generally very tolerant.  They may occasionally point out when you’ve done something wrong but will seldom be offended.

Business Meetings

Nigerians prefer to develop personal relationships prior to conducting business. Therefore, if this is the first time you are meeting with a Nigerian company, you should expect to devote a decent period of time to getting to know people on a personal level. This may take as long as two hours for an initial meeting. Any attempt to bypass this protocol will hamper your business success.

Expect the first few meetings to be somewhat formal as your Nigerian counterparts continue to become comfortable with you as a person. It is a good idea to maintain a polite and somewhat reserved manner until the person you are meeting drops some of his formality.

Try to avoid using hyperbole or making exaggerated claims when presenting a business case as Nigerians are naturally suspicious of a deal that sounds too good to be true.

Team members should present a united front at meetings. Any disagreement between members will be interpreted as meaning that you are not relaying the entire story and that they should proceed cautiously.

If you plan to work from an agenda, it is a good idea to send it in advance of the meeting. Nigerians will generally follow the agenda point by point and may want to consult with key stakeholders who will not be present prior to the meeting.

Names are usually given in the order of first name followed by family name. Some Nigerians may use Mr., Mrs., or Miss followed by the first name of a person.

Titles are regarded as very important and there are many of them, for example architect and engineer are used as titles.

Business cards are exchanged without formal ritual. Present and receive business cards with two hands or the right hand, never with the left. It is a good idea to include any advanced university degree on your business card. Make certain that your title is prominently displayed. Never write on your business card. If the information has changed, have new cards printed. Make a point of studying any business card you receive before putting it into a business card holder. When it comes to business cards, it’s best to present your card with your right hand and then accept others’ cards the same way.  It’s a good idea to make eye contact and smile during the process. After receiving the card it’s best to place it on the table in front of you or in a case.

It’s best to wait to be invited before you call someone by their first name.

You should turn up on time for meetings, but be prepared for others to be late.

Try to greet those attending in order of seniority.  This can often be noted by observing who people are deferring to, who has the biggest chair, etc.

Long greetings with a decent amount of small talk are common and polite. Asking about one’s health and family is usually a good start.

The primary purpose of initial meetings is usually to get to know each other. Business may or may not be discussed.  It’s best to show patience and not try to impose your agenda.

Bargaining is an important part of most purchases, business is no different.

A little emotion during negotiation is acceptable but losing control is not.

Decisions can take a long time, especially in civil service organizations.

Gender Issues

• With the possible exception of the Muslim north, Nigerians tend to be accepting of foreign businesswomen and will treat them with the same respect they would a businessman, if she has the qualifications and credentials deemed necessary for her position. Since male chauvinism is entrenched in the culture, women should establish her credentials prior to her arrival by forwarding a brief bio of herself, including her academic background and professional accomplishments.
• There are several women in high-ranking government positions and it is common for women to work.  However, most women are expected to be married and have children, remaining faithful to their husband.  Unfaithfulness by men is regarded as acceptable behavior in most situations. 
• In the Muslim parts of the country adult women are expected to be entirely devoted to their family. 
• Foreign women are often treated as honorary men, but this will depend on the situation.
• Gender roles can vary a lot depending on which part of the country you are in

Islam and Business

On Fridays, the Islamic Sabbath, the community gathers for prayers at noon. Offices and many shops are closed on Fridays. 

The holy festival of Ramadan occupies the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the dates vary each year. During this month Muslims observe a period of abstention (fasting during daylight hours), reflection and purification. 

Ramadan and its ending, or breaking of the fast (Eid al-Fitr, a three-day holiday) affects all business activities. If visiting during Ramadan, be aware that there may be limited time for business meetings. 

Check the Islamic calendar when planning business visits.

Sources: RW3′s CultureWizard® Country Profiles, Online Nigeria and Culture Crossing.

Security Tips

Lagos

In Lagos especially, crime is a very real issue. You are advised to be very vigilant and not take unnecessary risks or tempt bystanders by exposing too much money, jewellery or valuable items. Armed robbery and theft are the most common crimes and cases should be reported, if only for insurance purposes. The ability of the local police force to help in such matters is by no means uniform or reliable throughout the country. Local newspapers have reported successes by the Nigerian Department of State Services (commonly known as the SSS) against regional terrorism and organised crime. However, corruption is rampant and it is possible that perpetrators of crime may go unpunished as was the case where drug kingpins had proxies serve their jail sentences in 2006.

Police are slow to respond, if at all.  The police continue to be plagued by a serious lack of resources, communications equipment and transportation. This has resulted in the police starting a donation drive to fund the purchase of needed equipment. Generally, police patrols of residential neighborhoods do not exist. Victims of crimes should report to the nearest police station. The police are well-intentioned when it comes to the expatriate communities but lack the necessary training and resources to conduct successful investigations. Usually, victims must provide transportation for investigating police officers and maintain close contact to move the investigation forward. Crime labs and facilities to process evidence do not exist.

It is always to the advantage of detainees to cooperate with local officials and to maintain their composure when interacting with officials should they be detained or harassed by the police.

The Nigerian police force emergency phone number is 199 and may be used in an emergency.

The following Nigeria-specific security precautions are provided to raise your security consciousness and help prevent/deter you becoming a victim a terrorist and/or criminal attack:

·         Avoid disputes with local citizens.

·         Avoid large crowds of people.

·         Do not use personal cheques, credit cards or ATMs anywhere in Nigeria.

·         Due to the proliferation of identity and financial fraud throughout Nigeria, do not bring information about yourself and your finances you do not need.

·         Be wary of business offers promising a large payoff for little or no investment.

·         Carry only the amount of cash you need and distribute it within several pockets.

·         Avoid guides and other strangers who approach you with offers of assistance.

·         Always be polite and respectful of policemen and soldiers.

·         Never photograph public buildings, monuments, or airports.

·         Some Nigerians may object to having their picture taken; always ask permission.

·         If approached by an armed robber or armed carjacker, cooperate.

·         Never leave identifying material or valuables in the vehicle.

·         Avoid trips to remote areas, especially after dark.

·         Keep vehicles well maintained, including a usable spare tire.

·         Remain a safe distance behind the vehicle ahead to allow space for avoidance maneuvers, if necessary.

·         Always slow down and acknowledge police and military at checkpoints. Police are authorised to shoot at suspected stolen vehicles, and will do so if you don’t stop.

·         Be alert for suspicious persons when exiting or approaching your vehicle.

·         All businesses, both Nigerian and expatriate, employ guard services at work and at home. There are many companies with varying quality of service. Since Nigerian law prohibits the arming of private security personnel, police personnel often supplement guard forces. These arrangements can be made by your local guard company or with the local police station. Some best security practices are listed on this website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html.

·         Nigeria has more than its fair share of challenges to safety and security. You definitely will need to take prudent precautions to ensure a happy stay, however you don’t have to become paranoid. Ask around and you’ll hear a variety of opinions as to what ‘prudent’ means to each individual. Make your own informed decisions.

·         The greatest security investment one can make is to be acquainted with your neighbours so that they are familiar with your behavioural patterns, friends and visitors, and you with theirs.

·         Enroll in self defense classes, or security studies so as to learn how to protect or defend yourself in the event of one-one confrontations e.g. at a party/bar.

·         As much as possible, minimise traveling unaccompanied in the evening. Travel in convoys when going out, and you reduce your risk of being attacked by criminals. In the event that you find yourself traveling alone, be hyper-vigilant, pay attention to the movement of people and vehicles around you and most importantly drive swiftly but sensibly.

·         In general, most crime is for gain and is not racially focused. Specific individuals (such as corporate executives or senior diplomats) are generally not targeted. However, as a foreigner, it will be assumed that you have relative wealth. Armed hold-ups and carjackings are not unknown and it makes sense to be aware of your surroundings at all times. In general, Victoria Island, Ikoyi and Lekki Peninsula are considered relatively safe but it makes sense to be vigilant anywhere you go, particularly at night.

·         Keep all doors locked, both at home and while in your vehicle. If you have access to company radios or mobile/ cellphone, it’s a good idea to carry them, especially after dark. Note: If you are seen carrying a radio, it can possibly act as a deterrent. It’s better not to wear ostentatious or eye-catching jewellery when out in public, especially in crowded places (including the airport). Most foreigners feel more comfortable shopping with a friend when visiting the larger markets. Some expats go walking or jogging on the island during the daytime; the ‘Hashers’ do it every week. When you’re on the streets beware of the traffic, both vehicular and motorbikes; pedestrians do not have right of way. It is survival of the biggest and heaviest!

·         Identify persons who visit you before allowing them in and teach your household to do the same.

·         Remove any objects laying around your house which can aid an intruder in your house e.g ladder, axe, hammer.

·         Co-operate and offer useful information to the police.

·         Don’t board taxis’s with strangers or accept a lift from them, they could be robbers.

·         Help raise alarm anytime your neighbours are in distress, it could be you next time.

·         Demand proof of identity from persons who call in the guise of meter readers, sales men etc.

·         Be security conscious.

·         Don’t encourage your security guard or children to harbour unknown persons. Check all doors, windows, and put on security light before sleeping, never leave this to your servants.

·         Avoid sudden and friendly offers of drinks and food from unknown persons, you could be drugged.

·         Regardless of the hour, be smart when walking around - don’t carry much around in the streets with you, and if you have a bag, keep it close to you. If you have a cell phone, do not flaunt it - pickpockets have been known to take cellphones right out of people’s hands when talking on them. Local police also apparently target foreigners in the area around popular backpacker hostels. Carry a copy of your passport (not your real one), and a copy of your visa too so that there is no potential problem with the police (you are legally obliged to carry both at all times). Also, very obviously, do not carry drugs or knives (penknives) around with you at all.

·         Do not walk alone in apparently deserted places especially at night; wherever possible walk with a group. Be on the look out for pickpockets and bag snatchers. Do not carry more cash than required. Do not wear jewellery. Wear a money belt that fits under your clothes. Don’t carry a lot of camera equipment especially in the major cities. Keep a photocopy of the first few pages of your passport, visas and air tickets, separately from the original documents. Beware of thieves posing as police officers. Overall, as a preventative measure, it is advised to use one’s common sense by always being aware of one’s  surroundings, being alert while walking or driving in the streets (especially at night) as well as taking the necessary  precautions for one’s personal safety, such as not walking alone at night.

·         Try not to travel alone, always in a small groups, never hitch hike or get a lift from a stranger when you are on your own. Always read the local news and keep up to date on current happenings around the world and in Africa.

·         Websites like www.news24.com, www.iafrica.com, www.africanews.org and www.iol.co.za are updated with top stories almost hourly. Ask a few locals to give you a run-down on all safe and unsafe areas as well as dress codes.

·         You have the right to live your life free of crime and to expect that you can go about your day-to-day business without threat of attack and you need not become a victim or another crime statistic - if you take the necessary precautions.

·         DO NOT HAVE UNPROTECTED SEX!!! If you decide to engage in sexual activity with someone whose HIV infection status you do not know, please practice safe sex to reduce your risk.

Out and about

·         Do not walk alone after dark in unpopulated streets. Find out whether an area is safe before you head out.

·         Don’t walk around with your nose in a map, camera clanking around your neck, screaming ‘tourist’! 

·         Keep car windows closed and doors locked.  Don’t leave bags or cell phones visible.

·         Be alert at traffic lights.  Those who approach are usually hawkers or beggars but watch out for smash-and-grab thieves who may hover at the passenger side.

·         Park in a well-lit areas and give the thumbs up to a security guard who’ll be happy with a small tip when you return.

·         Don’t use an ATM (automatic teller machine) unless it’s in a well-lit place and don’t accept help from ANYONE.

·         Don’t flash cash, jewellery or valuables around. Use credit cards whenever possible.

·         Keep personal and travel documents with you at all times – preferably tucked away on your body.

·         Keep photocopies of your documents in a safe place.

·         Make sure that someone – family, a friend, the hotel manager – knows where you’re going and when you’re expected back.

·         Stick to travel itineraries or let someone know if you change your plan.

·         Carry a charged cell phone with you at all times.

·         Avoid public transport – it is not for the uninitiated!

·         Be alert and exercise a conscious awareness of your environment, exercise common sense.

·         Do not carry large sums of cash – only sufficient for your immediate needs.

·         Carry your handbag firmly under your arm with the strap over your shoulder.

·         Like all large cities in the world, there are areas that are no-go places for visitors after dark.

·         Should a thief confront you, especially if he has a weapon, do not resist. Do not look him in the eye and give him what he asks for.

·         Keep your passport and personal identification in a safe place and carry certified copies.           

·         When driving, do not leave anything of value (handbags, laptops, cell phones) on the seats or dashboard – it is advisable to place items of value in the boot of the car, or tuck them under the seats where they are not visible.

At markets and malls

·         As in markets anywhere, be vigilant for pickpockets for your cash and mobile telephones. If you have a shoulder bag, loop it over and across your front. You’ll find yourself carrying around cumbersome bundles of notes so be discreet when taking out and counting money. Pre-count bundles of naira before you leave home and keep a small bag or purse with several compartments to seperate bundles. Lastly, keep lots of small denomination notes handy for ‘dashing’ or tipping.

·         Don’t be tentative when bargaining; humour diffuses many situations! Bargaining means there’s some fluidity in price, of course, and at some stage during your stay in Nigeria you may think you’ve been cheated. Consider beforehand what your strategy would be in such a circumstance, so you can approach it with a clear head.

·         The main aggravation in a market can be all the boys vying to carry your shopping. If you select one, it will keep his colleagues at bay. It is well worth the 100 or so naira. These children are annoying but harmless; consider it a way of making a contribution to the local economy. Many markets try to ban them, but aren’t always successful.

In your neighbourhood

·         Learn to recognise the people who live around you and those who pass by your property. Once you are familiar with your neighbours, you’ll be quicker to spot would-be criminals.

·         Even if you don’t know your neighbours’ names, try to memorise where they live, what time you usually see them and what cars they drive.

·         Learn the names of the roads in your area, so that you can report and pinpoint a crime accurately. Become familiar with how access to these streets is controlled (by traffic lights, stop or yield signs, one-way streets), so that you become attuned to someone blatantly disregarding the road signs (criminals in a hurry are likely to do so).

On the road

·         Some roads do have a justifiably bad reputation, especially at night, (e.g., the airport road and the Ibadan Expressway). Even Nigerians will tell you that they don’t like travelling them after dark. Larger companies and some embassies have security escorts for the airport run; other individuals try to avoid traveling these roads alone wherever possible.

·         Anywhere in Lagos, things might get unpleasant in an accident involving a foreigner, especially if the expat is driving. You’ll find that some expats drive themselves at all hours, especially on the island, while others restrict their driving to daylight time and use drivers in the evenings. Most companies encourage or insist that expats be driven at all times.

·         While convoys aren’t necessarily essential, it makes a good sense to take more than one vehicle when travelling out of Lagos. Breakdowns can happen and in Nigeria it’s reassuring to have the comfort of a back-up vehicle. It makes particularly good sense if you have to be driving at night.

·         Police roadblocks are common in Nigeria. Usually foreigners are simply waved through and not asked to stop, but occasionally the police do like to chat with you. It is best to stay cool, calm and collected. Remember that, if you aren’t breaking the law (like driving without a driver’s licence), there’s no need to be nervous or worried. Many expats let their drivers do the talking at roadblocks.

·         Make sure all vehicle papers are in order and on hand. When out of town, carry a copy of your passport and residence permit with you at all times.

·         Always wear seat belts. The highest health risk to expatriates is road accidents.

·         Keep enough fuel in your tank to handle unforseen circumstances (at least a ¼ tank). However, be aware that it is illegal to carry jerry cans of fuel.

·         Travel with two or more vehicles if possible, when making long road trips. If you do have to travel alone, let someone know your travel plans.

·         If you have them, carry a charged, operative radio, and /or a mobile phone.

·         Carry a basic first aid kit, fire extinguisher, flashlight and tools in the vehicle. Many streets are poorly lit so be on the watch for police checkpoints are known to be.

·         Do not slow down for people not in uniform, particularly at night. Be cautious when lowering windows, particularly in traffic and at night.

·         Emotions can run high at a traffic accident, so it’s advisable to leave the scene and return to your home. Once you get home, call your embassy or company and report the incident. They’ll help you take care of formalities with the police.

·         If you have a mechanical problem, such as flat tire, in an undesirable location and are still mobile, it’s wise to continue to drive to a place where you can safely seek assistance.

·         In Lagos, there are frequent motorcades escorting government officials or transporting currency; always give them the right of way.

·         You and your car are most secure from car crimes when you are moving. It is when you slow down or stop that you are most vulnerable to hijackings or car thefts.

·         Travel with doors locked and windows closed or only slightly opened. DO NOT leave your handbag and cellphone where it is visible and easily accessible.

·         Be alert, particularly at the start and end of your journey, or wherever you have to stop.

·         Be wary of people loitering near intersections especially at night.

·         Check your rear-view mirror frequently and be alert as to who may be following you.

·         Check your surroundings briskly but carefully before getting into or out of your car.

·         Avoid establishing regular travel patterns.

·         Always leave room to manoeuvre when stopping behind another vehicle.

·         Choose a vehicle that has central locking and air conditioning and always drive with your windows up and doors locked. Some people recommend that you leave car windows slightly open (5 mm) as this can reduce the likelihood of windows breaking when being hit by a broken spark plug, which is the usual method of breaking them.

·         Know your route and try to avoid dark, isolated roads at night – keep to well-lit main roads and highways. If you get lost, drive to the nearest 24hr petrol station or police station for directions. It is ‘sort-of’ permissible to pull away in the face of red traffic lights at quiet junctions late at night, and when absolutely sure the coast is clear. That does not mean simply sailing through them, which is highly dangerous and will also invite a traffic fine.

·         Be wary of people who approach you for information or offer you something. You will notice many hawkers sell anything from grapes to coat hangers at traffic lights and large intersections. It is not advisable to purchase goods from them or to give money to beggars as they are often ‘casing’ your car for sight of a laptop or handbag.

·         Be aware of stationary vehicles outside your gates, particularly if they are occupied. When coming home, if you see anything unusual, drive around the block or drive to the nearest police station.  Be alert as you leave the property.

·         Don’t stop for accidents - contact emergency services and inform them of the incident and location. If another car collides into the back of your car, check the occupants through your rear view mirrors.  If they look at all suspicious, drive immediately to the nearest police station and report the incident.  If you are involved in a minor ‘bumper-bashing’ (no obvious injuries) and assess that you are at risk either from the other party or due to the location, you are not obliged to stop – go to a Police Station immediately to report the accident.

·         Never offer rides to hitchhikers or strangers.

·         Purchase a hands-free car kit for your cell-phone and code in emergency contact numbers. Please note that it is illegal to talk on a mobile phone whilst driving unless you’re using a hands-free kit.

·         It is recommended that you have a certified copy of your drivers’ licence with you whilst driving.

Taken from Relocation Africa's African Relocation Guide Nigeria - Safety and Security section (pg 115).

To place an order or for more info on this guide or other guides please click here: African Relocation Guides.

Web Sources:

http://nigeriaat50.gov.ng/art-culture/

http://www.onlinenigeria.com/festivals/?blurb=554

http://www.culturecrossing.net/basics_business_student_details.php?Id=7&CID=151