Info4Migrants

NIGERIA PROFILE

1 AREA 923 768 km2

POPULATION 174,5 million

GDP per capita $3416 CURRENCY NAIRA Language ENGLISH

2 MAIN INFORMATION

“ - Location Map (2013) - NGA - UNOCHA” by OCHA. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/ File:Nigeria_-_Location_Map_(2013)_-_NGA_-_UNO- CHA.svg#mediaviewer/File:Nigeria_-_Location_Map_ (2013)_-_NGA_-_UNOCHA.svg

Location: Federal Republic of Nigeria is a country in Western Africa. It borders wtih in the west, and in the east, Niger in the north and the Gulf of in the south.

Capital: Abuja. The biggest city is Lagos.

Flag Climate: semi-dry in the northern part of the country, while in the southern parts it can be characterized with high levels of humidity.

Ethnicity: Nigeria is the most populated African country and holds 8th place in the world in terms of number of population. There are three main ethnic groups co- inhabiting on its territories – Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba, and along with them hundreds of other ethnicities and tribes with small numbers.

Coat of Arms Religion: the religious belonging of the Nigerian population is almost equally distributed between Islam (50%) and Christianity (40%). The other 10% of the population follow traditional religions. Government: presidential republic.

“ of Nigeria” by Lumia1234 - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coat_of_ 3 Arms_of_Nigeria.svg#mediaviewer/File:Coat_of_Arms_of_Nigeria.svg FOREIGN RELATIONS

After gaining its independence in 1960, Nigeria defines unity of Africa as its main goal in its foreign policy. The only exception from the focus on Africa is the tight relations which the country maintains with Israel in the 60s, when Israel finances and controls the building of the government offices in Nigeria.

Nigeria supports the African National Congress. The country is one of the founders of the Organization for African Unity (today called African Union) and has a great influence in Africa.

Nigeria is the founder of several regional initiatives for cooperation in Western Africa, among which the Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS) and ECOMOG, the respective economic and military organization.

During the 70s Nigeria supports several pan-African movements, as well as movements for self-governance in countries like , Namibia and Mozambique.

In the end of November 2006 Nigeria organizes in Abuja a meeting between Africa and South Africa. Nigeria is a member of the International Court of Justice and the (a unity of countries which in the past have been part of the British Empire). In 1995 Nigeria is temporarily excluded from the Commonwealth of Nation due to Abacha’s regime.

Nigeria plays a key role in the petrol industry even back in the 70s of the last century and is an OPEC member since 1971. This role of important producer of petrol leads to frequent changes in the relations between Nigeria and countries like the USA, China, Jamaica, and .

Due to the economic difficulties in the country, many Nigerians have emigrated to Europe, North America and Australia. Over one million Nigerians live in the USA.

4 Photo by Teasmileland at freedigitalphotos.net FACTS ABOUT NIGERIA

Coat of Arms The coat of arms of Nigeria is a black shield (a symbol of the fertile soil) with two white lines that form in a “Y” shape – Niger and Benue Rivers. There are two white horses around the shield, representing the dignity of the nation. They have stepped on a green field with red flowers - spectabilis – the symbol flower of Nigeria. There is an above the shield that represents the strength and under it is the Nigerian “Unity and faith, peace and progress”. “Coat of Arms of Nigeria” by Lumia1234 - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons. wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coat_of_Arms_of_Nigeria.svg#mediaview- er/File:Coat_of_Arms_of_Nigeria.svg Language The official language in Nigeria is the English – the aim of choosing it was to encourage the cultural and linguistic unity of the country. In addition to the English language, over 500 local languages are being spoken in Nigeria; some of the most widely used ones’ being Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. The languages that are spoken in Nigeria belong to three families of African languages – Afro-asiatic, Nilo-Saharan and Niger-Congo. Some of the languages are still not classified and are being spoken from a very small number of people in the village regions of the country.

Governance Nigeria is a presidential republic. The president is the head of the executive power. The is elected by the people for a period of four years, and cannot be elected for more than two consecutive mandates. The National Assembly is bicameral and includes a Senate and a House of Representatives.

5 FACTS ABOUT NIGERIA

Abuja Abuja is a planned city, built almost entirely in the 80s of the previous century, after a decision was taken that the capital of Lagos, is not longer functional enough. Abuja became officially the capital of Nigeria on 12.12.1991. Abuja is situated in central Nigeria on a place which is considered neutral by all the tribes of the country; the goal was for the city to symbolize the unity of the nation. Its location was determined by the two rock monoliths – Aso and Zuma, formed after erosion. Today the city is an important cultural and

“Nigeriahouseofreps” by Shiraz Chakera - The administrative center with a modern look, which House of Representatives. Licensed under CC attracts more and more inhabitants from all over the BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://com- mons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nigeriahouseofreps. country. jpg#mediaviewer/File:Nigeriahouseofreps.jpg

In the antiquity The earliest data about settlers on the territory of Nigeria dates back to 9000 BC. There is proof for the existence of shepherds and farmers, as well as pottery work around 4000 BC. Furnaces for melting metals, dating back to 4th century BC have been found in Taruga – probably the oldest ever found. These lands have been in the heart of a large commercial network in ancient Africa. Until the 16th century dozens of kingdoms have been formed, the biggest one being kingdom Nri, founded in 9th century. It exists for about 1000 years, and despite its small territory it has a huge cultural and political influence over southeastern Nigeria. With the time “Yoruba-bronze-head” by WaynaQhapaq - English Wikipedia. Licensed under Public Domain via Wi- more powerful countries emerge, like Yoruba, Ife, kimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia. org/wiki/File:Yoruba-bronze-head.jpg#mediaview- Oyo and Benin Empire, Calabar Kingdom and a er/File:Yoruba-bronze-head.jpg number of city-states.

6 FACTS ABOUT NIGERIA

Biodiversity Nigeria has a large diversity of and animal species. The region around town Calabar is considered to have the richest diversity of butterflies in the world, and the drill monkey inhabits only the southeastern parts of Nigeria and the northwestern regions of neighboring Cameroon. The border mountain regions to the southeast are rich in animal species, some of which are the cross-river gorilla, the extremely rare Nigerian chimpanzee, the endemic country bird Ibadan Malimbe. Three main ecosystems can be distinguished clearly in the country – semi-desert and savannas to the north, equatorial forests in the central and southern parts of the country, and coastal ecosystems along the ocean cost or river basins.

Economy Nigeria has the third largest economy in Africa, after Egypt and the Republic of South Africa. Nigeria has the largest natural gas reserves in Africa and the 7th biggest in terms of volume in the world, as well as the 10th biggest in terms of petrol volumes. It is the biggest OPEC member state and exports the 5th biggest volume of petrol in the world, overpassing countries like Iran, Iraq and Norway. The economic development of the country has been detained in the past by numerous war conflicts, corruption and bad governance, but the gradual introduction of democracy and the successful Photo by meepoohfoto at freedigi- reforms allow Nigeria to develop its economic talphotos.net potential. During the last couple of years the GDP has risen with 8-9%, which is one of the highest in the world.

7 FACTS ABOUT NIGERIA

Food independency Agriculture is the main source of sustenance for more than 60 million people inhabiting the village areas of Nigeria. Many important vegetable crops that are widely used in agriculture (especially in Africa) have emerged in Nigeria - sorghum, yams and West African rice. The main agricultural crops that are raised here are: millet, palm oil, cocoa, peanuts, sugar cane, rice

and others. Photo by africa at freedigitalphotos.net

Religion The religious identity of the Nigerian population is almost equally distributed between Islam (50%) and Christianity (40%). The other 10% of the population follow traditional religions. The Muslim population is concentrated in the north; while the Christians are disperses in the southern parts of the country. Since 1953 the number of Christians has increased, the Christians in that year have been 13%. Most of them are Protestants, minor part are Catholics. Hausa tribe is the main part of the Photo by artur84 and Vichaya Kiaty- population that adheres to Sunni Islam. ing-Angsulee at freedigitalphotos.net

National identity The colonial rulership of Great Britain for the first time leads to the union of the Nigerians. Their mutual fight makes them stop thinking about themselves in terms of belonging to Hausa, Igbo or Yoruba, but rather as being a unified nation. The urbanization and education also contribute to the unification of the Nigerians and they gradually realize that they have much more things in common than they have supposed.

8 Photo by meepoohfoto at freedigitalphotos.net UNIQUE PLACES IN NIGERIA

Yankari National Park

The Yankari National Park is located in northeastern Nigeria, covering an area of about 2,244 square kilometers. It is the home to several natural warm water springs. Its location in the heart- land of the West African savanna makes it a unique place for watching wildlife in its natural habitat. Yankari was originally created as a game reserve, but later designated Nigeria’s biggest national park in 1991. It is the most popular destination for tourists in Nigeria and, as such, plays a crucial role in the development and promotion of tourism and and ecotourism in Nigeria. Yankari is the home of over 50 species of mammals, among which antelopes, lions, hippos and many species of monkeys. It is also one of the most popular eco-destinations in West Africa. One of the biggest populations of elephants in West Africa can be found in Yankari – about 300 animals.

Aso and Zuma Rocks

The Aso and Zuma Rocks are located around the capital of Nigeria, Abuja, and the architecture of the city has been complied with them to a great extent. The Aso rock is a 400-metre monolith around which fmous building like the Nigerian Presidential Complex, the Nigerian National Assembly, and the Nigerian Supreme Court have been located. "Aso" means victorious in the native language of the (now displaced) Asokoro ("the people of victory"). Zuma Rock is a 725-meter high monolith which rises to the north of Abuja, on the road to town Kaduna. Sometimes the rock is referred to the “Gateway to Abuja”. Zuma is depicted on the 100 naira note.

“Zuma Rock”. Via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Zuma_Rock.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Zuma_Rock.jpg 9 FOOD IN NIGERIA

Nigerian cuisine is extremely diverse, alike the ethnic composition of the country. Palm oil and groundnut oil are often used, as well as chili and spices. Popular dishes: Pate – made of ground dry corn or rice, served with spinach, tomatoes, onions, peppers, beans, groundnuts and minced meat. Tuwo shinkafa – rice pudding served with pumpkin stew, spinach and meat or fish. Jollof – rice, prepared with palm oil, onions, tomatoes and various smokes seafood. Akara – a dish made from peeled black-eyed peas formed into a ball and then deep-fried in palm oil. It is usually served for breakfast with millet or corn. Moin-moin – steamed bean pudding made from a mixture of peeled black-eyed peas, onions and fresh ground peppers. Suya – grilled meat coated with ground chili pepper and peanut powder; very popular in Nigeria. Balangu – goat, sheep or cow meat, grilled over wood/coal fire, no seasoning is applied to bring out the natural flavor of the meat. Amala – thick paste made from sweet potatoes, formed in a ball and served with different soups. If prepared with manioc, instead of sweet potato, the dish is called “lafun”. Fufu – pieces of boiled cassava pounded into dough-like consistency, by adding water; balls are formed and served with different soups and stews. The dish is called “sakoro” among the people of Hausa tribe. Maafe – groundnut stew made with groundnuts, tomatoes and onions as the base, and be infinitely varied with chicken, beef of fish and different leafy vegetables. Masa – made from rice which is soaked and then ground into a thick paste, which is then poured and baked into a clay form. Funkaso – millet pancakes. Mosa – fermented corn, which is ground into a thick paste and then fried; it is served sprinkled with sugar.

“A Plate of Pounded Yam (Iyan) served in Birmingham UK” by Toludpilgrim - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http:// commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_Plate_of_Pounded_Yam_(Iyan)_served_in_Birmingham_UK.JPG#mediaviewer/File:A_Plate_of_Pounded_Yam_ 10 (Iyan)_served_in_Birmingham_UK.JPG BEVERAGES IN NIGERIA

Soft drinks Tea Tea is very popular in Nigeria. When visiting Soy milk someone, tea is usually served three times. Soy milk is prepared from soya which is The first cup of tea is without sugar, the first soaked and grinded, and after that second – slightly sweet and the third – very filtered. sweet. This symbolizes the development of friendship. Kunu Alcoholic drinks Kunu is a popular Nigerian drink made of millet, sorghum or maize. Palm wine The grain seeds are left to germinate, then Palm wine is produced of coconut palms or soaking the seeds in water for a few days palm that gives dates. After gathering the and blending the soaked grain with sweet palm juice, in two hours it is already potatoes and ginger or pepper to form a fermented and the result is a sweet wine smooth paste. This paste is then divided with about 4% alcohol contents. The juice into two parts. One part is placed in a can be left to ferment even longer – for a vessel and has boiling water poured on it, maximum of one day, for the drink to be then it is stirred to give a thick mixture. even stronger, with a more sour and bitter The other part of the paste is then added taste. to this mixture and it is stirred some more. The mixture is then left for a day or two for the grain husk to settle. After this, the husk Ogogoro and other sediment are filtered out of the mixture, and the filtered liquid is bottled Ogogoro is a strong alcoholic drink, for consumption. distilled from juice of Raffia palm trees. The active ingredient in ogogoro is ethanol, Fura da Nono whose concentration within the drink is A popular drink made of cooked then very high and the alcohol content of local pounded millet or sorghum with some ogogoro ranges between 30-60%. cow’s milk. The drink is home-brewed and very popular in Nigeria. Zobo In Yoruba language the drink is known as A drink made of Roselle juice. Sonse, other local names are: Iced Water, Push Me, I Push You and Craze man in the bottle.

“Mbo” by Original uploader was Mbopar at en.wikipedia - Originally from en.wikipedia; description page is/was here.. Licensed under 11 Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mbo.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Mbo.jpg PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

1 January: New Year’s Day Variable date during the Special tribute is paid to the The beginning of the New summer or autumn: people who have fought for Year is celebrated. Ramadan Nigeria’s independence. Muslims observe Ramadan, Variable date during the visit their relatives and give Variable date in autumn or spring: Easter Day tribute to the elder people. winter: Kurban Bayram The Christians Many people give away Muslims make a sacrificial commemorate Jesus pastries and desserts on rite on this day, visit Christ’s resurrection from this holiday. relatives and give aid to the death. poor. 1 May: Worker’s and 1 October: Independence Solidarity Day Day 25 December: Christmas This day marks the 29 May: Democracy Day Day independence of Nigeria, Christians celebrate the This holiday commemorates declared on 1 October, the restoration of democracy birth of Jesus Christ on this 1960, after many years of day. in Nigeria when the British rule over the democratically elected country. On this day the president took office, ending president makes a speech the multiple decades of on the radio and television; military rule in the country. ceremonies are held for The restoration of raising the national flag, democracy restores the civil military parades, rights and the free press and celebrations with national puts an end to the arbitrary dances. arrests and violence.

“Durbar 5” by Riki - Own work. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/ 12 wiki/File:Durbar_5.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Durbar_5.jpg PEOPLE IN NIGERIA Urbanization and good education unite the different ethnic groups for the first time. As a result of this rapprochement, Nigerians realize they have much more things in common than they have thought. This leads to unprecedented levels of inter-ethnic relations and mutual work. People strive for the development of Nigeria as a whole and not as separate ethnic groups.

Due to the ethnic diversity of the Nigerians are usually communicative and country, the communication style of the friendly. Each conversation begins with Nigerians varies. To the Southeast, in detailed questions about the prosperity Yoruba tribe, people often use sayings of the person and his family. Foreigners, and even songs to emphasize the who spend enough time trying to get to meaning of what they have said. Yoruba know the Nigerian as a person, can easily often joke to avoid boredom when there be accepted among their closest friends. are long and serious conversations. They Sometimes Nigerians count a lot on the believe by adding a joke, what they have non-verbal communication and often use said will not be easily forgotten. gestures. Their smile can sometimes hide Nigerians living in the south usually are their true feelings, especially those of more direct and speak louder, especially disappointment or confusion. The indirect when they become excited about eye contact when the gaze is pointed something. The serious tone of voice is towards the forehead or the shoulders of considered impolite and even hostile. their interlocutor is considered an Nigerians prefer faces which express expression of respect. The direct eye empathy, an indifferent facial expression contact is considered intrusive. is not well-accepted.

“A woman attends a health education session in northern Nigeria (8406369172)” by Susan Elden/DFID. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via 13 Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_woman_attends_a_health_education_session_in_northern_Nige- ria_(8406369172).jpg#mediaviewer/File:A_woman_attends_a_health_education_session_in_northern_Nigeria_(8406369172).jpg PEOPLE IN NIGERIA

Class and caste

Highest in Nigerian society are the rich politicians, businessmen and the cultural elite. These people though, represent a very small part of the population. Today many Nigerians live in great poverty and these people have almost no chance of getting out of this vicious circle of poverty. Bad education, lack of opportunities, bad health, corrupted politicians and lack of any savings, prevent most people from achieving any development in their life.

The caste distribution is common for some ethnic groups in Nigeria, where some members of society are treated as being lower class. The criteria for defining which people belong to the lowest caste vary in the different regions: sometimes these are the members of minorities, the inhabitants of a given village or the members of a given family or clan. The Ibgo tribe calls this lowest class Osu.

The members of the community are against any personal or business contacts with members of Osu, regardless the individual qualities and values of the respective person. Osu members usually don’t have representatives in politics; they are deprived of access to education, possibilities for wok and even basic social interaction. Such caste system can be found also in Yoruba and Ibibio tribes.

Symbols of social stratification

Wealth is the main symbol of social stratification in Nigeria, especially in the cities. For many ethnic groups in the past, having an inherited title has been something common and the origin has been of utmost importance. Today money has become the main measurement of social status. The rich elite can easily be distinguished by their beautiful clothes, expensive vehicles and western style houses. These people usually speak better English, due to the better education they have acquired.

Wealth can play an important role in marking the social boundaries in the village regions. In many ethnic groups, people who have accumulated enough wealth can buy local titles. For example, in the Igbo tribe, a men or a woman who has enough money, can buy themselves the title Ozo. One of the requirements for women to be called Ozo is to have enough ivory, corals and other jewelry, required for the ceremony. Men, as well as women who wish to acquire this title, have to organize a celebration for the entire community.

“Hausa harpist” by Melvin Baker - www.flickr.com. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons. 14 wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hausa_harpist.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Hausa_harpist.jpg PEOPLE IN NIGERIA

Labor distribution

In general there is labor distribution in Nigeria between men and women. Very few women take part in politics or build a professional career. More and more women start to work in the cities, but in terms of percentage distribution they are still less than the men. Even if they manage to get a good job and establish themselves as professionals, women rarely reach the higher management levels.

However, play an important role in the economy, especially in the village regions. Women are often expected to provide a major part of the income in the family budget. In general, men are not considered to be carrying the responsibility to provide the sustenance of their women and children. This is why women often have to do agricultural work or sell hand made products at the local market, to make sure they can provide the sustenance of their children.

There is labor distribution between men and women even within the limits of one field. For example women and men grow different types of crops. Igbo tribe considers the sweet potatoes as a crop grown by the men, while beans and manioc are crops grown by women.

Men and women comparative status

Nowadays the society in Nigeria is patriarchal. Men dominate over women in almost every area. Despite the fact that Nigeria has adopted the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women, for the regular woman in the country this doesn’t mean anything. Women still have less legal rights than men.

Despite this, there are some areas where women still have big influence. In most ethnic groups the opinion of the mothers and sisters regarding the life of their sons and brothers is considered very important and is respected. The blood connection of these women gives them certain rights which the wives usually don’t have.

“Igbo hat and Isiagu” by infomatique - http://www.flickr.com/photos/infomatique/2812478793/. Licensed under CC BY-SA 15 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Igbo_hat_and_Isiagu.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Igbo_ hat_and_Isiagu.jpg PEOPLE IN NIGERIA Marriage

There are three types of marriages nowadays in Nigeria: religious, civil and traditional. A Nigerian couple might decide to have only one or all three types of marriages. Religious marriages, usually Christian or Muslim, are carried out in a church or a mosque, according to the norms of the respective religion. Christians can only have one wife, while Muslims can have up to four wives. When it comes to civil marriages, regardless of the religion a man is allowed to have only one wife. Traditional marriages are usually held in the home of the woman, according to the traditions of the respective ethnic group. Most tribes allow men to have more than one woman.

Although the western way of searching for a partner and getting married is not unfamiliar, the traditional values and influence of the family are still considered as more important even in the bigger cities and among the richer people. According to tradition women have no right to choose who they are going to marry although in the last years the number of arranged marriages has been reduced. Girls often get married before they turn 20 years of age, sometimes to a much older man. When the man has already several other marriages, it is the oldest wife’s responsibility to introduce the youngest wife to the family, to take care of her and help her integrate.

It is common in many Nigerian ethnicities to pay for your future wife. The price can be paid in the form of money, wine, cattle or other valuable good, which is given to the family of the woman, but it can be done in a more subtle way: for example the man can pay for the education of his future wife, help her start a small business or arrange for her agricultural work.

Although women who decide to leave their husbands can return back to their family, they are expected to give an explanation for their action. If it is decided that the husband has been treating his wife well, the price he has paid for her, will be returned to him.

Although traditions vary in the different tribes, the traditional weddings usually include lots of dances, music and rituals. In Yoruba tribe for example, the future wife and a couple of women come out together covered from head to toe in a white veil and the man has to recognize among them his chosen one, to show how well he knows her.

“Durbar 5” by Riki - Own work. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/ 16 wiki/File:Durbar_5.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Durbar_5.jpg PEOPLE IN NIGERIA

Household

Most families in Nigeria are very big compared to the western standards. Many men in Nigeria have more than one woman. In some ethnic groups, the more children a man has, the higher his status among the others. Often a family consists of ten or more members.

In polygamous families, each woman carries the responsibility for the nurturing of her own children; however women help each other when necessary. Women take turns in the preparation of food for the husband, thus the expenses for his sustenance are distributed equally among everybody. Men are considered heads of the family and their ideas and wishes are rarely put under dispute.

In most Nigerian tribes, the man takes care of his fields, while women have their own work to do: take care of the family garden, processing of palm oil, selling vegetables in the local market, etc. Sometimes children go to school. When they get home, the eldest boys help their father with his work, while the girls and the smaller girls help their mothers.

Divorce is common in Nigeria. Marriage is considered a social contract, aiming at continuing the family, and not a union based on love and emotions. Often the man and the woman live in separate homes and are quite independent from each other. In most ethnic group marriage can be terminate by the man as well as by the woman. If a woman leaves her husband, she is often taken as a second or a third wife for another man, in which case he has to return to the first husband the price he has paid for her. The children of the divorced woman are accepted in her new family without problems.

Family ties

Although men dominate in the Igbo tribe, women play an important role regarding family relations. All Igbo members, men and women, maintain very close relations with the clan of their mother, even if this member lives in another village. When a person passes away, usually the body is returned to the village, to his mother and is buried among her relatives. If an Igbo member is violated and thrown out of their community, the relatives of his mother usually accept him among them.

In the Hausa tribe young couples usually live separately. Connections with brothers and sisters and their families are being maintained, but not so much with distant relative.

“Kwarastatedrummers” by Melvin “Buddy” Baker from St. Petersburg, Florida, United States - Nigerian Drummers. Licensed 17 under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kwarastatedrummers.jpg#mediaview- er/File:Kwarastatedrummers.jpg USEFUL INFORMATION

Meetings Friends usually address each other in different ways – by their first name, by The most common greeting is the surname, by using a nickname. handshake, accompanied with a smile. Always wait for permission in order to Sometimes men place their left hand on start addressing someone by their first the other person’s shoulder while shaking name. hands. Gifts It is important during greeting to smile and show real satisfaction from the If invited to somebody’s home, it is meeting. appropriate to bring fruits, nuts or chocolate for the host. When meeting someone always enquire about their health and the health of their A small gift for the children is also always a family. good idea.

Close friends and relatives often kiss each Always hand the gift with your right hand other on the cheek and hug when or with both hands. meeting.

Nigerians usually wait for the woman to first put her hand forward for a greeting.

Muslims rarely shake hands with a person of the opposite sex.

When greeting an elder person, it is considered respectful to slightly bow your head.

Form of addressing

In the beginning address people with their professional title and surname. Photo by panuruangjan at freedigitalphotos.net

18 USEFUL ADVICE

During Ramadan Muslims often give away Be aware that Muslims do not eat pork fruits or food. and do not drink alcohol.

If a man gives a present to a woman, he Have in mind that it is not acceptable to has to say that the gift is from his mother, eat and drink at the same time. It is also his wife, his sister or other female relative. not acceptable to pour yourself a drink, wait for somebody to pour it for you. Gifts have to be wrapped. If invited to a restaurant, it is possible for Gifts are usually not opened immediately. you to be seated on a one table with people you don’t know. When visiting Behave as if you are alone at the table. When you enter somebody’s home, always take off your shoes. To call the waiter slightly lift your hand and establish an eye contact, waving your In many cases, especially in Muslim hand is considered impolite. tradition, men and women eat separately. The bill is paid by the one who has made You might be invited to sit on small and the invitation; the tip is usually 10% of low chairs or right on the ground. the bill.

Your feet should never be pointed towards the food or towards the other people around the table.

Wash your hands before and after eating. Only use your right hand to eat, to hand or take food, your left hand is considered being dirty.

Usually the oldest man is served food, then the guest of honor, after that to the rest of the men, then the women and children at the end.

Do not start eating before the oldest person at the table. Photo by africa at freedigitalphotos.net 19 BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

Meeting and greeting considered dirty.

Arrange meetings at least three months in In your business card include information advance. about your completed education and current position. Be for the meeting on time, but do not be surprised if your Nigerian partner is late. Never write on your business card, or on the business card you’ve been given. The most frequently used greeting is the handshake. When given a business card, take time to read it before putting it away. Wait for the woman to forward her hand first. Dress code

Shake hands in the beginning and in the Wear formal clothing – a suit and a tie, end of the meeting. regardless of whether your meeting is held in the office or in the restaurant. When meeting a person higher in the hierarchy, it is considered an expression of Women should avoid bare clothing. respect to slightly bend your head. Negotiations In the beginning of the meeting talk about small things, like the weather, sports, Nigerians prefer to establish personal family. Wait for the host to start talking connection first before doing business about business first. with someone; this is why the first couple of meetings are usually to get to know Bring a small present – a pen and other each other. company materials are suitable. If you have agenda for the meeting, send it Titles are important. When addressing in advance. Nigerians usually follow the somebody use their professional title and agenda bullet by bullet. surname. Do not make suggestions that sound too Business cards good, this might seem suspicious.

The business card is handed with the right Do not display disagreements with other hand or with both hands. The left hand is team members. 20