1. Are You Ready To
Move To Nigeria?
Rob Serman | Prince Mingle | Ingrid Catlin
Cross-Cultural Management
We have neither given nor received aid on this assignment.
3. Background – Key Historical Events
11,000 BC Earliest settlers are known in Nigeria
AD 1851 British capture Lagos
AD 1901 Nigeria becomes part of the British Empire
AD 1960 Nigerian gains its independence
AD 1963 Nigeria becomes a Republic
AD 1967 Civil war
AD 1983 1 million foreigners deported
AD 1988 EU imposes sanctions against country
AD 2000 Sharia Law in effect in northern states
AD 2002 Start of two years of ethnic clashes
AD 2003 First satellite launched
AD 2011 UN headquarters attacked by Boko Haram
4. Background – Geography
• Largest country in West
Africa (roughly twice the
size of California)
• Neighboring countries are
Benin, Niger, Chad and
Cameroon
• Average temperature is 84° in February and 77° in July
• Two seasons: dry (October to May) and wet (June to September)
5. Background – Economy
• Largest economy in Africa, with a GDP of $545 billion
• Member of the African Union
• Labor force: 75 million people
• Unemployment: 7.5%
• Primary industries include agriculture, mining and oil
6. Culture – Life, Religion and Politics
• Population: 186 million
• Life expectancy: 52 years
• Primary language is English;
secondary languages include
Pidgin English, Hausa,
Yoruba, Igbo and 250+ other
languages
• 90% of the population is
either Muslim or Christian (in
equal amounts)
• Government modeled after United States; president is head of state
• Excessive reforms over the last decade against ongoing corruption
7. Cultural Snapshot – Film
• Film industry began in 1920s
• Rapid growth after independence;
explosion after development of
home video in 1980s
• Films feature familiar themes and
Nigerian cultural attributes, clothing,
slang and locations
• “Nollywood” term coined in 2002
(after Hollywood and Bollywood)
• Third most valuable film industry in
the world after United States and
India
• Second largest film industry in the
world (in terms of output) after India
10. Business – Imports and Exports (cont.)
Top Import Origins
China
United States
The Netherlands
Belgium
India
Source:
http://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/profile/country/nga/-exports/
Top Export Destinations
India
United States
Brazil
Spain
The Netherlands
12. Business – Foreign Direct Investment
• 2015 FDI was $3.4 billion, down 27% from 2014 due to falling oil prices
• The Nigerian government encourages FDI through incentive programs in
industries deemed beneficial to the economic development of the country.
• What makes Nigeria attractive for FDI?
• Most populous nation in Africa
• Has the continent’s second largest oil reserve
• Inexpensive workforce.
• What are some concerns about FDI in Nigeria?
• Economic reliance on the volatile petroleum industry
• Poorly developed infrastructure
• Government corruption
• Multiple layers of taxation
• Presence of extremist group Boko Haram
13. Business – Hofstede’s Dimensions
Power
Distance
High
Individualism
Low
Masculinity
Medium
Uncertainty
Avoidance
Medium
Indulgence
High
14. So you want to work in Nigeria?
Requirements and the Visa Process
• You must provide proof of employment at
company based in Nigeria.
• Employer must provide Expatriate Quota
approval from government.
• Through the Nigerian immigration website,
apply for a Subject to Regularisation (STR)
visa for residency.
• After STR is approved, apply for work
permit or green card.
15. In a Social Setting – Do It
• Greet people with “hello/good morning/good afternoon/good evening, sir/madam.”
• Remove your shoes in any private home.
• Accept whatever beverage is offered by the host in a private home. If not offered,
you can request something.
• If you’re hosting, always offer a beverage.
• Respect the older people with whom you interact.
• If someone dies, spend all of your time with the bereaved family.
16. In a Social Setting – Don’t Do It
• Put your needs above those of the collective group or community.
• Speak out of turn.
• Avoid small talk. It is considered respectful to ask about someone’s health and
family before anything else.
• Get drunk. This is strongly frowned upon, although drinking socially is common.
17. In a Business Setting – Do It
• There are two ways of greeting people:
• Men: Salute and handshake
• Women: Curtsy
• After greeting, state the purpose of your visit.
• Negotiate. It’s expected and accepted.
• Make yourself available for a few days after a negotiation has ended, as “yes” can
turn into “maybe” on a whim.
18. In a Business Setting – Don’t Do It
• Rush the greeting. Make time for small talk.
• Speak out of turn. You should wait until someone of a higher level asks for your
opinion.
• Avoid negotiation.
• Be impatient.
• Write someone’s name in red ink, as this implies they are dead.
19. Additional Tips
• Get your shots before you go!
• Hepatitis A
• Malaria
• Polio
• Typhoid
• Yellow Fever
• Avoid drinking tap water.
• Exercise caution when trying street foods.
• Stay in Lagos or Abuja and try to avoid
major government or religious gatherings.
There has been an increase in
• Suicide bombings
• Kidnapping
• Pirating
• Avoid going out at night unattended.
• Stock up on toilet paper/tampons.
• Housing is very expensive. If your
company doesn’t pay for it, budget
accordingly.