Business Etiquette in Nigeria
ARE YOU off to Nigeria on business? Make sure you prep yourself up with a little bit of homework. Nigeria has a slightly laid-back business culture and it pays to be patient and take prior appointments.
Nigerians expect to have close relationships with trading partners and so it is important not to rush or push things.
Business visitors should be well dressed and a tie (for men!) is a must.
If you are visiting government officials, (and you'll have to sooner or later since they are everywhere) a formal suit is de rigueur. Casual attire is considered synonymous with a similar attitude, so remember you intend doing serious business here! Both men and women are advised to wear conservative, but lightweight (think summer heat!) business suits. It even helps to carry an umbrella to avoid getting caught in the usually `unexpected' but frequent showers. The umbrella also helps to ward off the passing assailant/rogue that abound in certain localities!
English is the official language of Nigeria and most Nigerians are comfortable with it but do avoid using slang or idioms that are not suited to the culture there. Be clear and make yourself understood.
Greet people graciously. Handshakes are the most appropriate way and remember to address Nigerians by their titles and honorifics. Nigerians love being greeted and would honour you if you offer respectful greetings. It is an offence in their society to pass an elderly person without greeting them. When you are in Nigeria be your polite best!
Early breakfast meets are out. Business starts here only after breakfast. Do not use telephones to discuss details. Once you get here, make local appointments in person or use hand delivered notes. Be punctual, even though they lack this quality themselves, they will respect you for it. Besides, the insane traffic and teeming and indisciplined pedestrian crowd in Lagos will certainly delay you.
Do inform your Nigerian counterpart what time you expect to reach him and if he's coming in to meet you tell him till when you will be available. He will generally arrive just as you've given up hope of seeing him.
In Nigeria, important business is conducted at face-to-face meetings. On the first meeting with a business contact, be patient and expect almost interminable greetings. The conversation might veer to the personal, as Nigerians like to know with whom they are doing business. Make sure you bring several packs of business cards as you'll find people, to whom you have given cards, queuing up to get another one because they'd have lost the first one. If you need to write, a block of company letterheads is advisable because, like us, they were a British colony and they like to get everything down on paper after a meeting.
Be prepared for several follow up meetings. To close important deals you must contact top management, lower management might like to give you the impression that they can take momentous decisions. They can't.
It's a good idea to stock up on money as banks take ages to convert traveller's cheques. Credit cards can be used only at a few places, notably hotels and some of the better restaurants.
On the other hand since the majority of business travellers do this they are a natural prey for the friendly neighbourhood mugger.
If you are `doing' lunch with a business acquaintance, make sure you always use your right hand (or both hands) to pass and accept dishes.
The left hand is taboo, and is rarely used for interpersonal transaction. Left-handers are especially advised to practice the use of the `right' hand.
Check out objection to drinking and smoking before you light up or tip a glass. Foreigners do get away with most things but it makes good business sense to be discreet. Remember to tip 10-15% at restaurants and parking lots.
A tip to the wise: Despite presidential elections in April 2003, years of military rulehas ingrained the system in Nigeria with stringent rules, and conservative business etiquette. So, to do business in Nigeria, do as the Nigerians would do.
SUJATA PATNAIK
aa@cnkonline.com
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