Business etiquette in Nigeria

Knowledge of cultural traditions and business etiquette is the key to success in establishing strong business relationships with representatives of other countries. As in every individual country, in the business world of Nigeria there are certain norms and traditions that are important to consider when conducting business and business relations there.

Greeting

The traditional form of greeting is a strong, energetic handshake, accompanied by a friendly smile. During a handshake, it is customary to ask the interlocutor about how his family is doing, how his health is, etc. The greeting ritual as a whole takes place slowly, and there is no need to rush it.

Exchanging personal news is an important part of the greeting. At the same time, it is important not only to listen carefully to the Nigerian partner, but also to share your information. Nigerians greet each other in this way even if they have only recently seen each other (for example, in the morning of the same day).

Handshakes are common among both men and women. However, this does not always happen between the sexes, especially if one of the parties (or both) adheres to Muslim traditions. A man should wait for a woman's initiative before extending his hand to greet her.

When greeting older people, it is important to show the most respectful attitude towards them. In society, Nigerians can be seen bowing their heads slightly as a sign of respect, showing their respect to a person who is obviously older than them.

Relatives and close friends hug each other and exchange kisses when they meet.

Presentation

All possible regalia that distinguish a person are of great importance in business practice in Nigeria, especially those that indicate his status in an organization or in society. When addressing your partner, first state his job title or other distinctions, then state his last name.

In situations of official, formal and business communication, when addressing, use the positions, professional qualifications, degrees or titles of the partner, if any. If, when addressing your interlocutor, for one reason or another, you did not mention in your speech any of his official or qualification differences, this will be regarded as impolite and even rude behavior.

You can address your partner by name only after receiving permission from him to do so. Sometimes long-term working relationships or repeated joint projects give the right to this. If your partners are under 35, the transition to calling each other by their first names will happen faster.

The most common “professional” forms of address are "Engineer" or "Professor". If there are none, use the polite expression "Mr." or "Mister" with the addition of the last name. “Sir” forms are also possible. when addressing men and “Madam” or "Madame" — to women.

You should treat people older in age and position with special respect. In this case, a person who is lower in the hierarchical system, but older in age, should be addressed by last name and citing his official or qualification differences.

If you have a meeting with government officials, find out in advance how to address him. The following forms of address are common: “Excellency”, “the Honorable”, “Member of the House”, “Senator”. When dealing with government officials, you should be polite and demonstrate the utmost respect.

In terms of the use of names and titles or titles, follow the example of your Nigerian colleagues. Maintain the appropriate level of formality for the situation.

Exchange business cards

In business practice in Nigeria, business cards are of great importance; they are usually exchanged not only as part of business meetings or negotiations, but also during social events.

The business card is designed to help the Nigerian in establishing the professional status or social status of his interlocutor. In this regard, it should display comprehensive information about its owner, such as: professional qualifications, job positions, academic degrees.

Typical contact information, including phone numbers, website, email address, is often placed on the left side of the front of the business card, and the last name and all regalia — on right. The main thing is not to forget to indicate all the formal information that characterizes you.

There are about 500 local languages and dialects in Nigeria, with English being the official language. It is also used in the business community of this state — both local and international.

When handing a business card to a partner, it is better to hold it with both hands or only with your right hand. Also — with both hands or just the right one — you should accept his business card. This ritual is especially important to observe if you know that your partner adheres to Islamic traditions.

There is no specifically designated time point when handing over business cards in business communication. However, once you receive your partner's business card, give it some attention before putting it aside or putting it away in your business card holder.

Never write or make any notes on a business card — yours or your partner's. If your details have changed, order a new business card.

Always have enough business cards with you, no matter what event you are at — at a business meeting or a party after a trade fair.

Small talk: the big picture

Nigerians can be described as friendly and sociable interlocutors. During communication, they can touch on almost any topic that concerns them.

When taking the first steps towards a joint project, Nigerians try to get to know a potential partner better, since establishing relationships is the basis of any business. Light, friendly small talk will certainly serve this purpose.

Nigerians often (especially compared to other cultures) bring up personal and family topics in conversation. This precedes discussion of work issues. At the same time, questions like “How are you?” or “How is the family?” are not rhetorical, they require a response, and therefore an exchange of personal information.

Your Nigerian partner will appreciate your efforts to say at least a few words in the local dialect, even if it's just a greeting. This will be seen as a sign of respect towards their culture.

Preferred themes

Family. Nigerians talk quite openly about themselves and their family, for example, about how their children study, what their successes are.

Country or city of your birth — good topic to start a conversation.

Sports. This country loves football. This topic is both safe and interesting for the majority of the country's male population.

Nigerians are interested in a variety of topics that they are ready to discuss with their guests and partners. These topics include issues of religion, politics, economics, social and ethnic aspects. Opinions can be expressed in a variety of ways. In such situations, it is better to take a neutral position, without expressing commitment to any specific views.

Taboo topics

Religious issues can be considered among the topics that should be avoided during communication, especially within the framework of light secular conversation.

You should not develop the topic of health if you know that someone in your partner’s family is sick.

There are no real taboo topics in Nigeria; even politics is discussed quite openly at the moment.