31-country business-culture briefs — customs stated as common practice, backed by our data.
A handshake is the standard greeting in business settings; among men, a finger-snap handshake may follow as a sign of warmth. Show deference to senior individuals with a slight nod or lowered head. In predominantly Muslim northern states, avoid initiating a handshake with someone of the opposite gender — wait for them to extend their hand first.
Use professional titles such as 'Dr.,' 'Engineer,' or 'Chief' followed by the surname when first meeting someone. Academic and professional credentials carry significant weight in Nigerian business culture, so clearly state your own title and organization. Once a relationship develops, your counterpart may invite you to use their first name.
Avoid passing items, business cards, or food with your left hand, as it is considered unclean in many Nigerian communities. Publicly criticizing a counterpart or causing them to lose face can seriously damage a business relationship. Refrain from making casual remarks about corruption or security issues in Nigeria.
Meetings typically begin with a period of small talk; jumping straight to business may come across as abrupt. When meeting government officials or large organizations, schedule appointments several weeks in advance and confirm again closer to the date. Be prepared for schedule flexibility and bring an ample supply of English-language business cards.
Building personal trust over multiple meetings is often a prerequisite for closing deals in Nigeria. Initial prices and terms are generally open to negotiation — treat opening offers as a starting point. Decision-making tends to be top-down, so aim to engage with senior decision-makers directly to move discussions forward.
In a business meal, the host typically orders and insists on paying — accepting their hospitality graciously is appropriate. Nigerian cuisine is bold and flavorful, with dishes such as pepper soup, jollof rice, and suya being common; showing willingness to try local food is a sign of respect. In the predominantly Muslim north, avoid suggesting alcohol or pork products.
Delays in meeting start times are not uncommon, but Chinese visitors should still arrive punctually to demonstrate professionalism. Major cities like Lagos experience severe traffic congestion — build significant travel buffers into your schedule. Maintain flexibility on timing while ensuring important deadlines and contract terms are clearly confirmed in writing.
Key public holidays include New Year's Day (Jan 1), Independence Day (Oct 1), and Christian observances such as Good Friday and Easter Monday. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are particularly significant in the predominantly Muslim north, with dates shifting annually according to the Islamic calendar. Plan buffer time around major holidays to account for potential cancellations or rescheduling of business meetings.