🇳🇬 Nigeria Meeting Culture
Nigerian business meetings are hierarchical and relationship-focused, requiring patience, respect for seniority, and significant time for trust-building.
- Schedule meetings well in advance; be prepared for last-minute changes.
- Research the ethnic and religious background of your counterparts; Nigeria is diverse.
- Use local contacts or intermediaries to establish initial connections.
- Arrive on time; meetings may start late but punctuality shows seriousness.
- Greet with a handshake; senior individuals should be greeted first.
- Dress formally and professionally; appearance reflects status and respect.
- Begin with extended pleasantries about family, health, and general welfare.
- Hierarchy is very important; show deference to senior members.
- Nigerians are skilled negotiators; expect lengthy discussions and bargaining.
- Building personal relationships is essential before conducting business.
- Decisions may require approval from multiple levels of authority.
- Patience is essential; rushing Nigerians may be counterproductive.
- Follow up regularly but expect delays in responses.
- Maintain the relationship through ongoing personal contact and visits when possible.