Expatriates: Moving to Nigeria, useful information

Moving to Nigeria: What can the experience of living in Nigeria be like?

Moving to Nigeria can be a daunting prospect. So here are a few of them tips that will help you make up your mind. They are a central African country on the Gulf of Guinea. The official language is English, although some 450 tribal dialects are spoken, including hausa or the yoruba.

Nigeria is a federal presidential republic very similar to that of the United States and is governed by the 1999 Constitution.

On the political front, the country is ruled by President Muhammadu Buhari, is the largest and most powerful economic powerhouse The country is the most populous in West Africa and the most populous country on the continent with over 206 million inhabitants.

Economy

Nigeria is the 28th largest economy in terms of GDP. Its economy was formerly based on subsistence agriculture and pastoralism, but since the 1960s it has been mainly dependent on the oilbeing the Africa's largest producer.

In recent years, the other sectorsThe country is a major cocoa producer, with over 50% of arable land devoted to cocoa, making it the world's fifth largest producer. It is also a producer of potatoes, rice, cassava, palm oil and maize. Gas, telecommunications and construction are investment hotspots in the country.

Work and visa

To work in the country it is necessary to apply for the visa "subject to regularization- SRT", which is valid for 90 days, during which time a request for a new SRT must be made. regularisation of stay to the Nigerian Immigration Service. But in addition, in order to obtain the residence permitIn the case of an expatriate quota, the recruiting company must be authorised by the Nigerian Ministry of the Interior for the so-called "expatriate quota".

Religion

The groups Muslims account for about 50% of the population, followed by the Christianswhich are 41.5%. In addition, other religions of African origin can be found.

Other information of interest

In Nigeria, more than 250 tribesthe most important group being the hausawho live in the north. The result of this ethnic variety is manifested in art, dance, language, music, traditions and handicrafts. Nigerians have a strong sense of ethnic belonging.

The currency of Nigeria is the nairawhich is equivalent to 0.0022 euros.

The World Health Organisation recommends vaccination before travelling to Nigeria with the following vaccinations vaccinesTyphoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, yellow fever, rabies, polio, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), meningitis, TDaP (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), and influenza. Also Covid-19 vaccine.

Tourism

Nigeria is one of the most exciting countries in West Africa. Touristically, one of the most popular destinations is LakesThe country's economic powerhouse, a megacity with a population of 24 million, is known for its resorts beach, luxury shopping and nightlife. It is also a city rich in cultural activity and live music. The city is also rich in cultural activity and live music. Tarkwa Bay Beachthe area of natural resources conservation Lekki Conservation Centre and the art gallery Nike Art Center.

AbujaNigeria's capital city is the fourth most populous city in the country. A destination with a picturesque atmosphere where you can enjoy a theme park, spas and a wonderful lake with incredible views. There you can visit, among other places of interest, the Zuma Rockthe Abuja Zoo and a modern mosque called Ikhlas Varieties Storeswhich houses a peculiar shopping centre.

Port Harcourt is a city located in the Niger Delta where some of the tourist highlights include: the Port Harcourt Zoo, the public recreational park Port Harcourt Pleasure Park or the amusement park Garden City Amusement Park.

For nature tourismnot to be missed Yankari National ParkThe large piece of land located in Bauchi State is teeming with wildlife.

Gastronomy

The typical Nigerian food is based on carbohydrates, such as cassava or yams, cereals and leafy green vegetable soups - andefo-.

Chicken fried rice, spicy beef stew with vegetables -egusi- or the meat pies The "empanadillas" -similar to pasties- are a very common part of their gastronomy and also very typical is the yourswhich are skewers of grilled minced meat.

For a taste of the exotic, a suggestion might be the isi-ewu -Pepper goat's head soup. But, if you want to try something sweet, the coconut balls shuku shuku are delicious and also very typical.

Curiosities

• It is the seventh most populous country in the world, surpassing Japan and Russia.
• It is grouped within the "Next Eleven"or N-11, a group of countries with high investment and growth prospects (Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Turkey and Vietnam).
• Unless there is a relationship of trust, Nigerians will not be able to hardly any visitors in their homes.
• The oil and gas industry cinema of this country is called "Nollywood"and is the second largest film industry in the world, after Bollywood and ahead of Hollywood.
• The archaeological evidence shows that human existence in Nigeria has a history that begins 9000 years before Christ.

In short, Nigeria is a developing country that offers many opportunities and which holds much to be discovered. Listen to Adriana's experience as an expatriate in the country on our podcast.

Further advice

• If you finally decide to take the step of moving to Nigeria, in GIL STAUFFER we help you with the relocation to Madrid or any part of the national territory.
• For more information on how much your international move can cost, here is an article on international moving costs. international removal prices.
• If you are relocating for professional reasons you can read our tips for moving to another country for work.
• In this other article you can read our recommendations and tips for happiness abroad.

These are tips offered by GIL STAUFFER, your removal company since 1905.