Pre Joining Kit

Federal Republic of Nigeria

Country Benin, and on the East by Cameroon.

▶ Formal Name: Federal Republic of Nigeria.
People
▶ Short Form: Nigeria.
▶ Term for Citizen(s): Nigerian(s). With a population of over 200 million people,
Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa,
Information about ▶ Capital: Abuja has been the capital of the 17th most populous in the world.
Nigeria since December 12, 1991. The people of Nigeria are extremely diverse,
Republic of Nigeria ▶ Previously, the capital was Lagos. with over 250 ethnic groups speaking over 500
languages. English is the official language, is
▶ Independence: Nigeria achieved the everyday language of government most
independence from the United Kingdom businesses, whilst most of the population speaks
on October 1, 1960. native languages such as Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo,
▶ With a total land area of 923, 770 square Ibibio, Ebo, Fulfulde, Kanuri, etc.
kilometers, Nigeria is located in West Africa.
The country is bounded on the North by 40% of Nigerians are Muslim, who mostly live
Niger Republic, on the West by Republic of in the northern half of the country, and
40% are Christians, living mainly in the south. The the Economic Community of West African States one will find that people in positions of power
remaining 10% practice indigenous beliefs, are (ECOWAS), the African (AU) the Organisation of are likely to be a lot older than they are in the
widely dispersed throughout the country. Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Western world.

▶ Population: 200 million (2017 estimate). SEPCO MAJOR LOCATIONS For all greetings it is necessary to be standing
▶ Density: 188.9 persons/ square kilometer up, for both men and women. Men will generally
▶ Capital: Abuja (since December 12, 1991) Lagos is regarding as the Administrative Head shake hands on first greeting. Nigeria has a large
▶ Official language: English Quarter Muslim population, so many men refrain from
▶ Major languages: Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo While the operational base is located at Delta shaking hands with women. It does not matter
▶ Largest state: Niger region of Kwale, Beneku & Okpai much if you shake hands with Christian woman.
▶ Smallest state: Lagos state
▶ Largest city: Lagos city Climatic Condition If greeting an older male, then a safe and
▶ Most populous state: Lagos traditional greeting is to bow one’s head very
▶ Currency: Naira (1 Naira = 100 kobo) Nigeria's location in the tropics has given her a slightly; this is seen as respectful and is an
▶ Government: Federal presidential republic tropical hot climate. Temperatures in Nigeria vary acceptable greeting across all religions and tribes
▶ Longest river: Niger – 4180km (1175 km according to the seasons of the year as with other throughout Nigeria. With an older Nigerian lady,
within Nigeria) lands found in the tropics. Nigeria's seasons are or a lady who holds greater rank and seniority, it is
▶ Independence: October 1, 1960 determined by rainfall with rainy season and dry advisable to rise and then curtsey slightly before
▶ Climate: Tropical season being the major seasons in Nigeria. her. More often than not, she will approach and
▶ Political divisions: 6 geo-political zones and put her arm around one’s waist and engage in
36 states Nigeria is a country in West Africa. Nigeria shares conversation. It is appropriate when greeting
land borders with the Republic of Benin in the Nigerians to take time and not rush through this
Government west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger greeting process.
in the north. Its coast lies on the Gulf of Guinea
Nigeria is a constitutional presidential republic. in the south and it borders Lake Chad to the Queries should be made into the person’s
The President acts as Head of State Head of northeast. Noted geographical features in Nigeria health, and also the health of their immediate
Government, as well as Commander-in-Chief include the Adamawa highlands, Mambilla family. Nigerians naturally talk in short, abrupt
of the Armed Forces. The President appoints Plateau, Jos Plateau, Obudu Plateau, the Niger sentences and when they are inquiring after
a Cabinet, consisting of 19 ministers. The River, River Benue and Niger Delta. someone’s well-being they use the term ‘what
legislative branch consists of the Senate House of.’ To be understood quicker it is advisable
of Representatives, collectively known as the Nigeria is found in the Tropics, where the climate to start enquiries in the same manner, so the
National Assembly. is seasonally damp and very humid. Nigeria is question. “How is your sister’s health?” would
affected by four climate types; these climate be “What of your sister?”
Nigeria has a federal system which gives a large types are distinguishable, as one moves from the
degree of autonomy to each of its 36 states. Each southern part of Nigeria to the northern part of India-Nigeria Relations
state government is led by a Governor, with a Nigeria through Nigeria's middle belt.
House of Assembly acting as the legislature. Relations between Nigeria and India have
Presidential, gubernatorial legislative elections Meeting and greeting in Nigeria
traditionally been warm and friendly. India
take place every four years.
established its diplomatic mission in Nigeria
Respect for elders is important in Nigeria; indeed
in 1958 and that was two years before Nigeria
Nigeria is an active engaged member of the this is possibly the central tenet of life throughout
international community of international the country. While an entrepreneurial spirit is
gained its independent in 1960. Both countries
organisations including the United Nations (UN), encouraged across all generations, generally
have been in the forefront of the international Meghwal, three Members of Parliament, Shri Nigeria has embraced the Asians from India,
struggle against colonialism and apartheid Bhubaneswar Kalita, ShriDilip Kumar Tirkey, China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and ever other
and have closely collaborated in various Shri Mohammad Salim, Secretary(ER) Shri part of the world. Currently, Indian companies
international forae. A landmark visit to Nigeria Amar Sinha and other senior officials visited are the second largest employers of labour in
in September 1962, Indian Prime Minister Nigeria from 26-29 September, 2016. Nigeria, outside the Federal Government of
Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru and his interaction Nigeria.
with Nigeria’s first Prime Minister Tafawa During his stay in Abuja, capital of Nigeria, Vice
Balewa had created mutual goodwill, respect President Shri Hamid Ansari called on Nigerian There are various activities in Lagos, where you
and friendship between our two countries President Muhammadu Buhari. Vice President have a concentration of Indians and people of
and leaders. The historic State visit to Nigeria also held bilateral talks with his Nigerian Indian origins for Indian communities. There
by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in counterpart Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. During his is also the Indian Cultural Association, which
October 2007 after a gap of over forty-five visit to Lagos on 28-29 September, 2016, Vice holds Indian festivals and meetings alike.
years provided a serious new impetus to our President delivered a lecture at University of
bilateral ties. Lagos. Governor of Lagos state also called on Safety
him during his stay in Lagos. Vice President Nigeria is considered a safe place, caution and
Commonalities of our colonial past, a large also addressed Indian community both in vigilance must be applied in one’s day-to-
multi-ethnic, multi-religious and developing Abuja and Lagos. He also inaugurated the new day activities. Nigerians are generally friendly
societies with a large percentage of youth Chancery complex of the High Commission at and generous. Personal safety is everyone’s
have brought the two countries even closer. Abuja during his day of arrival on 26 September business, should be seen as such. Applying
We both share common perspectives on 2016. Vice President also delivered a speech at caution in everyday activities is the main key
international political, social and development the National Defence College, Abuja. to safety. Late night outing is not encouraged
issues as manifested in various meetings at in any of the cities. Phone calls in public places
the United Nations, World Trade organization, A 22-member Business delegation had also when monetary transactions are discussed
etc. The two countries strongly oppose accompanied the Vice President during his should be avoided.
all forms of terrorism. Nigerian President visit to Nigeria. Vice Presidents of both the
Muhammadu Buhari visited India to attend countries addressed the India-Nigeria Joint DOS & DON’TS
India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-III) held in Business Forum organized by the Mission
New Delhi from October 26-30, 2015. He was in association with CII and ASSOCHAM at Like any other country in the world, there are
accompanied by a 121-member delegation Abuja. Both sides have tried to keep the some Dos and Don’ts for the country which if
consisting of Governors of Kano State, Mr. momentum of periodic bilateral visits with a not followed could lead to some uncomfortable
Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Delta State, view to strengthen the relations between the moments:
Mr.Ifeanyi Okowa; National Security Adviser two countries. Recent visits between the two
(NSA), Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd); countries may be seen at Annexure. ▶ Do not use your left hand at all, as it is
besides Permanent Secretaries in the considered unclean. Do not eat with it, give
Ministries of Defence, Power, Communications There are over 50,000 Indian professionals or receive a present or objects with it.
Technology, Agriculture, Foreign Affairs and in Nigeria working in Nigeria. The Indian ▶ Do not rush a greeting without inquiring
Industry, Trade & Investment. Vice President Community in Nigeria has thrived and about the other person’s general well-
of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari accompanied flourished over the years. Since the restoration being, which is considered extremely rude.
by his spouse Smt. Salma and a 13-member of democracy in Nigeria in 1998-1999, Nigeria’s ▶ Do not step on anyone’s toes.
official delegation comprising of MoS for trade with India has increased substantially.
Finance and Corporate Affairs, ShriArjun Ram
▶ Do not show indifferent facial expression than 2,500 Indian students are attending.
which indicates ignorant and obnoxiousness.
Nigerians prefer facial expressions that imply India-Nigeria Bilateral Trade Statistics
empathy and believe an expression.
▶ Do not keep constant and direct eye contact, Oil Trade:
which can be seen as intrusive.
▶ Do not ever criticize Nigeria or Nigerians, no In recent years Nigeria has become one of the
matter how much a local may do so. Be polite main sources of crude for India. India imports
and conservative in your actions, although around 8% to 12% of its crude requirements from
in many cases, the politeness can easily be Nigeria.
mistaken for weakness.
▶ Do not travel alone. Go around in a group, Economic Activities & Projects:
and do not let anyone touch or intimidate
you. Voice anger, if necessary. Over a hundred companies are currently
▶ Do not discuss or make generalization about operating in Nigeria that are owned and/or
religion in Nigeria. Nigeria is a religiously operated by Indian or Persons of Indian origin.
diverse country. Always maintain an open Prominent among them being BhartiAirtel,
mind. Indorama, Olam International (now Singapore
▶ Do not feel obligated to offer tips. Tipping is registered), Tata, Bajaj Auto, Birla Group, Kirloskar,
optional in Nigeria. Mahindra, Ashok Leyland, NIIT, ApTech, New India
▶ Do not travel in unknown and unlit places. Assurance, Bhushan Steel, KEC, Skipper Nigeria,
Dabur, Godrej and Primus Super-specialty
Even as the above tips, we cannot totally brush Hospital, besides 15 prominent companies in
aside safety problems. Places like Lagos and Nigerian Power Sector. Nigeria’s pharmaceuticals,
Abuja are relatively safe if caution is exercised. steel and power transmission sectors are
However, places of oil producing states (Niger dominated by Indian companies. Nigeria-based
Delta) which are nearly 500 kilometers from ethnic Indians are economically active in areas
Lagos, is a bit unsafe, where cases of attack on oil relating to consumer goods manufacturing and
industry facilities and expatriate oil workers have retailing, construction and air-services.
been reported.

Foreigners are advised not to go to these areas

without armed escorts for safety. Armed robbery
and restiveness are prevalent in certain areas;
and going for late nights is STRICTLY not advised.

Education/Schools:

Foreign nationals may initially be surprised at

just how many international school options there
are in Nigeria’s major urban centres; namely, the
capital city of Abuja and the commercial capital
Thank you
of Lagos. Lagos has a CBSE schools where more