Becoming Nigerian

1. Embrace the Nigerian God for Success in All Endeavors

"The Nigerian God is one. It may have various manifestations, but it is essentially different sides of the same coin."

Divine intervention is key. In Nigeria, success in any field—be it business, politics, or personal life—is often attributed to divine favor. The Nigerian God is seen as a powerful force that can bless one's hustle and open doors of opportunity. This belief system permeates all aspects of society, from the highest levels of government to everyday interactions.

Practical application of faith. To harness the power of the Nigerian God:

• Begin all meetings and endeavors with prayer
• Attribute all successes to God's grace
• Use religious language in business and personal interactions
• Seek divine intervention for mundane tasks and major life events

Balancing faith and action. While relying on divine intervention, Nigerians also understand the importance of personal effort. The saying "God helps those who help themselves" is taken to heart, encouraging a blend of spiritual devotion and practical hustle.

2. Master the Art of Nigerian Meetings and Communication

"A Nigerian meeting is not just an event. It is that sacred, multipurpose, indispensable tool for living the Nigerian life."

Meetings as social currency. In Nigeria, meetings are more than just a means of exchanging information. They serve as:

• Opportunities for networking
• Displays of social status
• Platforms for decision-making (or avoiding decisions)
• Rituals that reinforce social hierarchies

Key elements of Nigerian meetings:

• Always start and end with prayer
• Arrive fashionably late to demonstrate importance
• Use elaborate greetings and titles
• Include long, roundabout speeches before getting to the point
• Incorporate tea breaks and social time

Effective communication strategies. To succeed in Nigerian professional and social circles:

• Master the art of indirect communication
• Use proverbs and parables to convey messages
• Employ flattery and respect for authority figures
• Understand the importance of non-verbal cues and body language

3. Navigate the Complexities of Nigerian Politics and Power

"Attribute everything to the Nigerian God. So, if you diverted funds from public projects and you are able to afford that new Mercedes, when people say you have a nice car, say, 'Na God'."

Power dynamics are crucial. In Nigerian politics, understanding and manipulating power structures is essential for success. This involves:

• Cultivating relationships with influential "godfathers"
• Using religious language to justify political actions
• Mastering the art of deflecting blame and avoiding accountability

Key strategies for political success:

• Develop a strong public image through branding and media manipulation
• Use populist tactics to appeal to the masses
• Leverage ethnic and religious identities for support
• Master the art of making grand promises without concrete plans

Corruption as a system. While officially condemned, corruption is often an integral part of the political landscape. Successful politicians must:

• Learn to navigate corrupt systems without getting caught
• Use euphemisms and indirect language when discussing illicit activities
• Cultivate a network of loyal supporters who benefit from your success

4. Understand the Nuances of Nigerian Social Classes and Relationships

"Middle-class Nigerians, however, take pride in their travels. They invest in their travels. They talk about where they have been and show off items they bought from abroad."

Class indicators are crucial. In Nigeria, social status is often determined by visible markers of wealth and sophistication. These include:

• Ownership of a generator and ability to run it regularly
• International travel experiences and foreign goods
• Ownership of a car and ability to fuel it during scarcity
• Subscription to premium cable TV packages

Navigating relationships. Success in Nigerian society often depends on:

• Understanding and respecting hierarchies based on age, wealth, and social status
• Mastering the art of gift-giving and reciprocity
• Cultivating a network of influential friends and acquaintances
• Balancing traditional expectations with modern aspirations

The importance of appearance. Maintaining a successful image involves:

• Dressing well and displaying markers of wealth
• Speaking with confidence and authority
• Demonstrating knowledge of international trends and experiences
• Participating in high-profile social events and ceremonies

5. Excel in Various Nigerian Professions and Hustles

"As a Nigerian wife, you began your wifely hustle by going out of your way to show your dutifulness, things that would make him go online and thank God for blessing him thus — cooking, cleaning and never saying no to him."

Adaptability is key. Success in Nigerian professions often requires:

• Mastering the art of the "side hustle" to supplement income
• Understanding unwritten rules and social expectations in various fields
• Balancing traditional roles with modern professional aspirations

Strategies for professional success:

• In law: Master the art of "charge and bail" and cultivate relationships with police
• In journalism: Develop a network of sources and learn to navigate sensitive topics
• In business: Cultivate a powerful image and master the art of negotiation
• In religious leadership: Build a strong personal brand and master the art of persuasion

The importance of networking. Across all professions, success often depends on:

• Building and maintaining a wide network of contacts
• Understanding and leveraging power dynamics
• Mastering the art of asking for and granting favors
• Participating in professional associations and social clubs

6. Leverage International Connections and Perceptions

"As a good African, you must recognise that people appreciate the good work that you do. That is why they provide souvenirs and other freebies at events. You must collect as many of the freebies that come your way."

International perceptions matter. Nigerians often navigate a complex relationship with the international community, balancing:

• Desire for international recognition and respect
• Resentment of neo-colonial attitudes and stereotypes
• Aspiration for foreign experiences and goods
• Pride in Nigerian culture and achievements

Strategies for international success:

• Cultivate relationships with expatriates and international organizations
• Master the art of code-switching between Nigerian and international norms
• Leverage international experiences and connections for local prestige
• Balance critique of international interventions with appreciation for aid

The expatriate experience. For foreigners in Nigeria:

• Understand and respect local customs and hierarchies
• Navigate the complex relationship between privilege and cultural sensitivity
• Build relationships with both expatriate communities and local elites
• Leverage your "foreignness" while avoiding neo-colonial attitudes

7. Adapt to Nigerian Culture as a Foreigner

"You are here to work and live large, not contaminate yourself with the locals. You can enjoy this country while pretending to live in your own country."

Cultural sensitivity is crucial. For foreigners navigating Nigerian society:

• Understand the importance of respect for age and authority
• Learn to navigate indirect communication styles
• Appreciate the role of religion in daily life and business
• Recognize the complexity of ethnic and regional identities

Balancing integration and distance:

• Participate in local customs and celebrations
• Learn basic greetings in local languages
• Understand and respect local dress codes and etiquette
• Navigate the fine line between cultural appreciation and appropriation

Leveraging foreign status:

• Understand the privileges and challenges of being perceived as an outsider
• Navigate expectations of wealth and expertise often associated with foreigners
• Build genuine relationships while maintaining professional boundaries
• Contribute positively to local communities while avoiding a "savior" mentality

Last updated: August 8, 2024