Nigeria - Culture Smart! The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

Nigeria, Africa’ s most populous country, is a nation of striking contrasts and remarkable diversity. Home to over 250 distinct ethno-linguistic groups, its landscapes range from sandy beaches and tropical jungles to vast plains, rugged mountains, and deserts— enough to captivate even the most adventurous explorers. But what about the people who live here? While Nigeria’ s population is vastly diverse, common threads of tradition and community unite. Ancient customs and codes of conduct influence daily life, making familiarity with local beliefs, values, and etiquette crucial for anyone who wants to understand and get to know Nigerians on their terms. This updated edition of Culture Smart! Nigeria delves into the key historical events that have shaped the beliefs and attitudes that you will encounter, and offers insights into the traditions and rites of passage that you might experience and take part in as a visitor. There is advice on how to get around, how to socialize and communicate, and how to approach doing business. Familiarize yourself with the Nigerian way of life and your journey through this dynamic country will be deeply enriched.

Diane Lemieux was born in Quebec into a diplomatic family, and first moved abroad at the age of three. Her journey continued through eleven countries on five continents, during which she acquired four languages and several cultural identities. She graduated with a B.A. in Communication from the University of Ottawa, an M.A. in Development Studies from Leeds University, a diploma in International Relations from the University of Amsterdam. She started her career in international development, but decided more than twenty years ago to pursue her passion: writing.