Considering a Job Offer in Nigeria: Is It Safe to Work There?

Hello,

My friend has received a nice offer to work at Nigeria Sterling Global. He is being offered a good salary, accommodation, and other benefits. I just wanted to know if it is safe to work in Nigeria.

Urgent, please...

Thanks

As such, it is not safe in Nigeria. If the employer provides security and other requirements, then it is OK. Otherwise, a lot of looting of expats is reported.

It's safe provided you keep a low profile. I have worked there for three years. I have stayed there with my family. Keep a low profile and respect Nigerians always; do not go for night adventures unless you spend the entire night at the club and return only after the sun rises. Do not wear jewelry. Visit only specific areas or markets for shopping. Lagos is the financial capital of Nigeria.

Even my fiancé, finding the opportunity very alluring, was planning to work in Nigeria, but only until he heard about his own distant family relatives being harassed there, who returned back. The relatives had lived under the threat of life, with looting and shooting being very common out there, especially for foreigners. They would shoot if you don't part with your belongings, sometimes even clothes too. So, if the company is ready to provide you with physical security and insurance, please go ahead; otherwise, rely on your faith in God!

I had gone in with a good offer (on paper) in Lagos, Nigeria in a very well-known Indian company. However, when I arrived there, the working conditions were worse than what had been offered on paper. For example, the salary was given every quarter (though the salary was in dollars), which I later found out was not paid regularly. Accommodation was provided, but I discovered that in a flat (located in a very shady locality), four people were crammed together. A car was offered, but it turned out to be a carpool situation where at least 4 to 5 people traveled in one car.

Things that may seem good on paper are often different in reality, so it's important to carefully evaluate all aspects before making a decision. Ultimately, the choice is yours.

Hello all,

I am a Nigerian. I run a consulting firm, and I lived in the United States from 1980 until 2006. Yes, Nigeria is a little dangerous, but I can tell you that I would be scared of coming to Punjab to work as you are of coming to Lagos. Like an earlier post says, so long as you keep a low profile, you should be okay.

I have lived here for 3+ years now, and no incident for me. Guess what? I am more like an expatriate than most of the people talking. So if you value your life, you take the job with both eyes wide open.

You will be surprised that if you ask Nigerians on the streets of Lagos who they are afraid of, 90% of them would tell you Indians... So the stereotype is all over the place. If you look at the company that tricked the other guy talking about living in a flat and sharing a car with several other people, it would not surprise me if the company is owned by Indians...

Please note there is a large Indian community in Nigeria....

Anywhere in the world can be dangerous. A Nigerian young professional was robbed in Ghana of his passport and money. He had to beg for money on the street to get back to Nigeria... And yet I still go to Ghana...

There are 150 million Nigerians and maybe the swindlers and rogues make up 15 million, and that is being generous, giving 10%... You try and extrapolate that to India and you will be shocked that of the 1 billion Indians, at least 50 million are tricksters...

So, for the person asking, check out the company well, liaise with the Indian community to help you out (Network)

And then, take a leap of faith... New York is dangerous, so is Moscow, Paris, Rome, you name any major city and the possibilities are there...

Good Luck.

Ola

Hi, I am a South African living with my family in Calabar, Nigeria. I often travel to Lagos, and I can tell you that it is as frenetic as any big city in the world. However, what Ola says is correct insofar as you can never predict what could happen anywhere in the world. I had colleagues who had their wallets stolen in Madrid!

Ensure that the offer is authentic, that you will get what is promised, and if you cannot speak to expats working for the same company in Nigeria, then ask for a look/see visit to make up your mind. If they really want you on board, then they will pay for such a visit before you commence working with them. If you have an adventurous streak to your personality, then do it!

I am also moving to Nigeria (for a job). Those who are in Nigeria and are well-informed, kindly advise me on whether I should move there or not. 

Thank you!

I don't understand why someone is comparing Nigeria with India. The crime level in Nigeria is 100 times higher than in India, terrorism is 95 times more prevalent, and corruption is 90 times more rampant. Three of my friends went and joined a retail company there as store managers but returned in just 2.5 months. The reality they shared was very shocking. They described a lack of humanity, constant fear of bomb blasts, and ineffective police presence. Life is more valuable than money. While there may be many job opportunities, lives are irreplaceable. Ultimately, the decision is yours.

Note: Do not rely solely on consultancy firms. Verify everything thoroughly with the company if you are considering working in Nigeria.