Navigating the Nigerian Business Scene: 10 Must-Do’s for Successful Business Events

This blog post is for those who are new to Nigerian business culture and wants to know how to navigate it. I will cover the dos and don’ts of Nigerian business events, what is appropriate to wear, and what you should do before, during, and after an event.

If you are a Nigerian trying to do business in Nigeria, this may be a valuable read for you. However, if you are not a Nigerian and want tips on visiting Nigeria then I would suggest looking elsewhere.

Get to know Nigerian culture

Nigerian culture is made up of rich history, vibrant colors, and intense fashion. It’s truly a beautiful thing to behold. All Nigerians are proud of their roots and want to preserve their traditions as much as possible.

But what does this have to do with business? There are many dos and don’ts that you should know before attending Nigerian business events. For example, it is considered disrespectful for visitors to wear shoes indoors in Nigeria, even if the event is held at a hotel. When sitting down, always sit on your right side with your feet pointing away from the person you are speaking with and never cross your legs towards the person you are talking to, this is considered rude. It would be wise not to bring in any outside food or drinks, even water. You may also want to avoid conversations about politics or religion at these types of events because they could lead to sensitive topics being discussed.

How to dress properly

When going to an event in Nigeria, it is important to dress appropriately. For women, the dress code is usually formal attire with a conservative neckline and hemline.

Men should wear long pants and a button-up shirt with a tie. If you are not sure what to wear to an event, I would suggest visiting the website for the event and looking for a link for “attire” or “guidelines.”

What to do before the event

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Before the event, you should research the people who will be attending. You can find out about their age, location, ethnicity, and nationality. This will enable you to prepare for what you might want to talk about with them. You never know when you might meet someone new and want to discuss business.

Attending the event

Before attending any event, it is important to first research the event. There are many websites that can help you with information on what to wear, what is appropriate in Nigerian culture, and how you should behave at an event.

Researching the event will also ensure that you are dressed appropriately for the occasion. Dressing inappropriately can be embarrassing or worse – a sign of disrespect.

It is also good practice to avoid wearing white clothing at events like weddings and funerals as it is customary in some cultures to wear black or other dark colors.

And finally, don’t forget your business cards! You will never know who might be there and having them handy will allow you to quickly give out your card when an opportunity presents itself.

Contacts and networking after the event

After the event, it is important to follow up with your contacts. Keep in mind that people may be distracted and busy after the event. You can send a text or email thanking them for their time and any information they shared with you. You can also ask if they would like to do coffee or lunch next week.

If you are too shy to reach out, a simple thank you note may suffice. It is always nice to be thanked for your time, even if it was not an informational meeting but rather just an opportunity to network with others.

Follow up with contacts

This should go without saying, but after an event is a great time to follow up with contacts. It’s not uncommon to connect with new people at events and then forget about them a few days later. Keep in mind that it may take days or weeks for someone to follow up with you.

Ask for connections

Do not just assume that you will get a connection just by being at an event. Ask for connections and introductions from people that you meet.

You may be invited to private events or social gatherings, but do not assume that you’re going to make any connections or find business opportunities. It’s important to know what the culture is like before trying to break it. For example: some Nigerian cultures do not allow foreigners at private events, so if you are new to Nigeria, then this may be something for you to take note of.

If you are invited on a business trip with someone who already has connections, use them! If they introduce you as their friend, it can be easier for you to get into the group and make connections with others as well.