Abuja - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Abuja has a sizeable expat community with many opportunities for socializing. Morale is mostly high, although people are more than ready to leave at the end of their tours. - Jun 2024
The expat community is fairly large. Lots of embassies from all over the world, a large German construction company with its own compound and Chinese companies as well. Morale depends on whom you ask, to be honest. - Sep 2019
Expat community seems fairly large to me. Though I've heard others describe it as 'small'. All depends on your perspective I guess. To me, living in housing away from the Embassy, all my neighbors are other expats. Each week there are French, Dutch, Germans, Spaniards, some South Africans. Lots of people come here to work. There is a definite pecking order in society though. I notice it more probably as a white woman, than many who will live in Embassy enclaves. While Nigerians are a lovely people and very friendly. YOU MUST REMEMBER, though that it really seems to be all about the money here, and what it can do. - Feb 2019
Decent size. This is a make your own fun post. The compounds have their activities and I believe most have the mentality of let's stick it out together. However, many people extend because they like the place that much. - Apr 2018
The expat community is mid-sized, with approximately 500 people attached to various diplomatic missions. There are also NGO and development workers. Morale seems fairly low, mainly due to housing, travel restrictions, and a lack of things to do. - Apr 2017
There are many expats, but in Abuja most seem to stay in their own communities. However, if you get out among the English-speaking Nigerian expat community, such as the international choral group, bike group, Hash Hound Harriers, or Tennis people, you can find Abuja to be quite nice. - Jun 2016
Pretty good size. Overall, I noticed that the morale of the expat community seemed to improve dramatically during my two years. I think this is a combination of improving quality of life options in Abuja and the arrival of a lot of good people. Within the embassy, the Ambassador and DCM were top-notch, while most of the rest of the staff were enthusiastic and capable. The quality of the people is what I will miss most. - Aug 2015
Good sized. Morale depends on so many things but overall, it is not the best I have seen. A lot of people feel that the upper management people don't seem to care about them. People are just doing there time before the next posting. - Jun 2015
Large community includes CDC, USAID, DOS, Walter Reed and growing all the time. Morale varies but in general, I think many folks don't like it here. - Nov 2014
Quite large. If they are not here as part of the diplomatic community, they are here for the oil business. Moral varies - depends on the person and the situation. Most are here because it is a good opportunity for something. Money, job, career etc. Some are counting the days until the next trip for vacation somewhere else. Or counting the days until they leave for good. - Aug 2014
Pretty big. Morale is hard to assess but I'd say relatively good. People know what they're in for and come ready to work. - May 2014
Medium to large. - May 2013
Not huge. I'd guess 500 or less. - Jun 2009
Small -- less than 500, I'd guess. - Aug 2008
There are roughly 200 Americans, add to that the Germans, Canadians, Brits, etc and you have a rather large expat community. - Jul 2008
