Abuja, Nigeria Report of what it's like to live there - 04/11/17
Personal Experiences from Abuja, Nigeria
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
This is my first tour at an embassy.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
8 hours from D.C. to either Frankfurt or Paris, then another 6 hours to Abuja (about 18 hours total including layovers).
3. How long have you lived here?
One year down, one year to go.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
U.S. embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing consists of gated compounds, ranging from small apartments to large townhouses. Route 66 is the largest compound, and is directly next to AISA, the international school. Commute times to the embassy vary, though generally it takes 20-40 minutes door to door. Housing quality, including facilities/maintenance, is generally average to poor, and is a big morale issue for post.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Many things are available locally, if you shop at the right place and time. Meats, cheeses, and imported items can get very pricey.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Laundry detergent, peanut butter, sauces, oils, beverages (including alcohol), Mexican ingredients, baking ingredients, and all liquid items you use regularly should be shipped in your consumables.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Domino's, Cold Stone, and KFC are the fast food options. There are also a handful of decent restaurants: Italian, Chinese, French, Lebanese.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Diplomatic pouch only.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Household help is fairly inexpensive but definitely require a great deal of instruction, training, and expectation management.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
The employee association has a separate gym membership, which includes decent (but limited) gyms at the embassy, Route 66, and a few of the housing compounds. I'm not aware of any commercial gyms.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
This is a cash-only post!
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There is an informal worship service that several members of the mission attend.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Most everyone speaks English, though the local dialects can take time to get used to.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes, though given that most people spend the majority of their time either at home or at work, it might be doable.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
This is a self-drive or motorpool-only post.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Roads are generally paved and in decent repair, so a sedan is doable, but a mid-sized SUV is best. Most people drive Toyota Highlanders or similar. It takes several months to ship a car and receive the appropriate clearances, so purchasing locally from an outgoing diplomat is best.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
There are several high-speed internet options. Fiber optic is now available on most housing compounds, and there are several wireless options as well.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Bring an unlocked phone and use a local SIM. Costs are very reasonable.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Housing compounds are very pet-friendly, and there is a local veterinarian that embassy personnel use. Most people either bring dogs and cats, or adopt them after they arrive. No quarantine that I'm aware of.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Most spousal employment is through the embassy, though it's unclear what will happen with the hiring freeze. A few spouses work as teachers at the international schools. Jobs on the local economy are limited/non-existent.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
There are many opportunities to teach English to adults and children, and there are several NGOs.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business/business casual at the embassy, depending on your portfolio. Shorts, short skirts/dresses should be avoided in public.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
This a high-threat post, that, unfortunately, just lost danger pay. U.S. direct hires cannot travel outside the ring road without several layers of approval and an RSO escort. Though the city generally feels safe, the threat from terrorism is real.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Malaria, dengue, and bacterial/parasitic infections are common, and anti-malarial medicine is mandatory. The med unit can handle basic care, and will medically evacuate you to South Africa or the U.K. for more serious issues.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Harmattan season lasts from January-April, with dusts and winds from the Sahara turning the sky light brown. Many people suffer from mild respiratory conditions during this time of year.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Rainy season lasts generally from May - October. Expect strong storms about one hour each day. The dry season (Harmattan) lasts from January- April.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
AISA is the international school, which tends to be a fair/good option for younger kids. Most high schoolers attend boarding school in Europe or the U.S.
2. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
There are several day care and pre-K options, ranging from $200-$500 per month.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
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.
2. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
This is a decent post for families and for couples (so long as both spouses can work). This is a tough post for singles, given the inability to travel and lack of things to do.
3. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
4. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Pre-K and young kids can play freely on the compounds
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No, but this was a directed assignment.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Winter clothes, high expectations.
3. But don't forget your:
Sunscreen, summer clothes, consumable shipments, and patience.
