Abuja, Nigeria Report of what it's like to live there - 04/19/18
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?
Second posting, my first was in Europe.
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?
From the US you can fly via Frankfurt or Paris. Lufthansa is probably more preferred by most. Flight time from IAD is about 9 hours to FRA then another 6 down to Abuja. You can fly to/from Abuja from Accra, Paris, Frankfurt, Lagos, London, Dubai, and Addis.
3. How long have you lived here?
About one year.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
US Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
US MGT section is working hard on getting housing improved. Route 66 is the largest compound and it is great for kids that go to AISA (right next door). Harvard is being renovated right now and they just brought on a new compound called Aspen (20 units). It is quite nice, but further away from the benefits of the city etc. Route 66 are apartments for singles / no kids and townhouses families. Aspen are all single family (all with kids), Harvard are duplexes. There are others spread around the city that are single family to apartments, but not as large of compounds.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
There are plenty of fruits and veggies at the local markets. The large grocery chain is Shop Rite; it is fine for staple offerings. There is a nice boutique grocery called Dunes. Prices are definitely higher except for fruits and veggies at the market. There is a German/Nigerian butcher that delivers meat and poultry products to the compounds. The chicken here is fine, the quality of the meat isn't that great.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
More liquids! If you like a variety of beers and wines, bring them with you. Shelf stable and/or non-liquids you can ship via the pouch (USG). Other products in liquids like pickles, olives, etc. should be brought with you. Hard liquor is easy to get and surprisingly affordable.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
If you live in Maitama then you can order from many restaurants via an app. Route 66 and Aspen are out of luck on that. Dominos, KFC, Johnny Rockets, and Cold Stone are here. There are a handful of quality specialty restaurants that are good.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Not really.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Pouch only.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Quality help is definitely available, and every transfer season you will see recommendations from people leaving via the CLO. Nearly everyone has at least one household helper. Many have 2 to 3. Drivers are great if you don't like the stress of dealing with local traffic customs. Stewards / chefs are great to have meals / homes cleaned when you get home. Nannies are common even if the spouse doesn't work. Great people that are use to working with expats / Americans.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Most compounds have gyms, there is a small gym at the Embassy. There are some private ones on the economy as well.
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?
Definitely a no-no to use credit/atm here. You can cash a check at the embassy.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Heard there are a couple, but no personal experience.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None, it is an English-speaking country.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Very tough time.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
This is a self-drive post, but recently the RSO approved a couple taxi services to use. You will have to set them up a day or so prior though.
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?
Something high clearance, also something you wouldn't mind getting some small scratches etc.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
The Internet really depends on your compound. Most compounds have been wired for fiber via Legend. Legend is marketed as 8mb download but typically is about 5mb or so. It often goes down though. Other companies like MTN and Spectranet are available via a 4G router. MTN offers a 10mb plan and works well in the city center. If you want to stream etc, make sure you have a solid VPN before arriving to post.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
The embassy will provide employees with phones. Most people either use MTN or 9mobile. All are cheap and reliable. Many people use What's App.
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?
There are a couple good vets. I haven't heard any complaints. Definitely check with the CLO on most recent import regulations. Some people have had no trouble while others have had their pets shipped back due to not having the proper paperwork.
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?
Prety much only EFM jobs at the embassy, though a few people do telework.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
There are a couple local charity organizations.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Similar to DC.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
I'm not sure why they took the danger pay away from this post. We can only drive in a 5 mile radius, many security restrictions. No outside travel outside of the 5 miles.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Anything serious you are medavaced to London. The health unit is good, but local facilities are lacking.
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?
Harmatten seasonal allergies exist. Nothing too serious. Air quality can be impacted by what the locals are burning on that particular day.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
None I'm aware of.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Isolation is tough. You have fly out of here for any break. Some EFMs that don't work I believe have it tough.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot, hot, and more hot. Leave your cold weather gear in storage.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
AISA is pretty much the only option if you want a decent-sized school. It is good for the lower grades, as you move to middle and high school there are more problems. The higher grades are dominated by local rich kids and there have been some bullying problems etc. The new head of school is trying hard to make an impact.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
None that I'm aware of.
3. 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?
I believe most people just use AISA pre-school or Nannies at home.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
ASIA has many after-school activities.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
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.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
I believe most people will find their circle of friends from the Embassy. There isn't much socializing with locals that I have seen.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Probably not a great place to meet other singles besides at work.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I don't believe LGBT public display of affection would go over well with the locals.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Nigeria is Boko Haram territory, so outside of the city, yes. Inside Abuja it is fine.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
The circle of friends from the embassy community.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Wish you could check out something, but due to security there really isn't anything we can do. However, there are some movie theaters, bowling alley. go-carts, and paintball.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Not really. Some people go to the market and get some African items to only find out they were made in China.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
You can definitely save money if you don't go crazy on your R&Rs.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
The lack of travel opportunities, and even though there is no hazard pay, how dangerous it is.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Maybe if I was under the influence of something.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Cold weather gear, your appetite to explore the city you live in.
4. But don't forget your:
Bathing suits and consumable liquids.
5. Do you have any other comments?
There seems to be a lot of first tour and last tour folks here. The location isn't great, but the embassy community is fabulous. I imagine we will stay in touch with many of the friends we have made here.
