Abuja - Post Report Question and Answers
Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Abuja is super-conservative, but there are some NGOs and activists working to improve the environment for LGBTQIA+ people and families. The USG community is very welcoming, and there are several out employees. Dating is difficult, I hear. - Jun 2024
The Muslim population is large, I would at least be careful with PDA. - Sep 2019
I'd say no. Very conservative and 50% uMslim. - Feb 2019
I don't believe LGBT public display of affection would go over well with the locals. - Apr 2018
Hard to say. - Jun 2016
Nigeria has some of the world's most draconian anti-gay laws. That said, I have known several gay/lesbian expats, and I have not heard of any incidents against them. - Aug 2015
Can't speak to this subject. I do know that there are LGBT employees here, but it is kept quiet. Nigeria is a very religious country. About 50/50 Christian and Muslim. - Jun 2015
Nigeria is a country of 50% Muslim and 50% Christian. I know several gay/lesbian expats, but they are very discreet about it. - Aug 2014
This city has a big double standard. If you are black, you are assumed to be Nigerian and being openly gay or lesbian may well get you beaten or killed. If you are anything else, you will be assumed an expat, and then as long as you avoid public displays of affection, you should be okay. I know a number of openly gay or lesbian members of the American expat community who are doing fine here but they have to be discrete outside USG housing/embassies. - May 2014
This country is incredibly anti-LGBT; but at the same time, Abuja as a city seems to practice "don't ask, don't tell." It is difficult to maintain any kind of normal, open lifestyle outside the diplomatic/expat community. - May 2013
Homosexuality is illegal. The country is split 50/50 Muslim and Christian; most of the Christians are strong evangelicals; as a result, there is very little tolerance of gay and lesbian lifestlyes, particularly in comparison with large parts of Asia and Latin America. Some examples of homophobia that I came across were shocking; again, maybe not by African standards or those of certain middle eastern countries but definitely in comparison to many other parts of the world. - Jun 2009
I would not have a clue. - Mar 2009
As far as I know, but I'm not a lesbian. - Sep 2008
As good for them as anyone. - Aug 2008
As was mentioned, homosexuality is illegal in Nigeria. You will see men holding hands or walking with their arms around each other, but it is a cultural thing, not a sexual one. - Jul 2008
