Abuja - Post Report Question and Answers
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If you come to Abuja, take the PAR/Referral training as early as possible, so you know what's permitted and what's not. Then do your consular colleagues a solid and just don't submit any PARs unless it's really, truly urgent. Remember: Just because you've had the briefing doesn't mean you can't lie and say you know nothing about visas. - Jun 2024
Good luck. Hang in there. TALK to people. VENT, if you feel the need, DON'T keep it bottled up, and TRAVEL whenever you can to catch a break. - Sep 2019
The work for the professionals is interesting. The kids don't seem to mind as they're all running around screaming and having a blast at the pool. I think the wives have the hardest time. It's just doesn't seem to be a great place for women. You'll need to be pretty family-centered to be happy here. - Feb 2019
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. - Apr 2018
Always travel with your sense of humor. - Jun 2016
This is a post where people coming in needs to do so with their eyes wide open. - Jun 2015
I'm sorry we came here because of the living conditions. I am usually rather upbeat but this city depresses me. - Nov 2014
As said earlier, I will re-visit this when departing post and make edits. - Aug 2014
Life here is slow and monotonous but not actually too unpleasant. - May 2014
This was the most difficult overseas posting I've ever had. It's hard to put into words the difficulties involved in being posted to Abuja. Before I departed for my assignment there, I thought that perhaps many people had overexaggerated the challenges, but I found out the hard way that this post has a bad reputation for a reason. One thing I can say is that Nigerians can come off being very aggressive. Working with, dealing with, and driving with Nigerians becomes a very wearing experience over time. Abuja is also very isolated; there are only four direct international flights in and out of Abuja (Addis, London, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam), making travel time-consuming and expensive. Investigate very carefully before agreeing to come to Abuja. This is a place where it is very easy to become frustrated and depressed. - Jun 2009
Only come here if you think this will help your career. If you come here thinking you'll like it, I think you'll be gravely disappointed. - Sep 2008
While I would not choose to do this tour again, I do not regret my time here. It has been an eye opening and worthwhile experience, just not one I would like to repeat. - Jul 2008
