Abuja, Nigeria Report of what it's like to live there - 11/04/14
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?
First was Liberia, several other African posts, and Bangladesh.
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?
It's about 30 hours to get back to SE USA. Air France and Lufthansa service this area. The connections can have long layovers but are usually reasonably efficient.
3. How long have you lived here?
14 months.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
When we came, we lived in decent apartment housing which was closed about 5 months into our tour. Then we were moved to a compound called 66 which has 66 units. We have had constant mold, torn out walls several times because of bad pipes, air-con poorly installed so all leak at one time or another. Cheap inadequate lighting. I can't say anything good about our "brand new housing." This is the worst housing we have had in Africa (actually anywhere). I would not reccomend this post to anyone if they have to live in 66. Some of the other places seem better but we're stuck in 66 and since there are 66 aprtments, it's hard to know if you will get this. Lots of kids around so its good for families and there are 2 pools and a small canteen open with limited food on weekends.
It's about 20 minutes to work.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Everything is expensive, higher than any other African city I've been to.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
All house-hold cleaning products, the bleach is about 1/10th the strength of our home bought ones. All the cleaning products are weak so I would send more in consumables. There is a good consumable allowance. More paper products since they are expensive here.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Lots of insects in our housing. It's us against the ants. Constant invasion in the kitchen (and we are clean) but lots of entrances for them since none of doors close right to the floor.
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?
Reasonable. There are quarters on the 66 compound for them but they are very small, dirty and hot. I was unable to hire the person i wanted because they would not live there.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, small gym at 66. Some local gyms but don't know the price.
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?
Not a good idea in Nigeria, the home of fraud.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Lots of denominations, Catholic, Protestant.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None, it's always nice but peole here generally speak some English. Most Nigerians speak at least 3 or more languages.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes, no sidewalks, bad entrance ways, no ramps. It would be beyond difficult.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
No, not allowed to use public transport.
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?
Should be high carriage, the roads are bad especilly by 66 apartments. Don't bring anything you would mind getting dinged. Driving is so bad, most people have some sort of scrapes on their vehicles.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Internet is not terribly expensive but speed and availability vary according to where you live. Not bad at 66, costs about US$60 month for average use.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Embassy supplies one to those who work there but spouses need their own. Service varies according to where you live.
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?
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?
No.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Lots with various churches, NGOs.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business casual. In public, modesty is usual the way to go.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
This is a danger post so we can only travel outside the city with escorts. Boko Haram is active so the security is always a big issue.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
There is a medical unit at the Embassy but nothing outside for treatment. Most folks who get really sick, get medevaced, either to South Africa or London.
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?
Not too bad. During hot season it gets very dusty so folks with allergies might have a bad time.
If you live at 66, be prepared for mold problems which can affect your health.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Very dusty during hot season. Very moldy at some housing.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Don't have kids but there is an American School right next door with an adjoining door to our compound at 66.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
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?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
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.
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?
Just entertaining in the community, BBQs, dinners, lots of kids parties.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
There's nothing to recommend in Abuja. Hard to drive anywhere, traffic is horrendous. lots of people don't even drive though they have cars. Picture a car going the wrong way on a around-about. Or down the up ramp on the express roads. Common occurence here.
Restaurants are worse than mediocre and very expensive: US12$ for a milk shake which DOES taste good but....
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Enjoy my job at Embassy.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
NO.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Nothing.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
There are no advantages to living here except for saving money (danger pay, hardship etc.).
The weather is OK, very hot in winter, very wet and medium temperatures during the rainy season.
10. Can you save money?
Yes, nothing to buy here. We travel when we can which is pricey but worth it.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
If i had known about the apartment at 66, I would not have come, it is that dismal.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Good clothes, winterclothes, fancy car.
4. But don't forget your:
Sense of humor, hobby supplies, books if you still read paper. We can order almost everything on the web. Takes a while, but we have gotten some food, clothing, reading materials.
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
6. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Any travel books on Nigeria and read up on 419 scams.
7. Do you have any other comments?
I'm sorry we came here because of the living conditions. I am usually rather upbeat but this city depresses me.
