Page 7 - Expat Living Summer 2017

NIGERIA
Finding A Home
Housing arrangements can sometimes be made before
arrival in Nigeria, and some companies procure housing
for their employees and families before their arrival. Most
expats who come to Nigeria work with real estate agents
or relocation companies to find appropriate housing. Both
can assist you with locating suitable neighborhoods and
properties, and reviewing leasing agreements.
Check the Daily Times and the Guardian, morning
newspapers in Lagos, for rental agent advertisements.
Online directories are helpful also. Most expats in Nigeria
rent accommodation or have it provided by their employer.
Health And Safety
Healthcare is provided through the Ministry of Health,
local government organisations, and private medical
practitioners. Private and public health facilities are
available in all major towns and cities.
Few public health facilities currently meet North
American and European standards. For the best quality
treatment in Nigeria go to one of the country’s private
clinics or hospitals. Some of these do meet modern
international standards.
If possible obtain referrals from your employer,
colleagues, or your embassy or consulate before visiting
medical care providers.
Doctors and hospitals may expect immediate cash
payment for health services. Obtain comprehensive
medical insurance with specific overseas coverage
including emergency evacuation.
If you are considering traveling or living outside of
the major cities, you should bring some basic first-aid
equipment, including syringes.
Snakebites are quite common among the indigenous
population in some parts of the country. Although
the occurrence of snakebites in foreigners is quite
low, travellers should be aware of the risk. You should
wear protective shoes and clothing when hiking and
exploring bush areas, and be aware of contingencies for
emergency medical treatment and evacuation for this
and other health emergencies.
Expats living in Nigeria can expect to find serious diseases,
questionable sanitation, and crime and safety concerns.
Most cities do not have adequate sewage disposal and
garbage is collected sporadically.
Water in Nigeria is not potable. Water for drinking,
brushing teeth, and making ice must be treated; use
bottled water or sterilise tap water with purification
tablets.
Food in restaurants is generally safe, especially in
those that cater to an international clientele. Eat only
well-cooked meat and fish, and avoid salads, dishes
made with mayonnaise, and pork. Avoid unpeeled and
uncooked fruit and vegetables such as lettuce and
tomatoes.
Cover For Energy
Workers In Nigeria
Over recent years, Africa’s most populous
country has seen an increasingly violent rise in
the tensions between its many ethnicities and
faiths. Consequently visiting Nigeria can be a
potentially dangerous prospect, particularly
if your business takes you into or near the
Niger Delta – the focus for a lot of western-
managed oil and gas activity. Oil workers
and foreign nationals have been a favoured
target of kidnappers, and visitors might be
wise to include cover for such an event, say
international insurance brokers Bellwood
Prestbury.
Boko Haram regularly mounts attacks in
northern Nigeria. The majority of attacks occur
in the north east, particularly in Borno and Yobe
states where Boko Haram’s operating base is.
There has, however, been a significant number
of attacks in other Nigerian states and further
attacks could occur anywhere.
Off the coast, piracy has been plaguing shipping
and oil rigs. The areas bordering Cameroon
are another sensitive flashpoint for violence;
political and civil unrest can break out at short
notice in many places across the country.
Keep up to date with news from the Foreign
& Commonwealth Office and be aware that
standard insurance policies may be invalid in
high-risk areas or for high-risk occupations.
International health insurance in Nigeria is
essential, along with cover for emergency
evacuation by air ambulance in the event of
serious injury or illness. Nigeria is also a country
afflicted with a high incidence of malaria and
waterborne disease including cholera. It’s also
one of the few countries left to suffer with polio
so make sure you include this vaccination along
with others prior to travelling.
The incidence of violent crime, such as
mugging, kidnapping and carjacking has
increased a lot in recent years, especially in
Lagos. Be vigilant, avoid travelling alone or at
night, and don’t carry valuables. Make sure your
Nigeria insurance has sufficient cover for your
personal possessions.
There is a detailed guide to Living & Working
in Africa which you can access and download
free of charge in the Resources section at
www.expatnetwork.com
EXPATLIVING 07