Abuja - Post Report Question and Answers
How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None. Almost everybody speaks English. Some French is helpful, too, but not required. - Sep 2019
None. English is everywhere. No one bothers to learn Falani or it's derivitives. It's useless anywhere else. French might help here, as many of the other Embassies here have French speakers in them. - Feb 2019
None, it is an English-speaking country. - Apr 2018
Most everyone speaks English, though the local dialects can take time to get used to. - Apr 2017
Not much, but as with any foreign country, knowing the local language -- even just courtesies -- is a plus. - Jun 2016
English is fine, though Nigerian English requires some adjustment. - Aug 2015
English is official language. Knowing some of the local language is always good. - Jun 2015
None, it's always nice but peole here generally speak some English. Most Nigerians speak at least 3 or more languages. - Nov 2014
Nigeria is an English speaking country. But, there are several local languages and knowing some of them will help. - Aug 2014
None. English speaking country. Nice to learn greetings in a few local languages but all ethnic groups come through Abuja so it's hard to know which ones to use. - May 2014
None. But at the same time, you will have serious communication issues. English is almost no one's true first language. Learning just a little Igbo, Yoruba, Pigeon, or Hausa (Pigeon and Hausa are most widely spoken here) will make running errands, getting your car fixed, getting your food at the restaurant, etc. much faster and more entertaining. - May 2013
None, but if you want to get to know and understand more of the country, study of one of the local languages, particularly Hausa or Yoruba. - Jun 2009
Their official language is English, so you'll be fine, although it can still be very difficult to understand them, as some of their phrases make no sense, and their accents can be very thick at times. - Sep 2008
None -- Nigeria has 250 or so languages, but English will see you through in most places. - Aug 2008
None, though it may take you a while to get use to the accent. - Jul 2008
