Abuja, Nigeria Report of what it's like to live there - 03/07/09
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?
Seventh overseas posting.
2. How long have you lived here?
We have been here since August, 2008.
3. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
Overnight flight from U.S. to Amsterdam or Frankfurt .7 or 8 hours from there.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Spouse of an U.S. Embassy employee.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
We live on a lovely compound with a pool. For the most part I think embassy employees are satisfied. There are a few units they need to get rid of because they have continuous maintinances issues. Our house is probably one of the furthest from the Embassy and the school, and the commute it 15-20 minutes in the morning and 20-30 minutes at rush-hour in the afternoon.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Extremely expensive. And the COLA has just been reduced. Go figure.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Limited. Very expensive.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
The lack of mosquitos in Abuja was also a surprise for us. We have not used repellent yet. But malaria is a big problem so you do have to take anti-malaria medication.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Expensive hotel gyms.
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?
Don't.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Every imaginable difficulty.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Not available or safe.
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?
Rugged vehicle, especially if you plan to travel out of Abuja. Don't bring a car that you don't want to get scratched, because it will.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
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?
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
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?
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Some people have upper respetory problems during the dry season.
2. What immunizations are required each year?
3. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
I walk for an hour every morning and don't feel unsafe. Driving is the biggest safety issue, as the drivers here are crazy. The roads within Abuja are generally good, although it gets dangerous when the power goes out and the traffic lights don't work.
4. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
The weather was a pleasant surprise for us. We eat all our meals outside.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
We have teenagers at the American International School. The opportunity to put our kids in an International School is one of our main reasons for taking this assignment. The school and teachers have gone above and beyond in helping our kids succeed here. It is a very small high school. This year will produce the first graduating class of 4.There are appoxamatley 65 high school students total this year. Since they can not offer an abundance of choices, students are allowed to take classes outside their normal year group so they get to know students from other glades. Several AP classes are offered and they are in the processes of starting the IB program. Students were given the opportunity to travel to Ghana with the Model United Nations for the conference, Habitat for Humanity project, and cultural studies. We are satisfied having our children in this school and look forward to it growing and becoming even better.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
I know that the International School has just this week hired a full time special ed teacher. The high school teachers meet with children during lunch, study hall and they each stay at least several afternoons a week to give extra assistance to students. But this is a small school with limited resourse. Anyone looking for extended special ed services should speak directly with the principles before bringing a student here.
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?
Limited. But the International school has after school sports programs. This year there is soccor (year round), basketball and track & field.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
2. Morale among expats:
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I think it is good for families because the limited entertainment choices makes it possible to spend lots of time together. On the other hand, everything is very expensive expecially food and travel.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I would not have a clue.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not for expats.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
This is a problem. This is not what I would call a fun place but it is an experience. House and pool parties are popular. The Hilton has cultural events every so often. The Abuja Carnival is a great cultural experience.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
9. Can you save money?
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes. Although there are challenges and at time frustrations, Abuja can be a good family posting. And after living here and experiencing this country, we will be able to more fully count our blessings once we return to the U.S.
