1. Shaking hands is the acceptable form of greeting. You may find people bowing to their superiors and the elderly.

2. Greetings should always include some interest in your acquaintances family and health.

3. Women with children, pregnant women and the elderly should always get the right of way in public places or public transportation.

4. Do be not over complimentary of a person's dress or belongings, he or she mat feel obligated to give you what you find attractive. However, be sure to compliment a dinner or food prepared by a Nigerian host.

5. The left hand rules apply here. Do not take or give anything with the left hand. Do not eat with the left hand.

6. Note that Nigeria is a culturally and religiously diverse country where tribe and ethnic affiliation is important. Be sure to be sensitive to these differences.

NIGERIA - General Information

Country Overview - Key Data Political Overview - History Political Conditions Corruption Utilities The Looming Constitutional Crisis The Government from 1999-2002 Government Functions Principal Government Officials National Security Foreign Relations Recent Developments Looking Ahead The Significance of Islam Ethnicity and Oil Useful links for students of culture Cultural Etiquette: Cultural Dos and Taboos Social Overview: People Key Enterprises Stock Market Taxation Investment Overview Foreign Trade Zones International Investment Agreements Labor Political Violence Transparency of Regulatory System Protection of Property Rights Performance Requirements and Incentives Dispute Settlement: Investment Climate Environmental Issues