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Nigeria is a dynamic environment that offers opportunities for work and enterprise, says Anne-Funmi Fatusin, who offers her tips for successAs Africans in Diaspora, most of us embrace the idea of returning to our country of origin some day. It is all very well to criticise our country on the slow progress of development in infrastructure, education, health, telecommunications, etc. What we fail to realise is that, irrespective of abode, as long as we are Africans, we also have a role to play in the capacity building of our respective nations.
When an opportunity you have been waiting for presents itself to return home, either to work or establish a business, it would be foolhardy to reject or ignore it. It goes without saying that there are too many people back home who are also seeking the same opportunities and what they have to their advantage is the fact that they are fully aware of the environment, work culture, people’s attitudes and mind-sets, etc.
Nigeria is a very dynamic environment that requires individuals to be constantly informed of current developments. This is where the power of networking with people who matter is pivotal. There have been success stories of many Nigerians in Diaspora head-hunted just like I was and recruited as expatriates. They are gainfully employed in various industries – from SMEs to conglomerates and government parastatals. There are others who have been invited for joint business ventures and are excelling in their various fields of endeavour.
Another dimension to this is that some employers have been taken advantage of by the Nigerian Diaspora who, after few months of employment, decide that the ‘grass is greener on the other side’. They either resign or abandon the employer to join another organisation that can offer better prospects.
Whatever and however the level of entry to the Nigerian labour market, it is advisable to have an open mind but be cautious before taking that ‘leap’. The following are some tips I would offer when considering relocation.
Ensure you have a firm written agreement before you resign from your current employment. Read the small print carefully. If you are not entirely sure about terms and conditions of the employment contract, seek advice from a local (Nigerian) qualified legal professional.
Ensure you request for both a Job Description and Person Specification so as to ascertain what is expected of you. Also the Organogram/Organisation Chart to determine your exact position within the organisation – your subordinates, line of reporting, colleagues. If there is a continuous change in the Organogram prior to commencement of your employment, it is an indication that it is a growing business. Conversely, alarm bells should be ringing in your head that the organisation might not be what you thought.
If invited from abroad for interview, insist the organisation pays the air travel fare back home. Negotiate to see if you can be employed as an expatriate. The advantage is that you will be paid in foreign currency and in most cases, entitled to travel allowance (free or subsidised flight tickets. Depending on the type of organisation and role, if the agreement is for you to travel business class, ensure this is clearly stated in your contract). If you have a family, negotiate if a travel allowance could be extended to immediate family members and, perhaps, if school fees would be paid. Free housing (if a house has been agreed, ensure this is what you get, not a flat), car with driver, share options in the business (if applicable), house keeper/steward, security personnel, etc. Ensure that whatever has been agreed prior to your relocation is clearly stated in your employment contract before you sign on the dotted lines!
It is relative. Do not expect to be paid the equivalent of what you earn abroad in the local currency.
Conduct extensive research on the organisation. The Internet is a useful tool (but may not necessarily reflect the true picture). Ask people who know the organisation. Peruse the company’s Annual Report and Accounts (if possible). This is to ascertain if the organisation can honour its agreed obligations to you.
If it is a one-man business, be extra careful. Many SME business owners cannot fulfil the promises made in terms of remuneration or relocation package. Find out about the exact current financial situation of the company and conduct a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses Opportunities & Threats) analysis. Some of them are ‘accidental’ business owners – acquisition of wealth is sudden and there is the urgency to quickly invest it but without having the wherewithal for sustaining a business.
Study people you are supposed to be working with. The culture in Nigeria is different. You will be surprised that people who studied and worked extensively abroad soon imbibe unpalatable business etiquette once they return home. In order to survive, they throw caution to the wind and ethical values are no longer important to them.
If you have been head-hunted through a recruitment agent or agency, conduct a thorough research that they are bona fide agents of the organisation they profess to represent and are working in your best interest.
Reflect on what you have learned about the company through information gathered from various sources and during interviews. Take your time before making a final decision. If possible, speak with some of the employees. Engaging with some of the employees will reveal the true state of affairs. If you have made a wrong decision by joining the organisation, work out your notice period or negotiate an early resignation period.
If the job opportunity is for a government parastatal, be careful not to have a different political affiliation from the one you are working for, or else it can be instant dismissal! However, if there is no political undertone associated with your role, do not make yours (if you have any) obvious.
Depending on your job role, you might wish to widen your social networks. Join social clubs and relevant professional membership associations. Form new friendships.
Watch and choose your associations with people very carefully. Be judicious with what you say and to whom. If you have already imbibed the culture of the Western world, living in Nigeria is a bi-cultural existence. So be very open to ideas and analyse which ones are most appropriate to your lifestyle and can enhance your career. Nigeria is a culturally diverse environment, so be diplomatic with discussions on religion, ethnicity and business etiquette. Discussion on politics is a delicate matter as you might be unaware when dealing with the opposition!
Inasmuch as some organisations prefer to recruit Nigerians in the Diaspora because of their experiences, exposure and skill-sets, it should be noted that there are equally competent Nigerians back home and who in some cases, are better to employ since they are entrenched in the culture - ‘the Nigerian mind-set’ of how businesses are conducted.
There is always a subtle competition that exists between the Nigerian Diaspora and Nigerians back home and so do not be deluded that you are better! Avoid the ‘them and us’ office politics!
Good luck!
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