Living in Nigeria as a French National: Settling In, Neighbourhoods, Safety, Schools

Nigeria is a major economic hub of the African continent. The French cooperation network there counts fifteen sites: the Institut français, two schools under AEFE supervision, a Mission laïque française school in Port Harcourt and ten Alliances françaises (France Diplomatie). For a French national, the presence of an international business community in Lagos and Abuja, English as the working language and the existence of French schools are the main advantages of settling there.

The points of caution are just as clear and justify preparation before departure: France Diplomatie describes a “precarious” healthcare system outside Abuja and Lagos, a high terrorist risk in certain regions, ordinary crime that requires everyday caution, and accident-prone road traffic. Many residents therefore choose housing in a secure residential neighbourhood, organise their travel with a known driver and plan international health cover that includes medical repatriation. The guide to the Nigerian healthcare system details the care available.

Lagos is the economic capital. The French consulate general is in Ikoyi (1 Oyinkan Abayomi Drive) and the Lycée français Louis-Pasteur on Victoria Island. France Diplomatie describes Victoria Island, Ikoyi and Banana Island as more secure areas, whereas the mainland part of the city, notably the airport road, presents a high risk of assault. Lagos State is classed under heightened vigilance.

Abuja, the federal capital, is home to the French embassy (European Union Crescent, in the business district) and the Lycée français Marcel-Pagnol. The city of Abuja is also classed under heightened vigilance, while the rest of the Federal Capital Territory falls into a more restrictive category.

The other regions are subject to stricter recommendations. France Diplomatie classes a large part of the north-east and north-west, several Niger Delta states and other areas as formally advised against; Port Harcourt, Kano and Kaduna are advised against except for compelling reasons. Before any trip or assignment outside Lagos and Abuja, the France Diplomatie map remains the reference to consult.

A visa is compulsory for any stay. According to France Diplomatie, the application is built on the Nigerian immigration portal, then filed and paid at the Online Integrated Solution (OIS) centre, 7 rue Daru in Paris. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the return date. Since May 2025, an electronic arrival and departure card has to be completed online before check-in. The Nigeria Immigration Service also provides an e-visa portal and states that the landing and departure card has been compulsory since 1 May 2025.

• Documents to keep: on arrival, the authorities may ask for all the documents used to obtain the visa; they may also refuse to extend a visa or to change its category after entry (France Diplomatie).
• CERPAC: the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card serves as a residence permit and an alien’s card. It is required for a stay of more than 56 days for employment, an activity or long-term residence. The fees announced by the service are USD 2,000 for a foreign employee and USD 600 for a student; biometrics are taken at an immigration office.
• STR visa: employees enter on a “Subject to Regularization” type visa, then regularise their stay by applying for the CERPAC, generally within about 90 days of arrival (Nigeria Immigration Service).
• Consular registration: France Diplomatie invites French nationals to register on the Ariane portal and to report to the embassy or consulate general as soon as they arrive.

Fees and timelines change: the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigerian embassy in Paris confirm the amounts in force at the time of filing.

The cost of living varies with the city and neighbourhood chosen; the “Economic reference points” block above presents the latest inflation indicators available. Rents and payment conditions are not covered by a public scale that we could consult: ask the employer, the schools and local agents, and check them in writing before signing any lease. It is useful to compare several neighbourhoods, taking into account the journey to school and the workplace, France Diplomatie safety advice and the availability of basic services.

An employer sending an employee to Nigeria often negotiates housing, travel and home security within the package: these points are discussed before departure. The guide to working in Nigeria presents the framework for employment and pay.

Two schools come under the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE). The Lycée français Louis-Pasteur, located at 16 Younis Bashorun Street on Victoria Island (Lagos), has 526 pupils across 16 levels, from the very first nursery year to the final year, all approved except the very first nursery year (AEFE record). The Lycée français Marcel-Pagnol, in Abuja (Kaura district), has 512 pupils across 16 levels, 15 of them approved (AEFE record). A Mission laïque française school completes the network in Port Harcourt.

Places and tuition fees are requested directly from the schools. French families can ask the consular service about school grants. Family insurance is worth choosing at the same time as the school, with particular attention to paediatrics: see expat family insurance.

France Diplomatie describes a high terrorist risk, notably in the north-east and north-west, and a risk of kidnapping for ransom present across the whole territory, above all in the north and in the Niger Delta. France Diplomatie recalls the heightened vigilance asked of French nationals. The practical advice is the same for all residents:

• be met on arrival by a known, identified person, including at the airport;
• avoid walking, using public transport and travelling at night; vary your routes;
• prefer intercity journeys in several vehicles, with an escort if necessary, rather than driving yourself;
• keep copies of your documents rather than the originals, limit cash and avoid outward signs of wealth;
• in case of assault, do not resist and contact the local authorities, then the embassy or consulate.

These recommendations are updated regularly: the France Diplomatie “Travel advice” page is the authoritative source and should be consulted before every trip.

France Diplomatie states that malaria is the main health risk in the country, across the whole territory. It recommends being up to date with the vaccinations of the French schedule, assessing with a doctor vaccination against yellow fever (strongly recommended), hepatitis A, typhoid and meningitis according to season and region, and planning suitable prophylaxis. Cholera is endemic in the north, above all during the rainy season from May to September, with sharp upsurges occasionally reported. France Diplomatie also reminds travellers never to buy medicines in the street, because of counterfeits.

English is the language of administration and business, which eases procedures; many national languages coexist depending on the region. France Diplomatie describes an assistance contract as imperative, because the embassy cannot cover any costs; the page on healthcare reimbursement in Nigeria compares the solutions by status, and the guide to repatriation and assistance helps you choose the cover.