The Insider’s Guide to Business Travel in Nigeria

With a GDP of USD $510bn, Nigeria has claimed the title of Africa’s biggest economy. Those in the know predict that this West African country – thanks in part to its oil – will be counted among the world’s top 20 economies by 2020. If you’re serious about doing business in Africa, you should be doing business in Nigeria. More importantly, you should be doing business from one of the hottest addresses in the economic powerhouse that is Lagos: the Federal Palace Hotel and Casino.

Located in the commercial hub of Victoria Island in Lagos, the Federal Palace shares prime real estate with oil, banking, finance, transport and other major commercial ventures. In a city renowned for challenging (and time-consuming) road travel, setting up office in the heart of vibrant Victoria Island makes business sense. If you’re a discerning corporate traveller seeking comfort, efficiency and safety, the five-star Federal Palace provides a conveniently positioned backdrop for all your business requirements.

Expect world-class service in a sophisticated environment. The Federal Palace’s executive Business Centre boasts a full portfolio of business management amenities, including on-site banking, ATM and foreign exchange facilities. Nine fully-equipped conference and meeting venues are able to host up to 500 corporate guests. For intimate lunch meetings, the Ancestor Spirit Bar is a great place to close deals. And if you burn the midnight oil in the privacy of your room, there’s Wi-Fi access in every corner, as well as 24-hr room service available.

Recently renovated, each of the Federal Palace’s luxurious rooms – which blend contemporary decor with grandiose elements of the past – meet the highest international standards. Choose between city or sea-facing rooms, suites or apartments.

After a long day of work, burn away corporate tensions at the brand-new, fully equipped Federal Palace gym. It’s open 24 hours a day, and boasts luxuries like flat screen TVs and Nintendo Wii-Fit. If you’d rather swim, you have honorary membership at the hotel’s exclusive Pool Club. Feeling lucky? The Federal Palace Casino has slots and tables to suit your game tastes.

Leave the busy conference room, the comfort of your luxurious hotel room, or the frenzy of the casino, to enjoy a sumptuous meal or tasty cocktail at one of the Federal Palace’s world-class restaurants. From delicious international cuisine to a colourful cultural experience, the Federal Palace restaurants and bars provide the perfect escape from a busy working day.

Sprawling and chaotic, Lagos is one of the most exuberant cities in Africa. Despite it being a thriving business hub, corporate travel to Lagos can be challenging. Play it safe with these insider tips:

• Brush up on your etiquette before you arrive. Business is formal in Nigeria, and you’ll be expected to look the part. Don't shake someone’s hand until they offer theirs. And don’t address anyone by their first name until invited to do so.
• Make sure you’ve arranged an airport transfer with the Federal Palace in advance – they’ll gladly assist you in doing so. Furthermore, the helpful concierge will arrange trusted and reliable local transport for the duration of your stay.
• Lock away your valuables, never go out alone, and keep your passport on your person. And when in doubt, trust your common sense.

Corporate travel to Africa has never been more comfortable. If you’re continuing your business on the continent, we suggest The Maslow as a superb Johannesburg business and travel destination.