Health: Proper immunisation is crucial. Some jabs, such as diphtheria and tuberculosis, are needed three months before travel. Other recommended injections are typhoid, hepatitis A and B, rabies and meningococcal meningitis. You must also be immunised against polio and have protection against cerebral malaria. The Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk has more advice.

Security: Having your own driver is a must as local transport is unreliable and perilous; after dark, many people use armed escorts. Identity fraud is also on the increase; paperwork with personal details on it should be kept hidden or shredded. Keep a photocopy of your passport. Visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website at www.fco.gov.uk for more information.

Settling in: About 50 per cent of the population observes Islam, but foreigners are not subject to Sharia law. The heat takes some getting used to, with temperatures a steady 30C- plus, year-round. While there is a large and varied expat community (particularly Dutch and American), security concerns make it tricky to have a wild social life. “The most important thing about going somewhere like Nigeria is that you go on pre-assignment visits,” says Lucy White, head of the global mobility team at KPMG. “It lessens the culture shock when you go out there.”

Living: The areas to live in are Victoria Island or Ikoyi. Most large companies with staff in Lagos have company estates with lush lawns, swimming pools and high walls. Nigeria can be pricey because most products are imported. It is also a cash economy: changing money on the street is illegal and it is difficult to cash traveller’s cheques. You can read others’ experiences of life in Lagos on www.talesmag.com.

Schools: Most expats send their children to the British International School (www.isbi.com) or to a boarding school in the UK. Sending them to a local school is not advised.

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