Lesson 4.1: Titles and respect

Most U.S. business owners move to first names quickly. It feels friendly and efficient. "Hi Chidi" in a first email signals that you see the other person as an equal and want an easy working relationship.

In many Nigerian business settings, that same move can land differently. Professional and community titles are earned through years of study, licensing or service. Using them shows that you see the person's achievements. Skipping them can read as careless, or as a sign that you did not take the time to learn who you are writing to.

Titles you are likely to see

• Dr. for medical doctors and people with doctorates. Prof. for professors. Both are used in business, not only in academic settings.

• Engr. for registered engineers. It is common in manufacturing, energy, construction and equipment buying.

• Barr. for lawyers (barristers) and Arc. for architects.

• Chief for a traditional or honorary title, often conferred by a community in recognition of standing or service.

• Alhaji (men) and Alhaja (women) for Muslims who have made the pilgrimage to Mecca. You will see these more often in the north and southwest, though they are used across the country.

• Mr., Mrs. and Ms. where no other title applies. Many married professional women use Mrs.

Some people hold more than one title and use them together in a signature. The safest rule is simple: use the form the person uses in their own email signature, business card or company website. If you cannot find it, ask your contact or a colleague, or use Mr. or Mrs. with the surname and correct yourself later.

Sir and Ma

In spoken Nigerian English, "sir" and "ma" are everyday terms of respect. A younger manager may call you "sir" or "ma" in every sentence. This is courtesy, not stiffness or subservience. You can use the same terms when speaking to older or senior contacts, and it will usually be well received.

When can you use first names?

Wait to be invited. The invitation may be direct ("Please, call me Tunde") or indirect, such as the person signing emails with their first name only. Even then, many people expect titles to return in formal settings, for example when a senior colleague is copied on an email or present in a meeting. Switching back to the title in those moments shows that you understand the setting.

Age and seniority

Respect for age and seniority shapes many interactions. In meetings, senior people are often greeted first and may speak first. When you introduce your own team, introduce your most senior person first, with their title. If your company is small and you are the owner, say so plainly. Your partner wants to know they are dealing with someone who can make decisions.

A note on variation

Practice varies by region, sector, generation and company. A tech startup in Lagos may use first names from the first call. A family-owned trading company or a government-linked buyer may stay formal for years. Read the signals your contact gives you, and when in doubt, choose the more formal option.

The transferable principle

In any market where titles carry weight, including Ghana and many other West African markets, start formal and let your partner set the pace. Formality you relax later reads as warmth. Informality you have to correct reads as a mistake. Keep a simple record of each contact's preferred title so that everyone on your team uses it consistently.

Worked example: A first email to a new contact, a procurement head at a Lagos manufacturer.

Hi Chidi,

Got your name from the trade show list. We make industrial pumps and think we'd be a great fit. Price list attached. Let me know!

Mark

Good morning, Engr. Okafor,

I hope you and your team are well. My name is Mark Ellis, and I am the owner of Prairie Pumps, a manufacturer of industrial pumps in Kansas.

It was a pleasure to see your company's stand at the recent trade show.

I would welcome the chance to learn more about your operations and to introduce our products. Would a short call next week be convenient?

Warm regards,

Mark Ellis

Owner, Prairie Pumps

Why it works: the "after" version uses the title and surname, opens with a courtesy line, introduces the sender's role, and asks for a conversation before sending prices.