In Abuja, some businesspeople go to great lengths to impress potential clients. It is common to hear stories of entrepreneurs renting luxury cars like Prado jeeps just to create an image of success when attending business meetings.
However, some Nigerians have revealed that this practice goes beyond just cars—some businessmen even rent white foreigners to pose as their business partners.
This discussion started on social media when a businessman shared how he almost lost a deal because he didn’t arrive at a meeting in an expensive car. He later realized that some people rent high-end vehicles to look more successful.
He wrote;
”Is that how you people do business in Abuja?
My company closed a decent sized deal in Abuja recently and I got the feedback from the “brokers” that I needed to get a big car to attend business meetings.
They said the other parties doubted my capacity to executive it because I was attending meetings with Toyota Camry muscle and Lexus E350.
That the people around (the advisers to) the main decision maker of the other party doubted my ability because of the cars I was riding to negotiation meetings.
That despite the subtle doubts from people around him, the Alhaji (main decision maker) was unswayed, and indeed drawn to me by, as I was told later, my simplicity in appearance and sincerity in communication during the negotiations. That he said he saw a young himself in me.
An eye opener for me. I guess this is why the market for rented Prado is, accoridng to what I heard, thriving in Abuja.
Responding to his story, other Nigerians disclosed that Abuja businessmen also hire white men—regardless of nationality—to attend meetings with them. The role of these foreigners is simple: sit quietly and nod in agreement during negotiations.
Many believe this tactic helps them appear more credible and serious in the eyes of potential clients, increasing their chances of winning contracts.
While some see it as a smart business strategy, others criticize it as deceptive. Either way, it highlights the importance of perception in the world of business.
