Nigeria Travel Guide

Full Name

Federal Republic of Nigeria

Former Name

NA

Capital City

Abuja; note - on 12 December 1991 the capital was officially transferred from Lagos to Abuja; most federal government offices have now moved to Abuja

Government Type

federal republic

Area Size

Nigeria has a total area of 923,768 km² (356,669 mi²), making it the world's 32nd-largest country.

Time Zone

UTC/GMT +1 hour

Climate

Varies from area to area. The southern coast is hot and humid with a rainy season from March to November. During the dry season, the Harmattan wind blows from the Sahara. The north’s rainy season is from July to September. Nights can be cold in December and January.

Geography

Nigeria is located in western Africa on the Gulf of Guinea. It shares a 4047 km border with Benin (773 km), Niger (1497 km), Chad (87 km), Cameroon (1690 km), and has a coastline of at least 853 km. The highest point in Nigeria is Chappal Waddi at 2,419 m. Nigeria has a varied landscape. From the Obudu Hills in the southeast through the beaches in the south, the rainforest, the Lagos estuary and savanna in the middle and southwest of the country and the Sahel and the encroaching Sahara in the extreme north. Nigeria's main rivers are the Niger and the Benue which converge and empty into the Niger Delta, the world's largest river deltas.

Languages

English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo), Fulani

Culture

Nigeria boasts of a plethora of customs and traditions, cultures and festivals, that would appeal to most tourists. Nigeria is often described as a country of unity in diversity. This description probably stems from ttie fact that the country is made up of over 400 linguistic groups, three principal religions, a multiple of socio-political opinions and organisations and varying weaiher and climatic conditions between ihe North and the South. Nigerian art forms reflect their occult and animist origins. Yoruba masks are carved out of wood, representing the forces of nature and gods, and their use in ceremonies like the annual Gelede masquerades helps maintain a connection with the spirit of ancestors. The masks also appear at funerals in order to appease the spirits of the deceased. Of all the Yoruba masks, the large helmet masks of the Epa cult are the most spectacular. The best chance of a good feed is the roadside stalls, called Buka, where the best cooked local cuisine is found. Peppery stews are common in the southern states, while menus of grains and beef are common in the north.

History

Following nearly 16 years of military rule, a new constitution was adopted in 1999, and a peaceful transition to civilian government was completed. The president faces the daunting task of reforming a petroleum-based economy, whose revenues have been squandered through corruption and mismanagement, and institutionalizing democracy. In addition, the OBASANJO administration must defuse longstanding ethnic and religious tensions, if it is to build a sound foundation for economic growth and political stability. Although the April 2003 elections were marred by some irregularities, Nigeria is currently experiencing its longest period of civilian rule since independence.

Travel Information

The national airline is Virgin Nigeria. Lagos (LOS) (Murtala Muhammed)Airport is 22km north of Lagos. Taxis to the city (journey time - 40 minutes) are available. Airport facilities consist of Restaurant, bar, snack bar, bank, post office, bureau de change, duty-free shop and car hire. Kano (KAN) Airport is 8km north of Kano. Taxis are available to the city (journey time - 25 minutes). Airport facilities consist of Restaurant, bank, post office, duty-free shop and car hire.Abuja (ABV) Airport is 35km from the city. Taxis are available. Main ports: Lagos, Port Harcourt and Calabar. Other important ports include Warri and Sepele. Links are with Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger. The principal trans-Saharan routes pass through Nigeria from Niger. The principal link with Benin is via the Idoroko border point along the good coast road to Lagos.

Accommodation

There are first-class hotels in Lagos and in the major towns, but they are heavily booked and advance reservation is essential. The majority of good hotels are on Lagos Island. Hotels are generally very expensive, but there is a variety of alternative accommodation.

Visa Requirements

Visa is required for citizens from The EU, USA, Australia and Canada. Passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of departure required by all nationals of countries above.Nationals not referred to above are advised to contact the embassy/high commission to check visa requirements. Transit passengers do not need a visa, if continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft, provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport, except for nationals of the USA who require a transit visa. Children under 16 years of age accompanying their parents residing in Nigeria (provided the name of such a child is entered in the passport of one of the parents) do not require visas, but must, however, complete one application form accompanied by a photo. All children holding their own passport must have separate visas or re-entry permits. Apply to the Consulate, consular section at embassy or high commission.

Getting Around

Virgin Nigeria operates domestic flights to Abuja and Port Harcourt. Charter facilities are available in Lagos from Aero Contractors. It is advisable to book internal flights well in advance. There is often considerable delay in internal air services. Lack of fuel sometimes disrupts internal commercial air travel and flights may be cancelled at short notice. Ferry services operate along the south coast and along the Niger and Benue rivers. For timetables and prices, enquire locally. The two main routes are from Lagos to Kano (via Ibadan–Oyo–Ogbombosho–Kaduna–Zaria); and from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri (via Aba–Enugu–Makurdi–Jos). These two lines link up Kaduna and Kafanchan. There is also a branch line from Zaria to Gusau and Kaura Namoda. A daily service runs on both main routes. Sleeping cars are available, which must be booked in advance. There are three classes and some trains have restaurant cars and air conditioning. Trains are generally slower and less reliable than buses, but cheaper. Traffic drives on the right. The national road system links all the main centres, although in some areas secondary roads become impassable during the rains. Reports of armed robberies in broad daylight on rural roads in the northern half of Nigeria have been reported and appear to be increasing. Buses and taxis run between the main towns. Car hire is not difficult to obtain in Lagos and Abuja, but it is best to go through hotels. Chauffeur-driven cars are advised. Public transport in Lagos operates in rather chaotic conditions. The city suffers from chronic traffic congestion, which makes it impossible for buses and taxis to operate efficiently, especially during the rush hours. There are many private bus companies and several thousand private minibuses. Taxis in Lagos are yellow and both fares and tip should be agreed in advance. A ferry service runs to Lagos Island.

Health & Safety

Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required by anyone arriving from infected areas and immunisation is recommended for all. No other vaccinations are required for entry to Nigeria, but there is a high risk of malaria, yellow fever, polio, typhoid, hepatitis (A & B) and meningitis and visitors should seek the latest medical advice on inoculations at least three weeks prior to departure. At present there is a high risk of polio infection in northern Nigeria, as well as regular outbreaks of cholera and meningitis. HIV/AIDS is prevalent. There is a risk of food poisoning; visitors should only drink bottled water and ensure that meat and vegetables are well cooked and eaten hot, and fruit is peeled. There are some good private hospitals, but government facilities are of low standard and should be avoided. Most foreign companies have arrangements with private clinics and hospitals for their expatriate workers. Individuals needing specialised treatment for acute illness or severe injury are usually evacuated to Europe. Good, comprehensive insurance is strongly advised, and should include evacuation. Violent street crime, armed robberies, muggings and car jackings are prevalent in Lagos and elsewhere in the more populous south of the country. Recent gang violence in central Port Harcourt means that visitors should take care when travelling around the town. Security at Port Harcourt has been increased due to safety concerns. Visitors need to be vigilant and cautious. Travellers are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations. Fuel shortages often occur, adding to uncertainty for road travel that is already hazardous because of the risk of armed robbery and car jackings, particularly in traffic jams and rural areas. Public transport is extremely dangerous with buses and taxis poorly maintained and fraud and criminal activity rife among drivers. Travellers are strongly advised to avoid the Bakassi Peninsula on the border with Cameroon.

National Holidays

1 Jan - New Year’s Day. 6-9 Apr - Easter. 31 Mar - Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet). 1 May - Workers’ Day. 1 Oct - Independence Day. 13 Oct - Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). 20 Dec - Eid al-Kabir (Feast of the Sacrifice). 25-26 Dec - Christmas.

Currency

Nigerian Naira (NGN)

Electricity

220-240V AC

Working Hours

Government Offices are open Monday to Friday 8am - 4pm. Supermarkets, stores and other businesses are open from 8.30am to 5pm on weekdays and from 7.30am to 1pm on Saturdays.

Emergency Numbers

119(ambulance)