Travel guide – nigeria

nigeria
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Overview

Situated in tropical West Africa, the oil rich state of Nigeria is the regional superpower, but despite its abundant natural resources it remains one of the world’s poorest countries with a per capita GDP of just US$300 per annum.

The country is made up of over 250 tribes, and this explosive mix together with tensions between the Muslim population and the Christians, who make up the majority in the oil producing south of the country, have contributed to Nigeria’s potential being untapped. Decades of civil war, famine, military dictators and rampant corruption have left the country with deep divisions that will take many years to ease. Despite recent democratic elections (April 2003) there remains a real risk of renewed civil war.

The capital city is Abuja, but the largest economic centre and chief port is Lagos, located on the Bight of Benin in southwestern Nigeria. Lagos was formerly the capital but this was moved to Abuja in the heart of the country in 1991, largely in a bid to curb the frenetic migration to Lagos not only from rural Nigeria, but neighbouring countries as well. This sprawling overcrowded industrial metropolis is already home to more than 11 million people.

With 500 miles (805km) of coastline Nigeria has all the raw ingredients to make for a top tourist destination, and the new government has pledged to improve infrastructure and attract investment to tap the country’s tourism potential. Meanwhile, this varied land of sandy beaches, lagoons, tracts of tropical forest, magnificent waterfalls and fascinating historic sites is being enjoyed by only the most adventurous travellers.

The vast majority of visitors to Nigeria come for business and the regular flights from Europe and North America have remained packed with oil executives looking for their slice of Africa’s largest oil producer.

Climate

Nigeria is generally hot all year round, with little variation between winter and summer. Seasons are defined as the wet season, from April to October, and the dry season, from November till March. The dry season witnesses the prevailing influences of the dry and dusty north-east winds. The wet season is particularly noticeable on the south-eastern coast, where annual rainfall reaches about 130 inches (330cm).

Health

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. The first case of bird flu in Africa was detected on a poultry farm in northern Nigeria in February 2006. There is little risk to visitors provided all situations that would bring close contact with live wild, caged or domestic birds are avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes are well cooked. 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 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.

The basics

Time

Local time is GMT +1.

Electricity

Electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz. Round and square three-pin plugs are used.

Language

English is the official language and widely used, though many other languages are also spoken.

Tipping

Tips of about 10% are expected for almost every service. In better restaurants waiters expect a 10% tip if a service charge hasn't already been added. Negotiate taxi fares inclusive of the tip before embarking on a journey.

Safety

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. Visitors need to be vigilant and cautious. Numerous hazards await unwary and uninformed visitors, from bogus greeters at the airport, to scams involving efforts to extort money from visitors' relatives back home and even taking hostages for ransom. Visitors should ensure that their local hosts and/or family and friends at home know their travel plans. There are frequent outbreaks of civil unrest and violence, usually caused by ethnic tensions and strikes often cause disruption to transport and other services. Following riots in Kano, travellers are advised to be extremely cautious in the northern region. 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. The Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa States should also be avoided, particularly the riverine areas, due to hostage-taking and threats that have demanded all expatriates leave the Niger Delta area by mid-February 2006; several workers have been kidnapped and further threats issued. Oil facilities have been attacked and expatriate oil workers seized. The reliability of domestic airlines has been questioned due to recent accidents in October and December 2005. A national census will take place from 21-25 March 2006, and there may be restrictions on movement throughout the country during this period.

Customs

Nigeria has a relatively formal society and it is appropriate to address Nigerians by their surnames until you know them very well. A suit or jacket and tie is expected for business meetings. Beachwear is only appropriate for the beach. Nigeria has the largest Muslim population in Africa. Women should dress modestly, and avoid wearing trousers, and all visitors should exercise discretion in behaviour and dress, especially when visiting religious sites. Time has a different concept in West Africa than in Europe or North America. Being 'on time' to a Nigerian could easily be a couple of hours after an agreed start-time. Evening social events tend to start late and often continue into the small hours. Photography in airports may lead to arrest. Visitors should be aware that there is a prevalence of commercial fraud targeting foreigners and business travellers are advised to contact both their local Nigerian Embassy and Chamber of Commerce before leaving for Nigeria.

Communications

Full international direct dialling is available. The country code for Nigeria is +234, and the outgoing international code is 009. City codes are also required. There are good GSM 900 and 1800 mobile phone networks covering Lagos, Abuja and some other major towns. Internet cafes can be found in Lagos.

Duty Free

Travellers to Nigeria over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 medium sized cigars or 200g tobacco; 1 litre spirits and 1 litre wine; perfume or eau de Cologne for personal use; and gifts to the value of N300 (excluding jewellery, photographic equipment, electronics and luxury goods.). The following items carry substantial duty levies: Cameras, projectors and other electronic goods carry substantial duty levies, unless visitors can provide proof of possession for at least three years or can submit a certificate of re-importation. Prohibited items include beer, mineral water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, fresh fruit and vegetables, textiles, mosquito netting, jewellery and precious metals, cereals and eggs.

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