Nigeria

Introduction

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© frankone

If you've ever seen a Nigerian soccer match on TV, you'll have some idea of the tribal passion which underscores modern Nigeria. Donned in patriotic green garb and pounding out fiery Nigerian anthems, it's a compelling sight (and sound) and more than enough advertisement for the country's merits. Expect no less passion once you've hit Nigerian soil, as the music keeps pumping and the people keep moving. However, where passions are high, there often follows tension and conflict, as Nigeria bluntly proves. Like most African countries, it has seen its share of violence, but Nigeria's wounds are perhaps a little fresher than those of its neighbours and visitors should pay particular notice to government warnings.

Lagos, the former capital and the second largest city in Africa, is where the cultural climax of Nigeria has its epicentre. It's a busy affair, but a great way to experience first-hand Nigerian life.

Warning: Global Affairs Canada recommends avoiding non-essential travel to Nigeria because of the "unpredictable security situation throughout the country", and also recommends avoiding all travel to the states of Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Plateau, Kogi, Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Yobe, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, and Rivers (excepting Port Harcourt) because of the high risk of violence. A high degree of caution is recommended in Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Lagos, because of "the incidence of crime". The High Commission of Canada in Abuja is providing only emergency services as of late-July 2023.
The government of neighbouring Niger was toppled in a military coup de'tat in late July 2023. There are reports that Nigeria plans to lead an ECOWAS military intervention into Niger to depose the junta and reinstate the deposed president. Keep abreast of the situation, as any war can easily spill over..

Brief History

In the northern part of the country, Kano and Katsina has recorded history which dates back to around 999. Hausa kingdoms and the Kanem-Bornu Empire prospered as trade posts between North and West Africa.
Portuguese explorers were the first Europeans to begin trade in Nigeria, and called the port Lagos after the Portuguese town of Lagos, in Algarve. This name stuck on with more European trade with the region. The Europeans traded with the ethnicities of the coast and also established a trade in slaves which affected many Nigerian ethnicities. Following the Napoleonic Wars, the British expanded trade with the Nigerian interior.
In 1885 British claims to a West African sphere of influence received international recognition and on January 1, 1901 Nigeria became a British protectorate, part of the British Empire. Following World War II, in response to the growth of Nigerian nationalism and demands for independence, successive constitutions legislated by the British Government moved Nigeria toward self-government on a representative and increasingly federal basis. On October 1, 1960, Nigeria gained its independence from the United Kingdom. 50 years later the country has had many presidents, military coups, wars and other conflicts, both domestic and with other countries, and the country remains a bit of unstable and is certainly not one of the safest in the region for travellers.

Geography

Nigeria is located in West Africa on the Gulf of Guinea and has a total area of 923,768 km2 making it the world's 32nd-largest country (after Tanzania). It shares a 4,047-kilometre-long border with Benin (773 kilometres), Niger (1497 kilometres), Chad (87 kilometres), Cameroon (1690 kilometres), and has a coastline of at least 853 kilometres. Nigeria lies between latitudes 4° and 14°N, and longitudes 2° and 15°E.
The highest point in Nigeria is Chappal Waddi at 2,419 metres. The main rivers are the Niger and the Benue River which converge and empty into the Niger Delta, one of the world's largest river deltas and the location of a large area of Central African Mangroves. Nigeria has a varied landscape. In the southeast stands the Obudu Plateau. Coastal plains are found in both the southwest and the southeast. This forest zone's most southerly portion is defined as salt water swamp, also known as a mangrove swamp because of the large amount of mangroves in the area. North of this is fresh water swamp, containing different vegetation from the salt water swamp, and north of that is rain forest. Nigeria's most expansive topographical region is that of the valleys of the Niger and Benue River valleys (which merge into each other and form a "y" shape). To the southwest of the Niger there is "rugged" highland, and to the southeast of the Benue are hills and mountains which forms the Mambilla Plateau, the highest Plateau in Nigeria. The area near the border with Cameroon close to the coast is rich rainforest and part of the Cross-Sanaga-Bioko coastal forests ecoregion. Everything in between the far south and the far north, is savannah (insignificant tree cover, with grasses and flowers located between trees).

Regions

Administratively, Nigeria is made up of 36 states and 1 territory. The country can also be organised into 3 geographic regions, as listed below.

• Southern Nigeria, or the Guinea coastlands, is the most economically developed region.
• Central Nigeria is a sparsely populated regions, apart from several small pockets like the Jos Plateau.
• Northern Nigeria, or Nigerian Sudan.

Cities

• Abuja - the capital in central Nigeria.
• Lagos - the biggest city in Nigeria.
• Jos
• Port Harcourt - port city in the south of Nigeria.
• Ibadan
• Kaduna
• Kano
• Benin City

Sights and Activities

National Parks

Visit some of the amazing national parks in Nigeria to see amazing Nigerian wildlife and scenery. A good place to start is the Gashaka Gumti National Park, which is over 6,000 km² and has excellent fishing. Another great national park is the Cross River National Park, which preserves a wonderful rain forest that is home to gorillas, leopards, white faced monkeys, wild buffaloes and even elephants. Kainji National Park is also a wonderful place to see wild animals and an impressive hydroelectric dam.

Abuja National Mosque

Abuja National Mosque, also known as the Nigerian National Mosque, is the national mosque of Nigeria. The mosque was built in 1984 and is only open to muslims (though you may apply to the office for a guide if you are a non muslim). Located in the center of the city of Abuja there is a great market every Friday selling everything from eclectic books collections to items of ju ju. The large gold dome and four marinates make for an impressive religious building.

National Christian Centre

The National Christian Centre, also known as the National Church of Nigeria, is the main Christian place of worship in the country. Located outside the city of Abuja this is an interdenominational church. The church is designed in a neo-gothic style and has many pivoted arches with a wide nave leading to the main alter. There are also several nice stained glass windows and an organ is installed on the side of the chapel. When not in use for Christian ceremonies it is possible to tour the church, sometimes with a guide.

Nollywood

Go check out some locally made Nigerian movies. Some critics have said these movie are more like "home movies" with a slightly bigger budget. In only a few decades these "home movies" have turned into a 250 million USD business, making more then 200 movies a month. This makes it the third largest movie industry in the world. These movies are not for the light hearted, they tend to be extremely violent and heavy use of witch craft may create a negative image of African culture. Although some movies do have interesting themes that reflect the complexity of modern African life and are worth checking out.

Music

Known as the heart of African music, Nigeria has a great music scene. From traditional folk music to African pop there is every kind of music to be found in Nigeria. Make sure to check out some drummers, Afrobeat and the latest African hip hop singles.

Other Sights and Activities

• Village Life - Check out local markets and customs of different villages scattered around the country.
• Beaches - Check out nice beaches along the coast and some more secluded ones on the island of Victoria.

Events and Festivals

Eid al Maulud

Held in February, this is the first major Muslim festival celebrated of the year in Nigeria. It is known as ‘Mawlid’ in other Islamic holidays, and means ‘birth of the Prophet’, celebrating the birth of Mohammed in 570 AD. This day is honored with a national public holiday; you will see it observed slightly differently depending on which region of the country you are in.

Argungu Fishing Festival

This is an annual four-day fishing festival that has been held in the northwestern state of Kebbi since 1934. It is held at the beginning of March, and thousands of fishermen come to compete to catch the largest fish on the Sokoto River using only traditional handmade nets.

Easter

Easter is one of two most important festivals for Christians around the world. In Nigeria it is commemorated with an official public holiday. Good Friday is a more somber day, where many people will go to pay their respects at a local church. Easter Sunday is an upbeat event, since it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus, and people take to the streets wearing traditional colorful costumes, dancing to the pulsating beat of African drums.

Osun Festival

This festival is held towards the rainy season, usually last week of August. It is a traditional tribal festival from the Yoruba people, held to honor the river goddess Oshun. Thousands of people attend to bear witness to the ceremonies, which include priests seeking protection for the villagers for the year to come by offering gifts and sacrifices. The festival is held at the Oshogbo Sacred Forest.

Eid al Fitri

Occurring in August or September, according to the Islamic calendar for the year, the festival of Eid al Fitri is celebrated on the last day of Ramadan, the end of a month-long period of daylight fasting for Muslims. You may hear it being called ‘Small Saleh’ in Nigeria, and on this day Muslims head home to feast with their families, breaking the fast. This is followed by a two-day national public holiday.

Eid al Kabir

This Muslim festival is known as Eid al-Adha in other countries, which translates into ‘festival of sacrifice’. It occurs around late October, varying according to the Islamic calendar, on the last day of the Hajj (the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca). In Nigeria you will see this festival being celebrated in the countryside as Durbar festivals. Here the villagers come out in traditional bright colored West African costume, and congregate in parades and horsemanship competitions throughout the day. The northern states, such as Kano, are known to have the best displays.

Calabar Carnival

This is a fairly new addition to the annual festival calendar of Nigeria, since it first commenced in 2006, although is held annually and is dubbed “Nigeria’s largest street party.” It is a month-long carnival from December 1 to 31 every year, and has a program of events including dancing, music, and other cultural events; something different every day.

Christmas Day

Christmas is held on December 25 each year, and is an important festival for Christians since it celebrates the birth of Jesus. Celebrations in Nigeria have a unique twist in the southern region of Igboland, where festivities involve masquerade dancing, known as “Mmo.” These festivities predate Christianity, and traditionally honor Nigerian ancestors.

Weather

As Nigeria stretches from the Atlantic coastline towards the edges of the Sahara desert, the climate, although being hot almost anywhere anytime, has some variety.
The coastal area is hot and humid year-round, with temperatures around 30 °C on most days. February to May is a bit hotter, when even nights are very warm at 26 °C on average. Although the rainy season lasts from May to October, there generally is a peak in May/June and another in October, while in between it is relatively dry.
The south central parts have about the same weather as the coastal areas, with small differences regarding temperatures, humidity, sunshine and rainfall. Most of the rain in Nigeria actually falls along the border area with Cameroon.
In the north of the country, there is single rainy season from June to September and a long and hot dry season from October to April. The total amount of rain is much less compared to the southern and coastal zones. Temperatures during the hot season can reach well over 40 °C during the days. From December to February the hot, dry and dusty Harmattan wind blows over northern and western parts of the country as well, reaching almost to the coast although here with prevailing southwestern winds, the Harmattan only infects life for several days a year.

Getting there

By Plane

Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) near the largest city of the country, Lagos, has a large number of international flights. Destinations include Abuja, Accra, Cotonou, Dakar, Douala, Johannesburg and London with Virgin Nigeria and Abidjan, Accra, Banjul, Conakry, Dakar, Douala, Freetown, Libreville, London and Monrovia with Bellview Airlines. Aero Contractors has flights to and from Abidjan, Accra, Bamako, Libreville, Malabo, Monrovia and Sao Tome. A number of airlines from Europe and Africa have flights as well, like KLM to and from Amsterdam. Lufthansa, Iberia, Air France and Alitalia fly here from the respective countries.

Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) is the second largest airport in the country and the 14th biggest in the whole of Africa. It is located near Abuja. KLM flies directly from Amsterdam to Abuja, while a few other airlines serve place further away like Dubai, Atlanta, Frankfurt and London. Flights originate from many other countries in this part of Africa.

The city of Kano has some international connections as well, including those with KLM to Amsterdam.

By Car

Land border crossing described below (by public transport) are usually open to independent travellers with their own (preferably 4wd) car. Expect to pay bribes and have everything in order regarding your papers and insurance for your car. Note that it's not entirely safe to travel in (certain parts) of Nigeria, due to armed attacks, also during the day. This is especially true for the north. Preferably it is wise to use the knowledge of the locals in hiring transport and security, from your pick up at the airport to your local itinerary within Nigeria.

By Bus

To Benin, the main border crossing is on the Lagos (Nigeria) to Cotonou (Benin) highway. An alternative border crossing is further north at Kétou, but there’s not so much public transport that way. Paying bribes is almost customary.
To Cameroon there are two main border crossings. In the north at Bama, 2½ hours from Maiduguri, across to Banki in Cameroon. There is a second more remote alternative crossing at Ngala (Nigeria), which is used mainly for transiting to Chad. The southern border crossing is at Mfum (Nigeria), near Ikom. As you cross to Ekok (Cameroon) roads become much worse, making this border crossing not really suitable during the rainy season, so consider taking the Calabar–Limbe ferry instead during the wettest months (see below).
To Niger, there are four main entry points, the busiest being the Sokoto route, which crosses at Ilela (Nigeria). Minibuses and bush taxis run daily to the border, just past Ilela. Crossing to Birni N’Konni you can get on a bus straight to Niamey. Travelling between Kano (Nigeria) and Zinder (Niger) is just as straightforward. The last option is between Katsina and Maradi. Coming from Niger, it’s easiest to cross at Gaya. You’ll probably have to hire a bush taxi to take you from the Nigerian side at Kamba on to Sokoto.

By Boat

To Nigeria, there is a twice-weekly ferry from Limbe in Cameroon to Calabar on Monday and Thursday, and in the opposite direction every Tuesday and Friday.
There might be unofficial ferries available across Lake Chad to Chad, but ask around first.

Getting around

By Plane

Aero Contractors fly between Lagos, Abuja, Bebi, Benin City, Calabar, Enugu, Owerri, Port Harcourt and Warri, Bellview Airlines has flights between Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Owerri and Port Harcourt and Arik Air serves Lagos, Abuja, Benin City, Calabar, Enugu, Jos, Kano, Maiduguri, Port Harcourt, Sokoto, Warri and Yola. Several other smaller airlines have comparable though less services, including Virgin Nigeria.

By Train

Train services are slow and uncomfortable, but a great way still to get around and cheaper than buses. There are two main routes. One travels from Lagos to Kano via Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbombosho, Kaduna and Zaria. Another travels from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri via Aba, Enugu, Makurdi and Jos. These two connect at Kaduna and Kafanchan. There is a third line, a branch line from Zaria to Gusau and Kaura Namoda. There is at least one daily service on the main routes. Sleeping cars are available, but have to be booked in advance. There are three classes of travel and some trains have restaurant cars and air conditioning.

By Car

In Lagos and Abuja it is easy to rent a car and roads are in an agreeable condition, although some secondary roads might be impassable after heavy rains. It is best though to rent a car with a driver, especially in the north where armed robberies occur and seem to be increasing. Traffic drives on the right and you need an international driving permit and two passport size photos.

By Bus

Buses and minibuses (bush taxis) ply all the main routes and service all but the smallest cities and towns. Buses are relatively fast and safe, although bush taxis are faster and more comfortable, but also less safe.

By Boat

Ferry services operate along the south coast and along the Niger and Benue rivers. For schedules and prices you need to get informations locally.

Red Tape

Foreign nationals who are not citizens of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) need to apply for a visa to enter Nigeria. This can be obtained through an online system, then finalised at Nigerian embassies, high commissions and consulates worldwide. In some countries, such as the UK, a service provider is also used for the visa application process.

Nigerian visas are expensive, requiring payment of fees to multiple offices. For an applicant in the UK, there will be a US$164 fee payable online, followed by UK£20 for the High Commission and GBP75 for OIS Services who process the visa. The price of posting or delivering/collecting the passport is extra.

If you require a visa to enter Nigeria, you might be able to apply for one at a British embassy, high commission or consulate in the country where you legally reside if there is no Nigerian diplomatic post. For example, the British embassies in Pristina and Sofia accept Nigerian visa applications (this list is not exhaustive). British diplomatic posts charge UK£50 to process a Nigerian visa application and an extra £70 if the authorities in Nigeria require the visa application to be referred to them. The authorities in Nigeria can also decide to charge an additional fee if they correspond with you directly.

Travellers entering Nigeria overland can easily pick up a tourist visa at the Nigerian embassy in Niamey, Niger. Requirements are two passport photos and a reference in Nigeria, no letter of invitation needed. The price is 75,000/140,000 CFA francs (€115/213) for a 3 month single-/multiple-entry visa for most EU-citizens and processing time is around one day (November 2016).

Money

See also Money Matters

Nigeria's currency is naira (symbol:₦, ISO 4217 code: NGN). Banknotes circulate in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 naira and inflation typically runs in double figures.

Work

Working in Nigeria can be a very positive experience. Nigerian organizations tend to operate like small families, taking in newcomers with open arms and avoiding the coolness and sterility that often characterize the Western professional work environment. For instance, don't even think about coming into the office in the morning without greeting each of your colleagues. Even if you don't, be sure that they will go out of their way to greet you and inquire about your well-being.

Language

The official language in Nigeria is English. That sounds reassuring, but Nigerian English can be surprisingly different. Most Nigerians speak pidgin English which sometimes, due to the addition of local slang and varying dialect, greatly differs from standard English.

Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Fulani, Efik, Ejagham, Urhobo Edo, Tiv and Idoma are other languages spoken.

Eat

There are many types of traditional cuisine to enjoy. For example: afang soup, okra soup, owo soup and starch in the Niger Delta, plantain (fried, boiled, roasted), pepper soup, amala, eba, efo, pounded yam (iyan - Yoruba for "pounded yam" pronounce " ee-yarn" ), jollof rice, ground nut soup, ogbono soup, isi ewu (goat's head stew), egusi soup, suya (kebab), moin moin, ewedu, gbegiri soup (beans soup), edikangikong, ground-rice, puff-puff, chin chin, ikokore, owerri soup (ofe owerri), which is the most expensive African soup in Nigeria. Not to forget 404 pepper soup - it will make you act like "Oliver Twist." You must realise that 404 means "dog meat." and yes, it can only be found in certain parts of the country because in the west it is seen as barbaric.

For the less adventurous traveller, there are loads of "foreign" restaurants. Outside Lagos and to a lesser extent Abuja, Western food will tend to disappear.

Sleep

The main cities all have a range of luxurious hotels.

Almost all hotels in Nigeria require you to pay before you get your key. This applies even to the Sheraton and the Hilton. Typically you are requested to pay 125% of the room rate and you will be refunded when settling the bill at your departure. If you stay more than one night you need to keep the credit up. However, paying this deposit by credit card can leave you open to subsequent fraudulent use of your details.

Drink

Beer is actually big business in Nigeria, although the move toward evangelism and Islamic law is making its mark. Lagos is relatively unaffected due to its cosmopolitan nature. Heineken, Star, Harp, Gulder and other international beers are available.

The other cheap drink of choice is gin, which is locally made. Some locals will swear to it making their step uncle's dog blind, though, so be careful.

Never drink the water sold in plastic bags. It probably hasn't been boiled, and may carry some nasty diseases. The bottled water and other soft drinks are safe.

Other drinks to consider include: palm wine, wine, zobo (red soft drink, is a tea of dried roselle flowers), kunun, kai kai (also called ogogoro).

Health

See also Travel Health

Proof that you had a yellow fever vaccination is required upon entering Nigeria.

It's a good thing to get your vaccinations in order before travelling to Nigeria. The general vaccination against Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio (DTP) is recommended. Also both hepatitis A as well as typhoid would be recommended.

If you are staying longer than 3 months or have a particular risk (travelling by bike, handling of animals, visits to caves) you might consider a rabies vaccination. Vaccination against Tuberculosis as well as hepatitis B are also sometimes recommended for stays longer than 3 months. When staying longer than 6 months, vaccination against meningitis might be recommended, depending on your contact with other people.

Like most African countries south of the Sahara, Malaria is prevalent in the country. Don't underestimate this tropical disease and take precautions. Buy repellent (preferably with 50% DEET), and sleep under a net. Dengue is present as well, especially in urban areas, but there is no vaccination.

Finally, other possible health issues include diarrhea and other general travellers' diseases like motion sickness. Watch what you eat and drink and in case you get it, drink plenty of fluids (to prevent dehydration) and bring ORS.

Safety

See also Travel Safety

Warning: There have been several kidnappings of foreign oil workers. Many foreign governments advise against travel to much of Northern and Central Nigeria due to ethnic tension, lawlessness and the current activities of Islamist groups such as Boko Haram. Boko Haram is a jihadist group and may implement very harsh forms of sharia law including amputation for theft. Church-goers should not form in groups which are too large, for fear of suicide bombings, and alcohol should not be consumed in public. The terrorists usually travel on motorbikes and pick-up trucks. An offshoot, the Ansar Muslimeen fi Biladi Sudan which translates as "Protection of Muslims in Black Lands", also carries out attacks and harsh punishments. You may encounter Boko Haram in the regions of Borno, Kaduna, Bauchi, Yobe and Kano. Nonetheless, cities such as Lagos have been relatively unaffected by the turmoil in the north of the country and are still relatively safe to visit, and the chances of being caught up in such trouble there are remote.

Nigerian crime levels are fairly high, particularly in Lagos. The far north eastern regions of Nigeria is troubled by the Boko Haram jihadist group which is known for its attacks on non-Muslims and taking the law into their own hands. This Islamist group is also known for its harsh interpretation of sharia law which includes flogging. Boko Haram attacks Christians and proselytizers so avoid traveling to the north east in large groups. The US State Department and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against travel to this area, while Global Affairs Canada recommends against non-essential travel to Nigeria (other than Abuja, Calabar and Lagos) because of the risks of terrorism, and recommends practising special health precautions because of the risk of contracting malaria.

The Niger Delta area is unsafe for tourists. There is continual low-level violence between government and militant groups, and there have been several kidnappings of foreign oil workers.

Corruption in general is systemic and endemic in Nigeria. Transparency International ranks Nigeria as one of the most corrupt nations on the planet. In 2012, it was believed that Nigeria has lost a total of $400 billion to corruption since independence. The police are notorious for being highly corrupt and woefully ineffective, and the locals do not trust them at all. Nigerians have to pay the police to get reliable assistance for anything. Cronyism and nepotism are common in the police force, and police officers routinely target, harass, extort, and intimidate people, including locals, for bribes. As a foreigner, you may be seen as a "walking wallet" to corrupt officials.

Police corruption and misconduct is endemic in Nigeria. The Special Anti-Robbery Squad, tasked to combat violent property crimes, is notorious for abusing their power. If you are stopped by the police for anything, always remain respectful, but be firm. Do not be tempted to argue or fight back with a police officer, even if you haven't done anything wrong.

Homosexual sex acts are illegal. LGBT travellers should take extra caution when travelling to Nigeria, especially in the North, where sharia law implementation can be strict. Both gays and lesbians can be executed, but are more likely to be imprisoned. In fact, a law that has been wildly popular among Muslim and Christian Nigerians alike has made it a crime to know that someone is homosexual and not report it to the authorities.

Keep Connected

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Nigeria's international telephone code is 234.

All the mobile operators have a roaming agreement with other mobile operators around the world.

External Links

• Official Governmental Website