Nigeria: A Journey Through Africa's Largest Economy and Culture
Situated in tropical West Africa, the oil-rich state of Nigeria is the most populous country on the continent. It is listed as one of the ‘Next Eleven’ major economies of the world yet, despite its abundant natural resources and its position as Africa’s largest economy, poverty remains pervasive.
Decades of civil war, famine, military dictatorships, and rampant corruption have left the country with deep divisions that will take many years to heal completely, though Nigeria shows stirring signs of recovery. The country is made up of over 500 ethnic groups and several religions, with a wide variety of languages, customs, and cultures shaping a diverse nation.
Abuja is the capital city, but the largest economic centre and chief port is the former colonial capital of Lagos, located on the Bight of Benin in southwestern Nigeria. The capital was moved to Abuja, located 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 from neighbouring countries too. Despite this measure, Lagos remains a sprawling, industrial metropolis, home to over 15 million people.
Although the vast majority of visitors arrive on business, the country is emerging as a prominent tourist destination in Africa, welcoming nearly two million travellers a year. With 500 miles (805km) of coastline, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and abundant natural beauty, Nigeria has all the raw ingredients to make for a top tourist destination.
In an effort to unlock the country’s tourism potential, the government has pledged to increase investment and improve infrastructure. Meanwhile, only the most adventurous travellers are enjoying this diverse land of sandy beaches, tropical forest, magnificent waterfalls, and fascinating historic and cultural sites.
Key Facts
- Language:
- English is the official language in Nigeria and is widely used, though many other languages are also spoken.
- Passport/Visa:
Nationals of virtually all countries require a visa to enter Nigeria, the few exceptions are mainly neighbouring African states. Visas must be obtained in advance and all visitors require a return ticket, documents for onward travel and sufficient funds. Those entering for business reasons must also have a letter of invitation and verification from Nigerian representatives abroad stating purpose of entry. Passports must be valid for at least six months after arrival.
Visas can be obtained on arrival. E-visas can be obtained before departure at www.portal.immigration.gov.ng/visa/freshVisa. Passengers must have a printed e-visa confirmation.
- Currency:
Nigerian currency is the naira (NGN), which is divided into 100 kobo. Approved exchange facilities include major hotels and the airport, but official rates are very high. It is illegal to change money on the street. Credit card fraud is a problem, and visitors are advised to exercise caution when using credit cards. Credit card facilities are also limited outside of the major cities. Prior to travel, visitors should ensure they have a variety of currency options available to them (pounds, US dollars, or euro) in cash. Travellers should be aware of the prevalence of commercial fraud in Nigeria.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round and square three-pin plugs are used.
Overview
The majority of visitors travel to Nigeria for business purposes and don’t do much sightseeing, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some fascinating attractions in Nigeria that are worth a visit for anyone willing to stray off the beaten path.
Most travel centres on the major cities of Lagos and Abuja, which offer plenty of attractions in the form of national museums, bustling markets, and pretty parks. Those who venture further afield, however, will discover the beautiful beaches on the coast, the sacred forest groves of Osogbo, the pre-colonial settlements at Sungbo’s Eredo, and picturesque scenery in Nigeria’s national parks.
A holiday in Nigeria is definitely for the adventurous, and is guaranteed to be unforgettable!
Climate in Nigeria
Nigeria is generally hot all year round, lying within the tropical zone with little variation between winter and summer. Seasons are defined as the wet season, from April to October, and the dry season, from November until March. The dry season is accompanied by the dusty northeast winds where midday temperatures that can sometimes reach 100F (38C). The wet season is particularly noticeable on the south-eastern coast, where annual rainfall reaches about 130 inches (330cm), where temperatures rarely exceed 90F (32C).
Health Notes when travelling to Nigeria
Nigeria still struggles with diseases such as cholera, yellow fever and polio, so vaccinations are recommended. All eligible travellers should also be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Visitors should drink only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Repellent, antimalarial meds, and netting will come in handy too because of malaria, dengue, and chikungunya. TB inoculations are also recommended. Visitors should seek the latest medical advice on vaccinations at least three weeks prior to departure.
Private hospitals offer good facilities in major cities, although travellers requiring specialised treatment will likely be evacuated to Europe or South Africa. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly advised and should include evacuation. Pharmacies are widespread but might not always have reliable drug supplies. Travellers should bring special or prescription medication with them, along with a signed and dated letter from their doctor detailing what the medication is and why it is necessary.
Safety Notes when travelling to Nigeria
While most visits to Nigeria are trouble free, travellers should watch out for false greetings at the airport and avoid freely giving out their details, as money scammers operate in the country. Muggings and carjackings also occur, so visitors should stay vigilant and let their host, family, and friends know their travel arrangements.
Visiting northern Nigeria is quite risky due to the presence of ethnic clashes and threats of terrorism. Travellers should also be wary of the southern and eastern parts of the country, as there have been a number of attacks and kidnappings. It’s wise to research the latest government advice if travelling through these regions. However, big cities such as Lagos and Abuja are generally fine, though visitors should be aware of the potential for petty and violent crime.
Public transport is also dangerous, as buses and taxis are poorly maintained, and fraud and criminal activity are rife among drivers. The reliability of domestic airlines has also been questioned after numerous accidents. Fuel shortages often occur and road travel can be dangerous, particularly in traffic jams and rural areas. Visitors should avoid travelling at night, and should consider driving in a convoy through rural areas.
Customs in Nigeria
Nigeria has a relatively formal society and it is appropriate to address Nigerians by their surnames until a warmer relationship has formed. Beachwear is only appropriate for the beach. Nigeria has the largest Muslim population in Africa, concentrated mainly in the north, so women should dress modestly and avoid wearing trousers, and all visitors should exercise discretion in behaviour and dress, especially when visiting religious sites and during the holy month of Ramadan.
Time is 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. Homosexuality is illegal in Nigeria.
Duty Free in Nigeria
Travellers to Nigeria over 18 years old do not have to pay duty on 200g of tobacco products, 1 litre of spirits and 1 litre wine, perfume or eau de Cologne for personal use and gifts to the value of NGN 50,000 (excluding jewellery, photographic equipment, electronics and luxury goods). Prescription medication and pharmaceutical products should be accompanied by a letter from your GP as well as the original prescription, and should not be carried in your checked luggage.
The following items carry substantial duty levies: cameras, projectors and other electronic goods, 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. Flowers, plants and seeds often need permits and the rules regarding specific species often change, so it is best to check the situation as close to the time of travel as possible.
Doing Business in Nigeria
Those looking to do business in Nigeria, and especially those who’ve never done business on the African continent before, will certainly have to prepare themselves to face unique challenges. Although great strides have been made within Nigeria’s corporate landscape, the country still suffers from massive corruption and a debilitating lack of infrastructure, which can make doing business there difficult. The management style typically found in Nigeria is extremely hierarchical. The boss (invariably male, and always of an older generation) will expect and will receive respect from all those working beneath him, and will never be publicly criticised. However, this does not necessarily mean that all decisions are made on this authority-figure’s whim; business relationships are extremely important in Nigeria, and often, compromises can be reached.
In general, Nigerian business leaders will lead firmly, giving their employees instructions that are expected to be followed closely. Teamwork, and the ability to work together toward clearly defined goals, is considered a more valuable asset than independent thinking or individualistic efforts. Business meetings in Nigeria are very social occasions, providing the framework within which solid interpersonal connections are to be made. Foreigners should bear in mind that respect for elders is huge in Nigeria; even if one is more qualified than older colleagues, there is no surer way to cause offence in Nigeria than by disrespecting members of the older generation.
In Nigeria, especially for men, it is important that business dress reflects status; men tend to wear dark, stylish suits and a tie, and don’t hold back on the accessories. Dressing for work in Nigeria can be trickier for female expats, especially those used to the more relaxed dress codes of the UK or America. Nigeria is a very traditional country, and therefore, skirts above the knee and cleavage-revealing tops are unacceptable in the office environment, as is the exposure of too much skin around the collarbone and shoulder area.
There is no specific protocol for the exchanging of business cards in Nigeria, although it is considered rude not to study the card in the presence of the person who offered it. Foreigners should make sure any tertiary education or qualifications they have received are printed on their card, and that their title is prominently displayed. In a country of so many different ethnic groups and dialects, English has emerged as the de facto language of business. Office hours are generally from 8am (or 8.30am) to 5pm, from Monday to Friday. In the northern (predominately Muslim) part of Nigeria, Friday is a day of rest.
Communication in Nigeria
The country code for Nigeria is +234. Full international direct dialling is available. Free WiFi is available in many cafes, restaurants, and hotels in tourist areas. A local prepaid SIM card can be purchased to avoid paying high international roaming charges.
Tipping in Nigeria
In restaurants, a 10 percent tip is adequate if a service charge hasn’t already been added. Travellers should negotiate taxi fares before embarking on a journey, and remember that fares are usually increased for tourists, so tipping isn’t necessary. Porters should be tipped accordingly.
Passport/Visa Note
Nationals of virtually all countries require a visa to enter Nigeria, the few exceptions are mainly neighbouring African states. Visas must be obtained in advance and all visitors require a return ticket, documents for onward travel and sufficient funds. Those entering for business reasons must also have a letter of invitation and verification from Nigerian representatives abroad stating purpose of entry. Passports must be valid for at least six months after arrival.
Visas can be obtained on arrival. E-visas can be obtained before departure at www.portal.immigration.gov.ng/visa/freshVisa. Passengers must have a printed e-visa confirmation.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
United States citizens must have a passport valid for six months after date of arrival. A visa is required. Regarding Covid-19, on arrival in Nigeria, where applicable visitors must present proof that they have been fully vaccinated.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport valid for six months after date of arrival. A visa is required. Regarding Covid-19, on arrival in Nigeria, where applicable visitors must present proof that they have been fully vaccinated.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens must have a passport valid for six months after date of arrival. A visa is required. Regarding Covid-19, on arrival in Nigeria, where applicable visitors must present proof that they have been fully vaccinated.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australians citizens must have a passport valid for six months after date of arrival. A visa is required. Regarding Covid-19, on arrival in Nigeria, where applicable visitors must present proof that they have been fully vaccinated.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport valid for six months after date of arrival. A visa is required. Regarding Covid-19, on arrival in Nigeria, where applicable visitors must present proof that they have been fully vaccinated.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport valid for six months after date of arrival. A visa is required. Regarding Covid-19, on arrival in Nigeria, where applicable visitors must present proof that they have been fully vaccinated.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South Africans citizens must have a passport valid for six months after date of arrival. A visa is required. Regarding Covid-19, on arrival in Nigeria, where applicable visitors must present proof that they have been fully vaccinated.
Tourist Offices
Nigerian Tourist Office, Abuja: +234 (0)9 234 2764.
Nigeria Embassies
- In the United States:
Nigerian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 986 8400.
- In Canada:
Nigeria High Commission, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 236 0521.
- In the United Kingdom:
Nigeria High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7839 1244.
- In Australia:
Nigeria High Commission, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6215 8500.
- In Ireland:
Embassy of Nigeria, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 660 4366.
- In South Africa:
Nigeria High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 0808.
Foreign Embassies in Nigeria
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Abuja: +234 (0)9 461 4000.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian High Commission, Abuja: +234 (0)9 461 2900.
- British Embassy
British High Commission, Abuja: + 234 (1) 277 0780.
- Australian Embassy
Australian High Commission, Abuja: +234 (0)9 461 2780.
- Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Abuja: +234 (0)9 462 0611.
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand High Commission, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Nigeria): +44 20 7930 8422 .
- South African Embassy
South African High Commission, Abuja: +234 (0)9 462 4200.
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