General Information
Nigeria is the world’s largest independent black nation with abundant human and mineral resources (visit www.nigeria.com). It lies on the Western coast of Africa by the Gulf of Guinea, between longitudes 3 degrees and 14 degrees and latitudes 4 degrees and 140 degrees North of the Equator. It has a land mass of 923,768 sq. km. It is bordered on the West by the Republic of Benin, on the North by the Republic of Niger and on the East by the Republic of Cameroon. To its South is the Atlantic Ocean. Nigeria is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)), 12 noon is 1.00pm in Nigeria.
It is a land of lush vegetation and rolling velds. Its climate varies from humid tropical at the coast to semi-arid further inland. Nigeria is within the Tropic of Cancer, so there are two well marked seasons – the dry season lasting from November to March and the rainy season from April to October. Temperatures at the coast seldom rise above 32 degrees celsius but humidity can be as high as 95 degrees celsius. Further North, the climate is drier with the temperature ranging from 12 to 35 degrees celsius. Nigeria is a democratic nation with the presidential style of government (visit www.nigeria.gov.ng)
Nigeria is endowed with a rich and diverse cultural heritage. Art forms such as the Nok terra cotta, the Ife and Benin bronze sculptures, the Ibo Ukwu and several other monoliths have existed for over 2,000 years. Various festivals and belief structures have been handed down through the generations and are still adhered to by a large section of the populace. While some of these have been jealously protected from outside influence, there are certain practices, which evidence a marked cross-fertilization of cultures among neighbouring and distant communities including Western cultures (For more information visit www.nigeriatourism.net).
Entry Information
Visas are required for all visitors to Nigeria, with the exception of Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS) nationals whose stay may not exceed three months. Visas are readily available from Nigerian diplomatic missions abroad. An applicant for a visa is likely to be asked to show proof of ability to maintain oneself whilst in Nigeria as well as an onward ticket.
Currency
The official currency is the Naira and kobo (N : k). One Naira is equivalent to 100 (one hundred) kobo. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is the sole authority for issuing notes and coins. Visitors can exchange their money for the Naira in accredited bureaux des changes and banks.
Transport
The most common means of transport is by road. There are good roads but great care is required when driving.
Taxis
There are also taxis that are quite comfortable and quick. You have a choice between a Peugeot car which is the most popular and other brands, especially Japanese cars. There are no fixed rates and fares depend on distance and one’s bargaining power.
Telephones
Public telephone booths are available in most major towns and are card-operated. The most common telephones available now are the GSM mobile phones. They can be found almost everywhere and with everybody. These phones are also used along with the Fixed wireless and CDMA technology in many business centres all over the nation for making public calls.
Health
Visitors to Nigeria are required to be vaccinated against yellow fever and cholera. Vaccination against yellow fever is also required for any person who has visited or transited and infected area. Travellers are advised to take out travel insurance which covers health.
