Nigeria, although considered an oil-rich powerhouse in the region, is still a developing West African country that has experienced periods of political instability. This instability impacts an economy and infrastructure that are neither fully functional nor well maintained. But the very thing that has made Nigeria so difficult to unite into a single peaceful republic is also its attraction. There are more than 250 cultures, languages, histories and religions all rubbing shoulder to shoulder in this hectic, colorful country. The official spoken language is English.
Nigeria is in Western Africa, with the Gulf of Guinea to its south, Niger to its north and Cameroon and Benin on either side. The country's topography and accompanying vegetation vary considerably. The northern part of the country bordering on the Sahara Desert is semi-desert changing into rolling savannah grasslands and woodlands in the central regions dominated by the Jos Plateau. The southern coastal plains are dotted with lagoons, mangrove swamps and sandy beaches. The weather and climate also varies accordingly with the southern coast hot and humid with a rainy season from March to November. The northern region experiences an even hotter but dry weather and climate with strong winds blowing in from the desert during the dry season.
The government-provided health care facilities are of a poor standard and are often subject to shortages. However, there are some adequate private facilities, in both Lagos and Abuja, where the standards approach those of Europe. The communication infrastructure is not extensive and all services (local and international phone calls, Internet cafes, faxes, mobile phones) are provided for, especially in the urban areas. Unfortunately the service can be spotty and connections are frequently lost. The system can be expensive.
Public transportation in Nigeria, and especially in Lagos, operates under chaotic conditions with chronic traffic congestion especially during rush hours when the many private bus companies and several thousand private minibuses all try to negotiate the traffic. The road network both within the urban areas and outside are generally in poor shape and therefore contribute to hazardous traffic conditions. Lagos, a city of more than 10 million people, does not have a single operating traffic light. Just to make road travel somewhat more challenging, fuel shortages are common.
The international airport outside Lagos is serviced by various European and African airlines. The national airline, Nigeria Airlines also provides services to the new capital, Abuja and other cities in the country. The rail network connects the ports along the coast with most of the major cities and towns in the interior. Trains are generally slower than buses, but less expensive.
Nigeria is a cash society and U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are rarely accepted and with the prevalence of credit card fraud in Nigeria, the use of credit cards is strongly discouraged. Traveler's checks can be exchanged with some degree of difficulty. The general cost of living can be considered inexpensive compared to western standards but accommodations in Lagos itself can be very expensive.
Nigeria is a dangerous travel destination that regularly experiences frequent localized civil unrest and high rates of criminal violence. Violent crime (armed robberies, simple assaults, burglary, rapes, kidnappings and extortion) as well as petty theft (pickpocketing, purse snatching and theft of unattended belongings) affecting foreigners is a serious problem, especially in Lagos and the southern regions of the country. Targeting foreigners in commercial scams is a major problem.
For a free map of Nigeria and more detailed information, be sure to click on the Destination Brief above.
Please note: the situation in Nigeria can be volatile and dynamic. You are encouraged to purchase an Intelligence Brief ($7.50) or Destination Tracker ($25) for complete, up-to-the-minute information on the Country, Security and Health, Local Travel Alerts, Entry/exit requirements, Transportation, Communications/Technology, Legal and Financial situation, Environmental concerns and Language in Nigeria.