GENERAL INFORMATION
| MAP
| CLIMATE
| GEOGRAPHY
| LANGUAGE
| CULTURE
| CURRENCY
| BANKING
| HEALTH
| CRIME
| TRANSPORTATION
| TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
| LINKS
GENERAL INFORMATION
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Nigeria is the most populous nation in Africa comprising half of the population of West Africa.
It is the eighth largest oil exporter in the world and is the third biggest economy on the African continent. Nigeria is an extremely
diverse country home to over 250 ethnic groups with an almost equal composition of christians and muslims. The capital city of Nigeria
is Abuja intentionally located in the epicentre of the country to emphasize national unity. However the previous capital Lagos, located
on the tropical south-western coast remains the economic nerve centre of the country.
MAP
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• TIME ZONE
Local time is GMT +1.
• TELEPHONE
Country Code: 234
CLIMATE
Abuja is generally hot and dry for most of the year. However, it lies in the savannah belt
of Nigeria and experiences less heat and humidity than the coastal region of Nigeria. The main seasons are defined
as the wet season, from April to October, and the dry season, from November till March. The dry season witnesses a cooling
off in temperature due to the dry and dusty harmattan north-east winds. Weather ranges from an average of 24
Celsius to 34 celsius.
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GEOGRAPHY
Nigeria's geography consists of the tropical southern coast, semi-tropical savannah
in its middle-belt and the semi-arid vegetation in its far northern region. The Niger River, Africa's third
largest river traverses through half of Nigeria emptying out into the Atlantic and creating the Niger Delta
the third largest wetland in the world composed of dense mangrove swamps and waterways. Nigeria also consists
of several wide-ranging plateaus most notable being the Jos plateau near the centre of the country spanning
3000 square miles with an altitude of 4250 feet as well as the Mambilla plateau in its south-eastern corner
of Taraba State containing its highest point at 5200 feet above sea level. These make Nigeria a place of wide
contrasts.
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LANGUAGE
Nigeria is a diverse and eclectic country home to over 250 distinct ethnic groups with
separate languages and cultures. English is the official language and is widely used in Nigeria often in broken form (pidgin)
however other major languages include Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. Abuja is home to the Gwari ethnic group but today most of
Nigeria's ethic groups can be found living and working in the cosmopolitan setting of the Federal Capital Territory.
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CULTURE
Nigeria has been inhabited for thousands of years with the Nok people of central and
southern Nigeria producing Africa's earliest terracota sculptures 3000 years ago. By the 9th century people of Igbo-Ukwu, ancestors of present-day Igbo, were the earliest smithers of copper and its alloys in West Africa.
In the 12th century the Hausa had established several city-states in Borno, Kano, Sokoto and
Katsina that linked Northern Nigeria with medieval Arabia and were built on the trans-Sahara trade. In the 14th century the Bini empire
reached its heights producing astounding works of art. From the 15th century to the dawn of British colonization witnessed the rise of
important Yoruba city-states such as Ife and Oyo with remnants of its powerful religion today found in neighbouring Benin, Cuba
and Brazil.
Nigerians in general are very warm and friendly and are extremely hospitable towards visitors.
Despite the travails of many decades of political turmoil Nigerians take pride in their culture and expect the same from visitors.
Social life is important to Nigerians and often forms the basis of interpersonal relationships. Time takes on a different concept in
Nigeria being less important than the social event itself such that being 'on time' to a Nigerian could easily be a couple of hours
after an agreed start-time. Nigeria's ethnic diversity means that visitors should carefully observe their setting for cues on how
to behave, interact and dress. Some cultures in Nigeria are liberal while others are extremely conservative.
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CURRENCY
Nigerian currency is the Naira (NGN), which is divided into 100 kobo. There are a variety
of outlets providing money transfer and currency exchange services in the airport as well as around the capital. Most international
currencies can be bought and sold and travellers’ cheques can easily be cashed. ATMs and other financial services are available for
use at a wide variety of banks (See banks). Credit card facilities are limited but available in hotels and banks and normal
precautions should be used to prevent fraudulent use of your credit card (Visa Card Safety, Mastercard Safety Tips).
1 Nigerian Naira = 0.0079 US Dollar
1 US Dollar (USD) = 127 Nigerian Naira (NGN)
Current Exchange Rate: www.oanda.com
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BANKING
Nigerian banks:
Foreign banks:
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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 although visitors should seek the latest medical advice on inoculations for Malaria,
Typhoid, Hepatitis (A & B) and Meningitis at least three weeks prior to departure.
Visitors should take standard precautions when visiting a developing
country including drinking bottled water, ensuring that meat and vegetables are well cooked and eaten hot,
and fruit is washed and peeled.
Private health services in the major cities are generally well-staffed
and of decent quality however for more acute illnesses visitors should seek specialized facilities.
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CRIME
Crime in Nigeria while sensationalized in the media abroad is not much
different than it is in many parts of the developing world. Visitors to the country should be vigilant and take
adequate precautions.
Some basic pieces of advice
- Keep an eye on all personal belongings at all times.
- Be careful when withdrawing money from a cash point.
- Avoid wearing expensive jewellery.
- Do not leave anything valuable inside your car.
- For trips or purchases use only recognised operators or suppliers.
- Travel in groups or with a trusted local
- Keep your passports, tickets, jewellery and large sums of money in safe custody. (Many hotels provide a safe)
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TRANSPORTATION
Airports
Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport is located
in Abuja, FCT, Nigeria, and is the main airport serving the Nigerian
capital city. Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport consists of an international
and a domestic terminal. Both terminals share the same runway.
Murtal Muhammed International Airport
is located 13 miles (22 miles) northwest of Lagos and is the main point of arrival for international flights into Nigeria.
Domestic transfer terminals are within easy walking distance of each other for
connections to other Nigerian cities. Virgin Nigeria provides direct flights
from Murtala Muhammed International Airport to Abuja's Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Car Rentals
Public Transportation
Public Transport within Abuja in general is of poor quality. For visitors taxis
provide the best way to get around and it is best to have hotel staff or locals arrange
or negotiate prices on your behalf. Cars drive on the right in Nigeria.
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TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Abuja was purpose-built as a government city therefore many of the
tourist attractions revolve around the institutions of Nigerian governance.
- Abuja Gardens
- Central Bank Building
- National Assembly
- National Church
- National Mosque
- Parade Square
- Wuse Market
LINKS
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