Travel Suggestions- Nigeria

Imigrations

  • A passport and visa, which must be obtained in advance, are required for entry into Nigeria. Foreign nationals cannot legally depart Nigeria unless they can prove, by presenting their entry visas, that they entered Nigeria legally.
  • To obtain a visa, an applicant is expected to show proof of ability to sustain oneself for as long as he/she is in the country. The visitor may also need to present an airline ticket.
  • Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) nationals whose stay will not exceed three months are exempted from obtaining a visa for entry into Nigeria.
  • Entry information can be obtained from the nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate in your country.
  • Ensure that you submit a visa application to the nearest Nigerian Consular Office, Embassy or High Commission early enough. A period of between 15 and 20 working days prior to travel may be required.
  • Check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation. Ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur.
  • Take some extra passport size photos away with you. They are useful for documents and reports.

    • Law and Order

  • Penalties for breaking the law can be severe. Persons violating Nigerian law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Nigeria are strictly enforced. Those arrested routinely face trial, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.
  • Permission is required to take photographs of government buildings, airports, bridges or official-looking buildings. Permission may be obtained from Nigerian security personnel.

    • Language

  • English is Nigeria’s official language. Pigeon English is spoken by the vast majority of traders and illiterate population across the country. Most big hotels, however, have reception staff that are multilingual especially in French.

    • Air Link

  • Several international airlines fly to Nigeria, and there are some direct flights to and from Nigeria from the Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Doula, and most West African Capital cities.
  • There are regular domestic flights by more than half a dozen airlines between Abuja and Lagos almost every hour between 7:00 am and 9:00 pm on week days and at intervals of every two hours on weekend.
  • There are easily identifiable registered airport limousine and taxi services at all airports in Nigeria. In Abuja and Lagos there are also air-conditioned airport bus shuttle services that are quite cost effective.
  • City traffic can pose a challenge especially in Lagos. Visitors are advised to make provision for traffic time in their schedules.

    • Money

  • The medium of exchange is the Nigerian Naira, with current exchange rate at between N148 and N152 to the US dollar across the sectors of the market.
  • Credit Card- most big hotels and airlines in Lagos and Abuja accept credit and debit cards, especially Master and Visa cards.
  • Foreign Exchange- Convertible currencies can be bought and sold freely in Nigeria. One should be able to bargain when dealing with Bureau de change or street traders. Exchange rates vary according to the sector of the market, although the spread in rates between the markets has narrowed significantly in recent times. For instance, the difference between the official and parallel market rates has not been above 2% recently. Care must be taken, however, when buying currency from roadside hawkers to avoid buying counterfeited currency, the possession of which attracts a jail term on conviction. Visitors should take time to learn the monetary values and exchange rates to avoid costly mistakes.

    • Hotels

  • There are decent Five-, Four- and Three-Star hotels in Lagos and Abuja with rates comparable to what obtains in most developing countries cities around the world.
  • There are a number of international hotel groups such as Hilton, Sheraton, Le Meridien, Protea, in Abuja and Lagos.
  • It is important that reservation and booking be made well ahead of time as the hotels are often in full occupation.

    • Electrical Plug Adaptors

  • The dominant adaptors in Nigeria are the UK standard three and two pin adaptors.

    • Weather

  • The current weather in Nigeria is quite warm. Daytime temperatures range from 28-32 in Lagos (with high humidity) to 32- 38 degrees Celsius in Abuja. Night time temperatures are slightly lower.