Capital: Abuja
Time zone: GMT + 1
Telephone services: Country Code: 234
Outgoing Code: 009
Emergency telephone numbers: Not present.
Tourist information: Nigerian Tourist Board, PO Box 2944, Trade Fair Complex, Badagry Expressway, Lagos, Nigeria Tel: (1) 618 665
Passport information: Valid passport required by all. Return Ticket Required. Requirements may change at short notice. Contact the embassy before departure.
Visa information: Visa Required by all except nationals of ECOWAS countries for stays of up to 90 days, and nationals of Cameroon and Chad for up to 90 days.
Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended.
Malaria: Exists throughout the year mainly in the Falciparum variety. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported.
Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required from passengers over one year of age arriving form infected areas. Travellers arriving from non infected areas are advised to have the vaccination if travelling outside the urban areas.
Other Health Risks: Bilharzia, Cholera and Rabies. There is a very high prevalence of AIDS/HIV. Visitors should seek medical advice before travelling.
Food & drink: Water is untreated and not safe to drink. Avoid dairy products as they are not pasteurised. Fruit and vegetables should be peeled before consumption.
Currency: Naira (N) = 100 Kobo
NOTE: Import and export of local currency is limited to N50 in notes
Credit cards have a limited acceptance, and due to a prevalence of credit card fraud, their use is not advised. Travellers cheques are accepted but expect to pay a high commission. US dollars and pound sterling are the preferred currency.
ATM availability: Unavailable.
Cost of living: Local produce can be bought inexpensively, but accommodation and foreign imports such as spirits, are very expensive.
Languages: English. There are over 250 local languages
Weather: The Southern coast is hot and humid with rainy season Mar – Nov. The North’s rainy season Apr – Sept. Nights are cold between Dec and Jan.
Electricity: 210/250 Volts AC, 50Hz.
Post: Unreliable and takes about 3 weeks.
Transport: FLIGHTS: Operate between the main cities. It is advisable to book in advance and account for delays which frequently occur. ROADS: Secondary roads are often impassable during the rainy season. Caution is required when travelling in the South. DOCUMENTATION: IDP is required
Special information: EXTREME RISK: in Kaduna area. Violent street crimes and armed robberies are prevalent as is police and military harassment. Visitors should ensure they are met on arrival to ensure safe travel to their destinations. Armed robberies are prevalent in Lagos. Incidents of kidnap have been reported this year. So far they have been released without harm; take local advise on travel arrangements. Visitors are advised not to travel after dark outside the main tourist areas. Business ‘deal’ fraud is widespread. Casual wear is suitable. Smoking in public places is illegal.