Nigeria

Electricity

Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round and square three-pin plugs are used.

Language

English is the official language in Nigeria and is widely used, though many other languages are also spoken.

Money

Nigerian currency is the naira (NGN), which is divided into 100 kobo. Approved exchange facilities include major hotels and the airport, but official rates are very high. It is illegal to change money on the street. Credit card fraud is a problem, and visitors are advised to exercise caution when using credit cards. Credit card facilities are also limited outside of the major cities. Prior to travel, visitors should ensure they have a variety of currency options available to them (pounds, US dollars, or euro) in cash. Travellers should be aware of the prevalence of commercial fraud in Nigeria.

Tipping

In restaurants, a 10 percent tip is adequate if a service charge hasn't already been added. Travellers should negotiate taxi fares before embarking on a journey, and remember that fares are usually increased for tourists, so tipping isn't necessary. Porters should be tipped accordingly.

Health

Nigeria still struggles with diseases such as cholera, yellow fever and polio, so vaccinations are recommended. All eligible travellers should also be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Visitors should drink only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Repellent, antimalarial meds, and netting will come in handy too because of malaria, dengue, and chikungunya. TB inoculations are also recommended. Visitors should seek the latest medical advice on vaccinations at least three weeks prior to departure.

Private hospitals offer good facilities in major cities, although travellers requiring specialised treatment will likely be evacuated to Europe or South Africa. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly advised and should include evacuation. Pharmacies are widespread but might not always have reliable drug supplies. Travellers should bring special or prescription medication with them, along with a signed and dated letter from their doctor detailing what the medication is and why it is necessary.

Safety

While most visits to Nigeria are trouble free, travellers should watch out for false greetings at the airport and avoid freely giving out their details, as money scammers operate in the country. Muggings and carjackings also occur, so visitors should stay vigilant and let their host, family, and friends know their travel arrangements.

Visiting northern Nigeria is quite risky due to the presence of ethnic clashes and threats of terrorism. Travellers should also be wary of the southern and eastern parts of the country, as there have been a number of attacks and kidnappings. It's wise to research the latest government advice if travelling through these regions. However, big cities such as Lagos and Abuja are generally fine, though visitors should be aware of the potential for petty and violent crime.

Public transport is also dangerous, as buses and taxis are poorly maintained, and fraud and criminal activity are rife among drivers. The reliability of domestic airlines has also been questioned after numerous accidents. Fuel shortages often occur and road travel can be dangerous, particularly in traffic jams and rural areas. Visitors should avoid travelling at night, and should consider driving in a convoy through rural areas.

Local customs

Nigeria has a relatively formal society and it is appropriate to address Nigerians by their surnames until a warmer relationship has formed. Beachwear is only appropriate for the beach. Nigeria has the largest Muslim population in Africa, concentrated mainly in the north, so women should dress modestly and avoid wearing trousers, and all visitors should exercise discretion in behaviour and dress, especially when visiting religious sites and during the holy month of Ramadan.

Time is a different concept in West Africa than in Europe or North America. Being 'on time' to a Nigerian could easily be a couple of hours after an agreed start-time. Evening social events tend to start late and often continue into the small hours. Photography in airports may lead to arrest. Homosexuality is illegal in Nigeria.

Doing business

Those looking to do business in Nigeria, and especially those who've never done business on the African continent before, will certainly have to prepare themselves to face unique challenges. Although great strides have been made within Nigeria's corporate landscape, the country still suffers from massive corruption and a debilitating lack of infrastructure, which can make doing business there difficult. The management style typically found in Nigeria is extremely hierarchical. The boss (invariably male, and always of an older generation) will expect and will receive respect from all those working beneath him, and will never be publicly criticised. However, this does not necessarily mean that all decisions are made on this authority-figure's whim; business relationships are extremely important in Nigeria, and often, compromises can be reached.

In general, Nigerian business leaders will lead firmly, giving their employees instructions that are expected to be followed closely. Teamwork, and the ability to work together toward clearly defined goals, is considered a more valuable asset than independent thinking or individualistic efforts. Business meetings in Nigeria are very social occasions, providing the framework within which solid interpersonal connections are to be made. Foreigners should bear in mind that respect for elders is huge in Nigeria; even if one is more qualified than older colleagues, there is no surer way to cause offence in Nigeria than by disrespecting members of the older generation.

In Nigeria, especially for men, it is important that business dress reflects status; men tend to wear dark, stylish suits and a tie, and don't hold back on the accessories. Dressing for work in Nigeria can be trickier for female expats, especially those used to the more relaxed dress codes of the UK or America. Nigeria is a very traditional country, and therefore, skirts above the knee and cleavage-revealing tops are unacceptable in the office environment, as is the exposure of too much skin around the collarbone and shoulder area.

There is no specific protocol for the exchanging of business cards in Nigeria, although it is considered rude not to study the card in the presence of the person who offered it. Foreigners should make sure any tertiary education or qualifications they have received are printed on their card, and that their title is prominently displayed. In a country of so many different ethnic groups and dialects, English has emerged as the de facto language of business. Office hours are generally from 8am (or 8.30am) to 5pm, from Monday to Friday. In the northern (predominately Muslim) part of Nigeria, Friday is a day of rest.

Duty free

Travellers to Nigeria over 18 years old do not have to pay duty on 200g of tobacco products, 1 litre of spirits and 1 litre wine, perfume or eau de Cologne for personal use and gifts to the value of NGN 50,000 (excluding jewellery, photographic equipment, electronics and luxury goods). Prescription medication and pharmaceutical products should be accompanied by a letter from your GP as well as the original prescription, and should not be carried in your checked luggage.

The following items carry substantial duty levies: cameras, projectors and other electronic goods, unless visitors can provide proof of possession for at least three years or can submit a certificate of re-importation. Prohibited items include beer, mineral water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, fresh fruit and vegetables, textiles, mosquito netting, jewellery and precious metals, cereals, and eggs. Flowers, plants and seeds often need permits and the rules regarding specific species often change, so it is best to check the situation as close to the time of travel as possible.

Communications

The country code for Nigeria is +234. Full international direct dialling is available. Free WiFi is available in many cafes, restaurants, and hotels in tourist areas. A local prepaid SIM card can be purchased to avoid paying high international roaming charges.

Passport & Visa

Nationals of virtually all countries require a visa to enter Nigeria, the few exceptions are mainly neighbouring African states. Visas must be obtained in advance and all visitors require a return ticket, documents for onward travel and sufficient funds. Those entering for business reasons must also have a letter of invitation and verification from Nigerian representatives abroad stating purpose of entry. Passports must be valid for at least six months after arrival.

Visas can be obtained on arrival. E-visas can be obtained before departure at www.portal.immigration.gov.ng/visa/freshVisa. Passengers must have a printed e-visa confirmation.

Entry requirements

United States citizens must have a passport valid for six months after date of arrival. A visa is required. Regarding Covid-19, on arrival in Nigeria, where applicable visitors must present proof that they have been fully vaccinated.

British citizens must have a passport valid for six months after date of arrival. A visa is required. Regarding Covid-19, on arrival in Nigeria, where applicable visitors must present proof that they have been fully vaccinated.

Canadian citizens must have a passport valid for six months after date of arrival. A visa is required. Regarding Covid-19, on arrival in Nigeria, where applicable visitors must present proof that they have been fully vaccinated.

Australians citizens must have a passport valid for six months after date of arrival. A visa is required. Regarding Covid-19, on arrival in Nigeria, where applicable visitors must present proof that they have been fully vaccinated.

South Africans citizens must have a passport valid for six months after date of arrival. A visa is required. Regarding Covid-19, on arrival in Nigeria, where applicable visitors must present proof that they have been fully vaccinated.

Irish citizens must have a passport valid for six months after date of arrival. A visa is required. Regarding Covid-19, on arrival in Nigeria, where applicable visitors must present proof that they have been fully vaccinated.

New Zealand citizens must have a passport valid for six months after date of arrival. A visa is required. Regarding Covid-19, on arrival in Nigeria, where applicable visitors must present proof that they have been fully vaccinated.

Useful contacts

Nigerian Tourist Office, Abuja: +234 (0)9 234 2764.

112 (General Emergency, Lagos only)

Embassies / consulates in other countries

Nigerian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 986 8400.

Nigeria High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7839 1244.

Nigeria High Commission, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 236 0521.

Nigeria High Commission, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6215 8500.

Nigeria High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 0808.

Embassy of Nigeria, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 660 4366.

Embassies / consulates in Nigeria

United States Embassy, Abuja: +234 (0)9 461 4000.

British High Commission, Abuja: + 234 (1) 277 0780.

Canadian High Commission, Abuja: +234 (0)9 461 2900.

Australian High Commission, Abuja: +234 (0)9 461 2780.

South African High Commission, Abuja: +234 (0)9 462 4200.

Irish Embassy, Abuja: +234 (0)9 462 0611.

New Zealand High Commission, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Nigeria): +44 20 7930 8422 .