Nigeria is a country in equatorial West Africa. It is the continent's most populous nation. It has a southern coastline on the Gulf of Guinea, and has Benin to the west, Cameroon to the southeast, Chad to the northeast, and Niger to the north. It is the largest oil producer and second largest economy in Africa.
On 12 December 1991, the capital was officially transferred from Lagos to Abuja; most federal government offices have now made the move to Abuja.
Following nearly 16 years of military rule, a new constitution was adopted in May 1999, and a peaceful transition to civilian government was completed. The president faces the daunting task of rebuilding a petroleum-based economy, whose revenues have been squandered through corruption and mismanagement, and institutionalizing democracy. In addition, the Yar'adua administration must defuse longstanding ethnic and religious tensions, if it is to build a sound foundation for economic growth and political stability.
Southern lowlands merge into central hills and plateaus; mountains in the southeast, plains in the north. The Niger river enters the country in the northwest and flows southward through tropical rain forests and swamps to its delta in the Gulf of Guinea.
HOW TO REACH
By plane - International airports in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt.
Virgin Nigeria and Bellview Airlines make local and international flights (to other African countries and London), Arik and Aero to others African countries. There are African companies: South African Airlines from Johannesburg, Ethiopian Airlines from Addis Abbeba, Kenya Airways from Nairobi, Afriqya from Tripoli, Hewa Bora from Kinshasa.
Besides these, there are other airlines (in addition to VNA and Bellview) that operate domestic and regional flights to places like Abidjan, Accra, Banjul, Conakry, Dakar, Douala, Freetown, Johannesburg, Libreville, Monrovia. Currently Port Harcourt international is closed for rehabilitation works. There are also airports in most states of the federation and local air travel is widespread.
By train - Most of the trains in Nigeria are for transporting cargo.
The new president, Yar'adua, however, says that he plans to invest and aggressively pursue a nationwide train network which should be ready by 2011.
At the moment it is not advisable to travel on train especially if you are foreign national.
By bus - Getting around is relatively easy, except that there could be delays due to traffic jams within most major cities. There are multitudes of coaches and buses that will take you to any part of Nigeria you wish (ABC Transport Services is well known for its services among others). Lagos state government also operates a transit system (BRT buses) which serves the Lagos metropolis.
By boat - Transport by boat isn't widespread unless you venture into the riverine areas of Nigeria.
STAY SAFE
Nigeria is a fairly dangerous destination. Crime levels are high, particularly in Lagos.
The Niger delta area is unsafe for tourists. There is continual low-level violence between government and separatist groups, and there have been several kidnappings of foreign oil workers.
The waters outside Nigeria is one of the most likely places to be attacked by modern day pirates.
Be aware of street salesmen. Actually, you could buy a lot of stuff while you drive your car but it's not recommended. Most of the merchandise will be Chinese copies of known brands like "Duracell" batteries and such.
If you have family that live in Nigeria, we advise that you do not stay with them during the tenture. The reason is because once rebels find out that someone from Western countries (America, England, France) is arriving, they rampage the homes and possibly injure or kill the inhabitants of the home.
RESPECT
If you are speaking the language, some of the languages have different ways of addressing those older than you, from those younger than you. You do not hand things over to people, especially adults and elders older than you, with your left hand. It's considered an insult.
You don't cross or jump over someone's legs if they are sitting with the legs extended out. It's considered bad luck.
Avoid shaking hands with elders and older people in non Igbo villages. It's disrespectful to do that. Can you bow down a little? Kneeling for women or prostrating by men is the normal thing to do. You may not need to do it either, but just show some form of respect when greeting older people. You can get away with not doing that in big cities or urban areas, they are less traditional there.
When entering a house in the predominantly Muslim North, you have to let them know in advance that you are visiting so that the women can prepare (cover themselves up). Islam requires women to cover their hair & bodies to other men and this is practiced in the North. Knock the door and wait to be answered before going in. They will ask you to wait while the women are informed. Do not be offended by the wait.
