VISITOR'S GUIDE

Time

GMT plus one hour

Geography

Nigeria is bordered to the west by Benin, to the north by Niger, to the north-east by Chad, to the east by Cameroon and to the south by the Bight of Benin (Atlantic Ocean). The main rivers, the Niger and Benue, merge in the centre of the country, dividing it into three main regions of north, south and east. The north consists of dry savannah, the south of jungle, with mangrove swamps nearer the coast, and the east of a plateau leading into the country's only major mountain range along the Cameroon border.

Climate

The climate varies from tropical on the coast to sub-tropical in the north. There are two main seasons, the rainy season from April to October and the dry season from November to March, which is characterised by a cool dust haze from the Sahara known as the harmattan.

Average temperatures remain fairly constant throughout the year at 29 degrees Celsius (C) in the south. The average daytime temperature in the north is 42 degrees C, but the temperature can drop to as low as 6 degrees C at night.

Humidity is high in the south, with a maximum varying from 100 per cent to 80 per cent. Rainfall is heavy on the coast, ranging from about 180cm a year in the south-west to 430cm in the south-east.

Near-temperate conditions are common on the central plateau and along the hilly north-eastern border with Cameroon.

Dress codes

Suits or traditional dress are worn for business meetings, but otherwise dress is informal. Women are advised to dress modestly, especially in the Islamic north.

For social occasions, dress as for a business meeting.

Entry requirements

Required by all and must be valid for six months beyond the date of departure.

Required by all; some exceptions are made for citizens of countries located close to Nigeria. Visas should be obtained before arrival, contact the nearest consular office, or see www.nigeriabusinessinfo.com/visas.htm for details.

Business visitors will require a letter of invitation, from an organisation or individual, addressed to the Visa Section of the High Commission or Embassy. A declaration of full compliance of all entry requirements or proof of sufficient funds for expenses (such as traveller’s cheques to be cashed in Nigeria), must be lodged. Any individual inviting a visitor must attach photocopies of the first five pages of his/her own passport, while a resident must enclose a copy of his/her residence permit.

The import and export of local currency is limited to N20. The import of foreign currency is unlimited but must be declared, its export is limited to N100. Visitors are advised not to use unauthorised currency exchange methods, which are illegal.

Travellers cheques have limited use in cities and larger towns.

Laws against exporting Nigerian antiquities are strictly enforced.

Sparkling wines and beer, fruits and vegetables, eggs and cereals, precious metals and textiles including mosquito netting.

Health (for visitors)

Yellow fever vaccination certificate required if coming from an infected area.

Inoculations and booster should be current for tetanus, polio, hepatitis A, diphtheria, typhoid and yellow fever. There may be a need for vaccinations for tuberculosis, hepatitis B and meningitis and cholera. Use malaria prophylaxis (which will also provide protection for hepatitis B and yellow fever) including mosquito repellents, nets and clothing that fully cover the body after dark. There is a risk of rabies.

Other diseases that require preventative measures are HIV/Aids, hepatitis C and E; to avoid bilharzia, use only well-maintained and chlorinated swimming pools.

Use only bottled or boiled water for drinks, washing teeth and making ice. Eat only well cooked meals, preferably served hot; vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. Dairy products are unpasteurised and should be avoided, unless cooked.

Walking in bare feet, or even open sandals, can attract parasites, notably jikkers.

Visitors should seek advice before accepting treatment involving hypodermic needles or blood transfusions. Medical insurance is essential, including emergency evacuation, and an adequate supply of personal medicines is necessary.

Hotels

There is a wide range of hotels available, though rooms are difficult to obtain and expensive in Lagos. Bills must be paid for in foreign currency and a high deposit in advance is required to cover the estimated length of stay. Most major hotels are air-conditioned.

Credit cards

Credit cards are not widely used.

Public holidays (national)

1 Jan (New Year's Day), 1 May (Workers' Day), 29 May (Democracy Day), 1 Oct (National Day), 25–26 Dec (Christmas).

Easter (Mar/Apr), Eid al Adha, Birth of the Prophet, National Day (first Mon in Oct), Eid al Fitr.

Holidays that fall at the weekend may be taken on Monday.

Working hours

Mon: 0800–1500; Tue–Fri: 0800–1330 (some banks work until 1600 or 1700); Sat, some banks only: 1000–1500.

Mon–Fri: 0800–1230 and 1400–1630. Some offices also Sat: 0800–1200.

Mon–Fri: 0730–1530, some states also Sat: 0800–1300.

Mon–Fri: 0800–1200 and 1430–1800; Sat: 0800–1300.

Telecommunications

There are GSM roaming facilities available, with coverage throughout most of the country.

Electricity supply

230V AC, 50 cycles

Social customs/useful tips

Because of the prodigious traffic jams, called ‘go-slows', which often grip Lagos, it is hard to be punctual, so both Nigerians and expatriates are generally tolerant of latecomers.

Appointments with government officials should be made in advance. With business executives, a more informal attitude prevails. Business cards are exchanged after introduction and business is mostly conducted in English. Meetings can be long and they are less formal than in Europe. It is customary to shake hands on meeting and taking leave.

Confirm the business organisation's status with the Chamber of Commerce, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja and the Federal Ministry of Commerce and Tourism, Abuja, before entering into a firm contract.

Local customs and conventions should be adhered to, particularly in Muslim areas in the northern states. Women should not wear trousers.

Gifts are welcomed but not essential, unless hospitality extends to accommodation and/or meals, in which case gifts are expected on departure.

Gratuities are around 10 per cent. A service charge is usually added to restaurant and hotel bills. Tips are not expected by taxi drivers. Giving dash or gratuities for other commercial services is widespread, although officially discouraged .

Security

Security remains a serious problem in several Nigerian cities, but chiefly in Lagos. The biggest threat comes from armed robbers. They either attack houses at night or, more frequently, stop cars at gunpoint on urban or country expressways and order the driver to hand over the keys. Petty theft is also common; moneybelts are advisable.

During outbreaks of violence, the capital is likely to be dotted with checkpoints manned by armed police, where visitors should remain calm and courteous. It is not necessary to offer a bribe at these roadblocks.

Getting there

Abuja Nnamdi Azikiwe (ABV), 35km from city; Kano-Mallam-Aminu Kano (KAN), 8km from city; Lagos-Murtala Muhammed (LOS), 22km from city. All airport facilities include duty-free shop, restaurant, bar, bank, post office, car hire.

It is advisable to be met at Lagos airport by someone you know, or someone who can prove their identity. Also make sure you do not give your passport to anyone but the immigration officer. Check in early for flights as overbooking is common.

None

There are good roads linking Niger (Maradi, Zinder, Agadez, Niamey) to Kano, and from Benin; there are all-weather roads from Cameroon (Maroua, Mokolo) and Chad (N'Djamna). The southern road from Cameroon (Mamfe) to Enugu is not generally recommended.

Nigeria has the biggest port facilities and international sailings in the region.

Apapa (Lagos), Port Harcourt, Calabar and the Delta Port complex including Warri, Sapele and Koko.

Getting about

There is a number of local airlines providing intercity services. Routes and airlines frequently change.

A national road network system of 113,000km links all main centres. Principal main roads connect Lagos and Port Harcourt in the south with Kano and Katsina in the north. The motorway running from Lagos-Ibadan is often congested. There are often long delays in major towns.

Some secondary roads can become impassable during rainy season.

Scheduled coach services include: Kaduna-Jos; Lagos-Umuahia.

There are some 3,500km of railway, mostly single track.

Rail travel is cheap, but slow. There are two classes. Some trains have restaurant cars and buffet facilities and some have air-conditioning.

There are two main rail lines: Lagos-Kano Express (via Ibadan and Minna) with branches to Baro, Kaura Namoda and Nguru, Plateau Express (Lagos-Jos); and Port Harcourt-Kano with branch to Jos and Maiduguri.

There are over 8,575 km of waterways including the Niger and Benue rivers, with ferry services on these and along the southern coast.

Taxis are widely available in Lagos and other main towns. The traditional taxis are usually yellow Peugeots in Lagos (these charge by distance), other colours elsewhere. Also numerous cars belonging to car hire companies. Taxi ranks are mainly found at the big hotels. Fare and tip should be agreed before starting journey. All drivers should have an Identity Card.

Journey time from Lagos Murtala Mohammed Airport to city centre is around 40 minutes, but can take several hours if the traffic is heavy.

Nigeria Airways Bus Service serves major hotels.

Available in most of the large towns through the main hotels. International driving licence and two passport-sized photographs required; chauffeur-driven services generally recommended.

Be aware that in Lagos the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (Lastma) has wide powers and frequently stops and seizes vehicles for minor, alleged, offences. On the spot 'fines' are frequently suggested. Owners of vehicles that are impounded have to pay a daily charge to recover them.