About Nigeria

Nigeria is a land of vast beauty and volatile history. From stunning beaches to lush rain forests, Nigeria backpacking tours have something to offer all travelers to this country.

Nigeria Budget Travel

Below is a list of Nigeria's top destinations, click on the link to view all details and tours.

Fast Facts

Currency

Nigerian Naira (NGN)

Dialing Code

234

Airports

Nigeria airports include:
• Nnamdi Azikiwe - Abuja International Airport
• Gombe Lawanti International Airport
• Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport
• Murtala Muhammed - Lagos International Airport
• Port Harcourt International Airport

Birdlife

Nigeria birdlife is prolific and diverse, with a number of birding hotspots including Hadejia - Nguru Wetlands, Kainji National Park and Yankari National Park. Species include Black Kite, Lizard Buzzard, Harrier -Hawk, Grey Kestrel, Red-eyed Dove, Blue-spotted Wood-Dove, Green Pigeon, Woodland Kingfisher, Allied and Piping Hornbills, Little and Palm Swifts and Mottle-throated Spinetail.

Conservation

In a country rife with crime, war and political problems, Nigeria conservation has a number of challenges. Environmental concerns including poaching, land abuse, slash and burn agriculture, deforestation, pollution and poor ongoing conflict.

Culture

Nigeria cultures include the following:
• Food and drink plays a key role in many social rituals and traditions
• Literature is also an important historical and cultural influence
• Graphic art has been present in cultures for many years
• Performance arts are a popular form of expression
• Traditions and customs play a big role in society

Health

Nigeria health facilities are fairly sub-standard, and travelers should be prepared. Bring a first aid box with basic supplies including headache pills and medication, and don't drink tap water anywhere in the country.

AIDS

Nigeria HIV/AIDS precautions include:
• Don’t ever share needles or syringes
• Practice safe sex at all times
• Equipment should be sterilized
• If you require self-administered injections, take an adequate supply of your own needles
• Avoid tattoos, acupuncture treatment or body piercing

Vaccinations

Nigeria inoculations include the following:
• Diphtheria
• Hepatitis A
• Rabies
• Tetanus
• Typhoid
• Polio

Languages

Nigeria languages include the following:
• English (official)
• Hausa
• Yoruba
• Igbo
• Fulani
• Ibibio
• Ijaw

Money

Nigeria money and banking info includes:
• Western Union and MoneyGram offices can be found in large cities
• Banks and ATMs are scattered throughout - be careful when drawing cash however
• Exchange facilities can be found at airports, banks and some large hotels
• It is easiest to exchange US Dollars in Nigeria

Phrase

Nigeria local phrases in Yoruba include the following:
• Yes - Bee Ni
• No - Rara/Bee Ko
• Please - E Jo
• Do you have? - Se E Ni?
• Thank you - E Se

Plants

Nigeria plant life spans from grasslands and savannas to lush forests, with a number of beautiful plants and trees to be found including vines, ferns, trees, crops and flowering plants, as well as marshlands and grasslands.

People

Nigeria people include the following groups:
• Hausa and Fulani 29%
• Yoruba 20%
• Igbo 20%
• Ijaw 6.5%
• Kanuri 4%
• Tiv 2.5%

Safety Tips

Nigeria safety tips include the following:
• Nigeria has a high crime rate and ongoing conflict – this makes travel to the country very dangerous
• All but essential travel is advised to Nigeria
• Keep valuables out of sight at all times and do not walk around with large sums of cash
• Be wary of scams via the internet or other outlets and be on guard
• If you have to travel to Nigeria, arrange an armed guide to assist you

Religion

Nigeria religions include:
• Muslim 50%
• Christian 40%
• Indegenous beliefs 10%

Transport

Nigeria local transport includes:
• Taxi
• Scooter
• Bus

Travel Books

Recommended Nigeria travel books include:
• A History of Nigeria by Toyin Falola and Matthew M. Heaton
• Nigeria: Bradt Travel Guide Nigeria by Lizzie Williams
• A Culture of Corruption: Everyday Deception and Popular Discontent in Nigeria by Daniel Jordan Smith
• Nigeria (A to Z) by Tamra Orr
• Nigeria - The Culture (Lands, Peoples, and Cultures) by Anne Rosenberg

Visa Requirements

Visa info for Nigeria includes:
• Visas are required to enter Nigeria
• Passport must be valid for a minimum of six months
• Visas are valid for 3 months from date of issue

Wildlife

Nigeria wildlife abounds, with large numbers of game found in parks and forests across the country. Game includes lions, side striped jackals, wild dogs, cheetahs, leopards and civets, as well as elephants, warthogs and hippo. Habitats are incredibly rich, supporting large numbers of game despite the impact of poaching.

What To Pack

What to pack for Nigeria safaris:
• Loose, lightweight clothing in neutral colours with long sleeves
• Long skirts for women, and tops covering shoulders
• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
• Camera, spare batteries and film plus binoculars
• Warm jacket and rain gear for rainy season plus sunglasses and sunhat

What To Buy

What to buy for Nigeria safaris:
• Good luggage and a secure money bag
• Nigeria guidebook and phrase book, plus a good map
• First aid kit plus vitamins and malaria medication
• A plug adaptor (UK and US visitors)

When To Go

When to go to Nigeria:
• Parks are open from December to June
• The best time to visit towards the end of the dry season
• The best time to visit Oshogbo is during the vibrant Oshun Festival in August

2010 World Cup

Nigeria 2010 statistics are as follows:
• The Nigeria national football team is nicknamed the Super Eagles
• Nigeria rank 23rd in FIFA rankings and are currently the second best team in Africa
• The highest position ever reached on the ranking was 5th in April 1994
• They are currently in 2010 World Cup Qualifying Group 4
• Nigeria were Africa Cup of Nations champions in 1980 and 1994