VISITING NIGERIA
Climate
The climate of Nigeria is tropical, so it is hot all year round with two seasons: wet and dry. The wet season extends from April to October, the wettest month being June and the wettest area being the east coast. Between November and March the weather is dry and very hot. The hot Harmattan wind from the Sahara sweeps across the northeastern areas.
Electricity
The Electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz. You will need round and square.
Language
English is the official language and widely used, though many other languages are also spoken.
Time
Health
If you are travelling to Nigeria you will need an international vaccination certificate against yellow fever. You may also need a Cholera vaccination certificate if you are coming from an infected area. As a precaution against cholera, visitors are advised to drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid at all cost ice cube in drinks. Anti-malaria prophylaxis and TB inoculation are highly recommended. There is currently a high risk of polio infection in northern Nigeria . Accordingly people visiting this area are advised to get the appropriate inoculations. The above is only guidance and should not be relied on. Visitors MUST seek the medical advice on inoculations from their doctors at least three weeks prior to departure.
Private clinics can be found even in the smallest towns. In major cities, private hospitals offer relatively good facilities. As in most countries in the world, costs for medical services or hospital care must be met by the traveller. There are government hospitals throughout the country, but apart from emergencies, the hospitals are more equipped to serve the local population. Visitors needing specialized treatment for acute illness or severe injury will usually be evacuated to Europe or South Africa . It is highly recommend that all traveller get a good and comprehensive insurance including evacuation.
Tipping
In restaurants a 10% tip is adequate if a service charge has not already been added. Travellers should always negotiate taxi fares before getting in the car. Tipping is usually not expected since the fares are often increased for tourists.
Safety
There is a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Ebonyi State . There has been an increase in kidnapping of British nationals in Nigeria recently. As a result visitors should very vigilent. Violent street crime such as armed robberies, muggings and car jackings are common in Lagos and elsewhere in the more populous south of the country. Although security at Port Harcourt has been increased the area should be avoided if and when possible.
Numerous hazards await unsuspecting visitors including scams aimed at extorting money from foreign visitors' relatives and even taking hostages for ransom. Visitors should ensure that their local hosts and family and friends at home know their travel plans.
The domestic airlines are unreliable. A large number of accidents has occured in recent years.
There are recurrent outbreaks of civil unrest and violence which cause disruption to transport and public services. Visitors are strongly advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations. Fuel shortages frequently occur.
Public Transport
Public transport is extremely dangerous with buses and taxis inadequately maintained. Fraud and criminal activity is endemic among drivers.
