Nigeria is a Link Exchange Member Free Home Pages at GeoCities The Country Nigeria is a Federal Republic consisting of 30 states, a mayoralty, and 543 local governments. With an area of 932,768 kilometers2, it is bounded on the west by the Republic of Benin, on the north by Niger and Chad, and the Republic of Cameroon on the east. The Atlantic Ocean is to the south of the country. Time Nigeria is one hour ahead of the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), i.e., 12:00 GMT is 13:00 or 1:00 p.m. in Nigeria. The Land The coastline of Nigeria is 800 km long, bounded to its immediate north by coastal sand beaches, made up of open, white, sandy surfaces for an average width of between three to five km. This coastal stretch is cut into western and eastern portions by the delta of the River Niger, which is 150 km wide, stretching inland to over 50 km. The delta is dissected by a network of river distributaries. Behind these sandy beaches is a belt of mangrove swamps which, in some places, is about 100 km wide. Beyond this belt is a zone of tropical forests. Further inland, the land rises to an undulating plateau and series of hills of general elevation. Breaking these east to west hills are the Niger and Benue troughs. The elevation around the Jos Plateau is about 2 km, resulting in low temperatures, similar to the temperature climate in Europe and parts of North America. The vegetation on the northern plateau is typically grassland in nature, allowing for a broad view of extensive landscapes. The Climate Nigeria is entirely between the equator and the Tropic of Cancer. Nigeria's climate varies from tropical (at the coastal areas) to subtropical (in the northern areas). There are two main seasons—the dry season, lasting from November to March; and the rainy season, from April to October. Temperatures at the coast rarely rise about 32ºC (89.6ºF), although humidity can be as high as 95%. The climate further north is drier, with temperatures ranging from 36ºC (96.8ºF) to 12ºC (53.6ºF). During the rainy season, tropical thunderstorms are a periodic occurance, especially in the coastal areas, but it is generally a period of cooler temperatures and more agreeable climate. The Rivers The most important river in Nigeria is the River Niger, which takes its source from the hills of Futa Jalon. It is about 4170 km long, but only 1/3 of this length is within Nigeria. It enters Nigeria from the west and flows south-easterly until it joins the River Benue, almost at the center of Nigeria. The Benue is the second most important river in Nigeria. It takes its source in the northern section of the central hills of the Cameroon Republic, and enters into Nigeria from the east. It flows south-west to join the Niger at Lokoja. Other important rivers in Nigeria are Sokoto, Yobe, Hadejia, and Kaduna in the north and Ogun, Osun, Owena, Osse, Anambra, and Cross River, in the south. The mangrove forests of the south are criss-crossed by a network of lagoons, mostly in an east-west direction. The People Nigeria is the most populous black country in the world, with numbers close to about 90 million people. It is endowed with vast and abundant natural and human resources. Nigerians belong to more than 250 ethnic groups. Within these ethnic or language groups, there are different dialects. Members of each group are normally concentrated in one area. Now, many Nigerians live in different parts of the country and speak the language of their host. So the modern town Nigerian is a man or woman of many ethnic groups. Picking a group of ten people in any major town in Nigeria, the chances are about 90-1 that they belong to different ethnic groups. This melting pot scenario does not preclude the facts that ethnic rivalry and jealousies do exist as a part of the culture. The over 250 ethnic groups are related one way or another to one another. They settled in the region, now called Nigeria, some 15 centuries ago from yet to be proven origin, probably from the Middle East, where most of the groups are said to originate. Inter and intra migration helped increase the diversity and confusion in defining ethnic origins. Most of the ethnic groups are to be found in the middle belt, where every town has a different language. There are three major groups with over 10 million people: Hausa-Fulani in the north, Yoruba in the southwest, and the Igbos in the southeast. These three dominate the regions in which they are found. There are basically two types of Nigerians: the Nilotic Africans (Arab-type) and the Negroes. Each of the ethnic groups fall into these two groups. Of the 250 linguistic groups that make up the 90 million people that live in Nigeria, not less than 50% of them are Hausa-Fulani, Yorubas, or Igbos. Hausa-Fulani This group is found predominantly in Sokoto, Katsina, Kano, Bauchi, and Kaduna states. Some Fulanis are found in Gongola and Plateau states. They are basically Muslims, and their culture has been influenced greatly by their religion. However, they still observe a lot of their age long tradition like the test of manhood among the nomadic Fulani, called Sharo, and the giving away for marriage of young girls...some hardly teenagers. Yorubas This group occupies the states in the southwestern part of Nigeria, such as Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Kwara, and art of Edo state. They are highly urbanized people with a culture. They accept Ile-Ife as their ancestral house and have a very strong bond of kinship. Igbos This group is found in Anambra, Imo, Abia, part of Delt, and part of Cross River states. They are known for their hard work and resourcefulness. Some are farmers, but today a significant number of them are now known to be traders. Edos This group is found in Benin (Edo) state. The Itsekiris, Isokos, and the Urhobos are found in Delta state. Ijos This group (also known as the Zons) is found in the riverine areas of Ondo, Delta, and Rivers states. They are basically fishers, and their homes are made with stilts over water. Ibibios This group is found principally in mainland Akwa Ibom, while the Efik are found in the Cross River state. Kanuris This group is concentrated in Borno state. They have a long history and tradition as old as that of the Fulanis, only at the opposite end of the country. Jukuns This group is basically made up of war-like people, and they are found in Gongola and Benue states. Tivs This group is found along the valley while the Berom are natives in Jos and Plateau states. Nupes This group is found in Niger state, while the Gwaris are found in Niger and Kaduna states. The Igalas are found in Benue and Kwara states. There are many other smaller groups who are identified with either their tribal marks or their mode of dressing, but with modernization and inter-tribal marriage, the unity of the country is indeed in diversity. The Federal Capital Today, Nigeria is administered as a federation of 30 states and a mayoralty (Abuja, the new federal capital). Each state of the federation has responsibility for generating revenue to finance its own activities complemented with revenue from the federal government, which has exclusive control over such ares as defense, external affairs, currency, mising, and the collection of custom duties, among others. The 543 local governments constitute the third tier of government and the smallest unit of development closest to the grassroots. Local governments in Nigeria have residual authority over such local issues, such as garbage collection, primary school education, and community health centers. They are, by constitution, guaranteed a percentage of state and federal revenues with which to finance their specific responsibilities. The first local government elections held under the new political agenda was in 1990. The Coat of Arms The shield, which is black, represents the good earth of Nigeria. The wavy bands of silver on the shield represent the River Niger and Benue, and their junction and confluence. The supporters (two white horses) represent dignity. The ground on which the bearing stand is Cactus Spectabilis, which is a common wild flower throughout Nigeria. The wreath is in Nigeria's national colors (green and white), and the eagle stands for strength. Unity and faith, peace and progress is the Nigerian motto. The Flag The flag is divided vertically into three equal parts. The central part is white, and the two outside parts are green. The green of the flag represents agriculture, and the white part represents unity and peace. The 30 States and Their Capitals State-Capital Abia—Umuahia Adamawa—Yola Akwa Ibom—Uyo Anambra—Awka Bauchi—Bauchi Benue—Makurdi Brono—Maiduguri Cross River—Calabar Delta—Asaba Edo—Benin Enugu—Enugu Imo—Owerri Jigawa—Dutse Kaduna—Kaduna Kano—Kano Kastsina—Kastsina Kebbi—Birnin Kebbi Kogi—Lokoja Kwara—Ilorin Lagos—Ikeja Ogun—Abeokuta Ondo—Akure Oshun—Oshogbo Oyo—Ibadan Plateau—Jos Rivers—Port Harcourt Sokoto—Sokoto Taraba—Jalingo Yobe—Damaturu The National Anthem Arise, O compatriots, Nigeria's call obey To serve our fatherland With love and strength and faith The labor of our heroes past Shall never be in vain To serve with heart and might One nation bound in freedom, peace, and unity. Oh God of creation, direct our noble cause Guide our leaders right Help our youth and truth to know In love and honesty to grow And living just and true Great lofty heights attain To build a nation where peace and justice shall reign. The National Pledge I pledge to Nigeria, my country To be faithful, loyal, and honest To serve Nigeria with all my strength To defend her unity And uphold her honor and glory So help me God. The Languages English is the official language of the country. However, the Yoruba language is widely spoken in the southwestern states—Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos. and Kwara. Igbo language is spoken in the southeastern states, especially in Anambra, Abia, and Imo states. Hausa is spoken in all of the states in the northern part of Nigeria. The Religion There is no state religion. In all states of the federation, Christianity and Islam exist. Freedom of worship is enjoyed. Churches and Mosques are found within a stone throw of another. There is, however, a significant population that still practices traditional ways of worship. The Government The country operates a presidential system of government with an executive president as Head of State and Government. Each of the 30 states are headed by an Executive Governor, while the 543 local governments are chairpersons. The federal capital territory is headed by a mayor. The Public Holidays The public holidays in force are as follows: New Year's Day on January 1 Good Friday Easter Monday Workers' Day on May 1 Children's Day on May 27 Id-El-Fitri held on two days out of the year Id-El-Kabir held on two days out of the year National Day on October 1 Id-El-Maulud Christmas Day on December 25 Boxing Day on either December 26 or December 27 One these days, shops and offices are normally closed to customers. At when considered fit, other days other than those listed above can be declared public holidays by the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs. The Banks There are about 90 commercial and merchant banks operating about 1,760 branches throughout the country. Banking hours are: Monday—8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday—8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday—8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday—8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday—8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Some banks are open on Saturdays for weekend banking. Nigerian Foods Nigeria has a wide choice of where to eat and what to eat. It ranges from local and international cuisine, which hotels and restaurants, especially in the major cities, offer, to the fast food chains, which are now becoming a common feature in the cities. The favorite roadside stalls, called BUKA, are where the best cooked local cuisine are found. It is here where you will feel Nigerian cuisine best. Each tribe or ethnic group in Nigeria has its distinct taste and flavor. Peppery stews are common in the southern states, while menu of grains and beef are common in the northern states. Nigerian meals are generally made up of just one course, but fruits, which Nigeria is very rich in, are served as appetizers or after the main meal in some medium class restaurants. Pounded yam menu is popular as it is served by the various ethnic groups. However, there are slight variations in the stew it is served with. Tuwo (a cereal based pudding) with soup is very popular in the northern part of the country. The tuwo could be from masara (maize), dawa (guinea corn), shinkafa (rice), jero (millet), or acha. Tuwo is served with taushe (vegetables) and with beef. Aksi FURA do NONO (corn balls with fulani milk yogurt) is a very popular menu in the north. Pap and beans cake is common, both in the northern and western parts of Nigeria. In Yoruba speaking areas, apart from pounded yam with either efo (vegetable soup) or ila (okro), amala (a yam-based food) is very popular. These dishes are served with beef, cow leg, or fresh fish. Eba (a cassava based food) is also very popular. In the eastern parts of Nigeria, eba (called gari), a cassava-based food, is very popular. Akpu (cassava-based) with vegetable soup is common, as well. These meals are served with bush meat, beef, and stock-fish. Easterners eat a lot of vegetables. Pork is forbidden by all Muslins in the country. Chicken has found a seat in the menu of Nigerians. Beef in a roasted form, called tsere or suya (kebab) has become a national food. In the northern parts of Nigeria, Kiliahi and Balangu (made from goat and sheep) are forms of kebab, but dried. Paper soup, made from goat meat or the internal parts of the goat could serve as the appetizer to a main meal, and has a national acceptance. From the east, is the isi-ewu (goat head pepper soup) which is served with some vegetable. It has become very popular in the west and could be a full meal. Local Drinks Palm wine, a natural juice from palm trees, is a favorable drink all over Nigeria, especially in the south where these trees grow wild. Today, the drink has been preserved and bottled and is served in the major hotels and restaurants in the country. Burukutu (BKT) is a local beer, and is made from plantain and other sugar-based raw materials. Try pepper soup, pounded yam with vegetable soup, and a few cups of palm wine. You will be having the feel of Nigerian cuisine. Nigerian Fruits Nigeria lies entirely in the tropics, hence grow a wide range of tropical fruits. Tropical fruits are very rich in vitamins, and are delicious. Some of the very popular fruits in Nigeria are known worldwide, like oranges, melons, limes, grape fruits, mangos, bananas, pineapples, cashews, and water melons. Some of these fruits, like pineapples, mangos, and oranges are now being canned and a lot are now exported to Europe. Nigerian Masquerades The Nigerian Masquerades are an age old tradition. The masks can represent forces of nature, gods, and ancestor spirits. The person(s) wearing the mask move to drum beats and act out stories of old. It is believed that a real force or spirit enters the dancers' costumes. The masks are carved out of wood and cover the entire body with layers of raffia grass or bright colorful cloth. This information was secured from the book, Nigeria: One Nation, Many Cultures by Hassan and Bonnetta Adeeb. It is a very good book that I think you should check out. International Tourism Nigeria offers a wide range of attractions for the discerning tourist. The endless, yet unspoiled beaches of the coast, the luxuriant forests with their thousands of fauna and flora, a wide range of fruits, some growing wild, and the near arid, but undulating land masses of the north make the country a tourist delight. Maybe you love adventure, mountaineering, bush camping, boating, or pure cultural festival. A collector of souvenirs, beads, carvings, or you love bird and animal watching in their natural environment, Nigeria has a place for you to fill your heart's desire. Sports, food, beaches, and plenty of sunshine, you have a lot to enjoy and in real comfort, too! Accommodation, whether in international hotels of high rises or chalets in near-to-nature environment is available, providing a mixture of sophistication and simplicity. Getting To Know Nigeria No less than 25 international airlines serve the country from all over the world. You can come into Nigeria by air through Ikeja, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Abuja-the gateways by air. Or by sea, through the ports of Lagos (Apapa and Tin Can), Port Harcourt, Koko, Burutu, Warri, and Calabar. By road, you can come into Nigeria through several authorized border posts from Benin Republic, Niger Republic, and the Republic of Cameroon. When To Visit Nigeria Be it for conferences, business, sports, and other reasons, you can visit Nigeria anytime. However, there are two distinct seasons-the rainy and the dry. During the rainy season, rain may inconvenience tourist who is keen on sight-seeing, for it could rain for seven days, especially in the coastal areas without a break! To all intents, the dry season, which begins generally late in October and runs into late February or early March in the south, and April in the north, is the best time to visit Nigeria for leisure. Entry Formalities Passport All visitors to Nigeria must carry a valid national passport or other internationally recognized travel documents endorsed for travel to Nigeria. Visa Citizens of ECOWAS states are allowed to enter Nigeria without a visa, subject to their stay not exceeding three months. Requests for multiple entry visa will be given with delay for other nationals provided they meet the requirements for entry into Nigeria. The above entry regulations are subject to changes. Health Regulations Cholera and Small Pox vaccinations are required for visitors entering Nigeria. Yellow Fever vaccinations are required for arrivals from infected areas. Children under the age of one year are however exempted. No certificate of AIDS free tests are required. Visitors from Europe and North America should take precausional steps against Malaria Fever, which is common in the country. Customs Visitors to Nigeria are allowed four liters of spirit and 200 cigarettes duty free, personal effects such as cameras, watches, pen lighters, and cosmetics are allowed duty free within reasonable quantity. Other goods, such as video equipment, are dutiable and visitors are expected to pay the duties on the spot. If in doubt, ask to see a senior customs officer for clearance. Illegal drugs of all descriptions are not allowed into Nigeria. Telephone Public telephone booths are available in some major towns. They are coin operated. Telegram and Telexes Telegrams and telexes can only be sent from hotels where the facility exists. Otherwise, the nearest NITEL office will serve the purpose gladly. There are fax and facsimile facilities. Newspapers and Magazines There are may newspapers in English, most of them are national in outlook. There are, however, some provincial newspapers, and their number is growing, especially in the major cities. Foreign newspapers and magazines are available at the lobbies of most international hotels and airports. Nigeria magazines cover substantial foreign news. Radio and Television The Nigeria Television Authority has a network of stations which covers all of the states of the federation. In Lagos state alone, there are three. Almost all of the states have a television station each. You will have a choice of, at least, two channels in almost every location in the country. Where you are lucky, you may have as many as five stations. The Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria also operates a network of broadcasting stations all over the country. Like television, most state governments have their state radio broadcasting station. Many states also have FM stations, which are more of entertainment with music from all over the world are shown. Broadcast are English are the main local languages. There are fourteen private TV stations now in Nigeria. Medical Services As in many countries, medical services or hospital care are borne by visitors themselves. If any travel insurance plan exists in your country of origin, please take one. No reciprocal national health service agreement exists in Nigeria. Private clinics and hospitals manned by qualified practitioners exist, even in rural towns. Government owned hospitals and teaching hospitals exist in major towns. Electricity The main voltage in Nigeria is 220 volts. If you bring along any electrical equipment with 110 volts, remember to bring along a converter. Measures Nigeria operates a metric system, through the Imperial measure is still usually referred to. Cloth is sold in meters and yards, beef in kilograms, and petrol in liters. Distance is marked in kilometers, and temperature in centigrade. Accommodations World renown hotel groups, like the Hilton, Le Meridien, Hyatt, and Sheraton, run hotels in Nigeria. There are, however, Nigerian owned hotel groups that have been proved beyond any doubt that they are masters in the hospitality industry. These include Areya Hotels, which are a fine branch of hotels in Nigeria. Back to contents Back to the main page Last Update: 5/1/1997
Nigeria is a Federal Republic consisting of 30 states, a mayoralty, and 543 local governments. With an area of 932,768 kilometers2, it is bounded on the west by the Republic of Benin, on the north by Niger and Chad, and the Republic of Cameroon on the east. The Atlantic Ocean is to the south of the country.
Nigeria is one hour ahead of the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), i.e., 12:00 GMT is 13:00 or 1:00 p.m. in Nigeria.
The coastline of Nigeria is 800 km long, bounded to its immediate north by coastal sand beaches, made up of open, white, sandy surfaces for an average width of between three to five km. This coastal stretch is cut into western and eastern portions by the delta of the River Niger, which is 150 km wide, stretching inland to over 50 km. The delta is dissected by a network of river distributaries. Behind these sandy beaches is a belt of mangrove swamps which, in some places, is about 100 km wide. Beyond this belt is a zone of tropical forests. Further inland, the land rises to an undulating plateau and series of hills of general elevation. Breaking these east to west hills are the Niger and Benue troughs. The elevation around the Jos Plateau is about 2 km, resulting in low temperatures, similar to the temperature climate in Europe and parts of North America. The vegetation on the northern plateau is typically grassland in nature, allowing for a broad view of extensive landscapes.
Nigeria is entirely between the equator and the Tropic of Cancer. Nigeria's climate varies from tropical (at the coastal areas) to subtropical (in the northern areas). There are two main seasons—the dry season, lasting from November to March; and the rainy season, from April to October. Temperatures at the coast rarely rise about 32ºC (89.6ºF), although humidity can be as high as 95%. The climate further north is drier, with temperatures ranging from 36ºC (96.8ºF) to 12ºC (53.6ºF). During the rainy season, tropical thunderstorms are a periodic occurance, especially in the coastal areas, but it is generally a period of cooler temperatures and more agreeable climate.
The most important river in Nigeria is the River Niger, which takes its source from the hills of Futa Jalon. It is about 4170 km long, but only 1/3 of this length is within Nigeria. It enters Nigeria from the west and flows south-easterly until it joins the River Benue, almost at the center of Nigeria. The Benue is the second most important river in Nigeria. It takes its source in the northern section of the central hills of the Cameroon Republic, and enters into Nigeria from the east. It flows south-west to join the Niger at Lokoja. Other important rivers in Nigeria are Sokoto, Yobe, Hadejia, and Kaduna in the north and Ogun, Osun, Owena, Osse, Anambra, and Cross River, in the south. The mangrove forests of the south are criss-crossed by a network of lagoons, mostly in an east-west direction.
Nigeria is the most populous black country in the world, with numbers close to about 90 million people. It is endowed with vast and abundant natural and human resources. Nigerians belong to more than 250 ethnic groups. Within these ethnic or language groups, there are different dialects. Members of each group are normally concentrated in one area. Now, many Nigerians live in different parts of the country and speak the language of their host. So the modern town Nigerian is a man or woman of many ethnic groups. Picking a group of ten people in any major town in Nigeria, the chances are about 90-1 that they belong to different ethnic groups. This melting pot scenario does not preclude the facts that ethnic rivalry and jealousies do exist as a part of the culture. The over 250 ethnic groups are related one way or another to one another. They settled in the region, now called Nigeria, some 15 centuries ago from yet to be proven origin, probably from the Middle East, where most of the groups are said to originate. Inter and intra migration helped increase the diversity and confusion in defining ethnic origins. Most of the ethnic groups are to be found in the middle belt, where every town has a different language. There are three major groups with over 10 million people: Hausa-Fulani in the north, Yoruba in the southwest, and the Igbos in the southeast. These three dominate the regions in which they are found. There are basically two types of Nigerians: the Nilotic Africans (Arab-type) and the Negroes. Each of the ethnic groups fall into these two groups. Of the 250 linguistic groups that make up the 90 million people that live in Nigeria, not less than 50% of them are Hausa-Fulani, Yorubas, or Igbos.
This group is found predominantly in Sokoto, Katsina, Kano, Bauchi, and Kaduna states. Some Fulanis are found in Gongola and Plateau states. They are basically Muslims, and their culture has been influenced greatly by their religion. However, they still observe a lot of their age long tradition like the test of manhood among the nomadic Fulani, called Sharo, and the giving away for marriage of young girls...some hardly teenagers.
This group occupies the states in the southwestern part of Nigeria, such as Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Kwara, and art of Edo state. They are highly urbanized people with a culture. They accept Ile-Ife as their ancestral house and have a very strong bond of kinship.
This group is found in Anambra, Imo, Abia, part of Delt, and part of Cross River states. They are known for their hard work and resourcefulness. Some are farmers, but today a significant number of them are now known to be traders.
This group is found in Benin (Edo) state. The Itsekiris, Isokos, and the Urhobos are found in Delta state.
This group (also known as the Zons) is found in the riverine areas of Ondo, Delta, and Rivers states. They are basically fishers, and their homes are made with stilts over water.
This group is found principally in mainland Akwa Ibom, while the Efik are found in the Cross River state.
This group is concentrated in Borno state. They have a long history and tradition as old as that of the Fulanis, only at the opposite end of the country.
This group is basically made up of war-like people, and they are found in Gongola and Benue states.
This group is found along the valley while the Berom are natives in Jos and Plateau states.
This group is found in Niger state, while the Gwaris are found in Niger and Kaduna states. The Igalas are found in Benue and Kwara states. There are many other smaller groups who are identified with either their tribal marks or their mode of dressing, but with modernization and inter-tribal marriage, the unity of the country is indeed in diversity.
Today, Nigeria is administered as a federation of 30 states and a mayoralty (Abuja, the new federal capital). Each state of the federation has responsibility for generating revenue to finance its own activities complemented with revenue from the federal government, which has exclusive control over such ares as defense, external affairs, currency, mising, and the collection of custom duties, among others. The 543 local governments constitute the third tier of government and the smallest unit of development closest to the grassroots. Local governments in Nigeria have residual authority over such local issues, such as garbage collection, primary school education, and community health centers. They are, by constitution, guaranteed a percentage of state and federal revenues with which to finance their specific responsibilities. The first local government elections held under the new political agenda was in 1990.
The shield, which is black, represents the good earth of Nigeria. The wavy bands of silver on the shield represent the River Niger and Benue, and their junction and confluence. The supporters (two white horses) represent dignity. The ground on which the bearing stand is Cactus Spectabilis, which is a common wild flower throughout Nigeria. The wreath is in Nigeria's national colors (green and white), and the eagle stands for strength. Unity and faith, peace and progress is the Nigerian motto.
The flag is divided vertically into three equal parts. The central part is white, and the two outside parts are green. The green of the flag represents agriculture, and the white part represents unity and peace.
State-Capital Abia—Umuahia Adamawa—Yola Akwa Ibom—Uyo Anambra—Awka Bauchi—Bauchi Benue—Makurdi Brono—Maiduguri Cross River—Calabar Delta—Asaba Edo—Benin Enugu—Enugu Imo—Owerri Jigawa—Dutse Kaduna—Kaduna Kano—Kano Kastsina—Kastsina Kebbi—Birnin Kebbi Kogi—Lokoja Kwara—Ilorin Lagos—Ikeja Ogun—Abeokuta Ondo—Akure Oshun—Oshogbo Oyo—Ibadan Plateau—Jos Rivers—Port Harcourt Sokoto—Sokoto Taraba—Jalingo Yobe—Damaturu
Arise, O compatriots, Nigeria's call obey To serve our fatherland With love and strength and faith The labor of our heroes past Shall never be in vain To serve with heart and might One nation bound in freedom, peace, and unity. Oh God of creation, direct our noble cause Guide our leaders right Help our youth and truth to know In love and honesty to grow And living just and true Great lofty heights attain To build a nation where peace and justice shall reign.
Oh God of creation, direct our noble cause Guide our leaders right Help our youth and truth to know In love and honesty to grow And living just and true Great lofty heights attain To build a nation where peace and justice shall reign.
I pledge to Nigeria, my country To be faithful, loyal, and honest To serve Nigeria with all my strength To defend her unity And uphold her honor and glory So help me God.
English is the official language of the country. However, the Yoruba language is widely spoken in the southwestern states—Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos. and Kwara. Igbo language is spoken in the southeastern states, especially in Anambra, Abia, and Imo states. Hausa is spoken in all of the states in the northern part of Nigeria.
There is no state religion. In all states of the federation, Christianity and Islam exist. Freedom of worship is enjoyed. Churches and Mosques are found within a stone throw of another. There is, however, a significant population that still practices traditional ways of worship.
The country operates a presidential system of government with an executive president as Head of State and Government. Each of the 30 states are headed by an Executive Governor, while the 543 local governments are chairpersons. The federal capital territory is headed by a mayor.
The public holidays in force are as follows:
One these days, shops and offices are normally closed to customers. At when considered fit, other days other than those listed above can be declared public holidays by the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs.
There are about 90 commercial and merchant banks operating about 1,760 branches throughout the country. Banking hours are: Monday—8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday—8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday—8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday—8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday—8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Some banks are open on Saturdays for weekend banking.
Nigeria has a wide choice of where to eat and what to eat. It ranges from local and international cuisine, which hotels and restaurants, especially in the major cities, offer, to the fast food chains, which are now becoming a common feature in the cities. The favorite roadside stalls, called BUKA, are where the best cooked local cuisine are found. It is here where you will feel Nigerian cuisine best. Each tribe or ethnic group in Nigeria has its distinct taste and flavor. Peppery stews are common in the southern states, while menu of grains and beef are common in the northern states. Nigerian meals are generally made up of just one course, but fruits, which Nigeria is very rich in, are served as appetizers or after the main meal in some medium class restaurants. Pounded yam menu is popular as it is served by the various ethnic groups. However, there are slight variations in the stew it is served with. Tuwo (a cereal based pudding) with soup is very popular in the northern part of the country. The tuwo could be from masara (maize), dawa (guinea corn), shinkafa (rice), jero (millet), or acha. Tuwo is served with taushe (vegetables) and with beef. Aksi FURA do NONO (corn balls with fulani milk yogurt) is a very popular menu in the north. Pap and beans cake is common, both in the northern and western parts of Nigeria. In Yoruba speaking areas, apart from pounded yam with either efo (vegetable soup) or ila (okro), amala (a yam-based food) is very popular. These dishes are served with beef, cow leg, or fresh fish. Eba (a cassava based food) is also very popular. In the eastern parts of Nigeria, eba (called gari), a cassava-based food, is very popular. Akpu (cassava-based) with vegetable soup is common, as well. These meals are served with bush meat, beef, and stock-fish. Easterners eat a lot of vegetables. Pork is forbidden by all Muslins in the country. Chicken has found a seat in the menu of Nigerians. Beef in a roasted form, called tsere or suya (kebab) has become a national food. In the northern parts of Nigeria, Kiliahi and Balangu (made from goat and sheep) are forms of kebab, but dried. Paper soup, made from goat meat or the internal parts of the goat could serve as the appetizer to a main meal, and has a national acceptance. From the east, is the isi-ewu (goat head pepper soup) which is served with some vegetable. It has become very popular in the west and could be a full meal.
Palm wine, a natural juice from palm trees, is a favorable drink all over Nigeria, especially in the south where these trees grow wild. Today, the drink has been preserved and bottled and is served in the major hotels and restaurants in the country. Burukutu (BKT) is a local beer, and is made from plantain and other sugar-based raw materials. Try pepper soup, pounded yam with vegetable soup, and a few cups of palm wine. You will be having the feel of Nigerian cuisine.
Nigeria lies entirely in the tropics, hence grow a wide range of tropical fruits. Tropical fruits are very rich in vitamins, and are delicious. Some of the very popular fruits in Nigeria are known worldwide, like oranges, melons, limes, grape fruits, mangos, bananas, pineapples, cashews, and water melons. Some of these fruits, like pineapples, mangos, and oranges are now being canned and a lot are now exported to Europe.
The Nigerian Masquerades are an age old tradition. The masks can represent forces of nature, gods, and ancestor spirits. The person(s) wearing the mask move to drum beats and act out stories of old. It is believed that a real force or spirit enters the dancers' costumes. The masks are carved out of wood and cover the entire body with layers of raffia grass or bright colorful cloth. This information was secured from the book, Nigeria: One Nation, Many Cultures by Hassan and Bonnetta Adeeb. It is a very good book that I think you should check out.
Nigeria offers a wide range of attractions for the discerning tourist. The endless, yet unspoiled beaches of the coast, the luxuriant forests with their thousands of fauna and flora, a wide range of fruits, some growing wild, and the near arid, but undulating land masses of the north make the country a tourist delight. Maybe you love adventure, mountaineering, bush camping, boating, or pure cultural festival. A collector of souvenirs, beads, carvings, or you love bird and animal watching in their natural environment, Nigeria has a place for you to fill your heart's desire. Sports, food, beaches, and plenty of sunshine, you have a lot to enjoy and in real comfort, too! Accommodation, whether in international hotels of high rises or chalets in near-to-nature environment is available, providing a mixture of sophistication and simplicity.
No less than 25 international airlines serve the country from all over the world. You can come into Nigeria by air through Ikeja, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Abuja-the gateways by air. Or by sea, through the ports of Lagos (Apapa and Tin Can), Port Harcourt, Koko, Burutu, Warri, and Calabar. By road, you can come into Nigeria through several authorized border posts from Benin Republic, Niger Republic, and the Republic of Cameroon.
Be it for conferences, business, sports, and other reasons, you can visit Nigeria anytime. However, there are two distinct seasons-the rainy and the dry. During the rainy season, rain may inconvenience tourist who is keen on sight-seeing, for it could rain for seven days, especially in the coastal areas without a break! To all intents, the dry season, which begins generally late in October and runs into late February or early March in the south, and April in the north, is the best time to visit Nigeria for leisure.
All visitors to Nigeria must carry a valid national passport or other internationally recognized travel documents endorsed for travel to Nigeria.
Citizens of ECOWAS states are allowed to enter Nigeria without a visa, subject to their stay not exceeding three months. Requests for multiple entry visa will be given with delay for other nationals provided they meet the requirements for entry into Nigeria. The above entry regulations are subject to changes.
Cholera and Small Pox vaccinations are required for visitors entering Nigeria. Yellow Fever vaccinations are required for arrivals from infected areas. Children under the age of one year are however exempted. No certificate of AIDS free tests are required. Visitors from Europe and North America should take precausional steps against Malaria Fever, which is common in the country.
Visitors to Nigeria are allowed four liters of spirit and 200 cigarettes duty free, personal effects such as cameras, watches, pen lighters, and cosmetics are allowed duty free within reasonable quantity. Other goods, such as video equipment, are dutiable and visitors are expected to pay the duties on the spot. If in doubt, ask to see a senior customs officer for clearance. Illegal drugs of all descriptions are not allowed into Nigeria.
Public telephone booths are available in some major towns. They are coin operated.
Telegrams and telexes can only be sent from hotels where the facility exists. Otherwise, the nearest NITEL office will serve the purpose gladly. There are fax and facsimile facilities.
There are may newspapers in English, most of them are national in outlook. There are, however, some provincial newspapers, and their number is growing, especially in the major cities. Foreign newspapers and magazines are available at the lobbies of most international hotels and airports. Nigeria magazines cover substantial foreign news.
The Nigeria Television Authority has a network of stations which covers all of the states of the federation. In Lagos state alone, there are three. Almost all of the states have a television station each. You will have a choice of, at least, two channels in almost every location in the country. Where you are lucky, you may have as many as five stations. The Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria also operates a network of broadcasting stations all over the country. Like television, most state governments have their state radio broadcasting station. Many states also have FM stations, which are more of entertainment with music from all over the world are shown. Broadcast are English are the main local languages. There are fourteen private TV stations now in Nigeria.
As in many countries, medical services or hospital care are borne by visitors themselves. If any travel insurance plan exists in your country of origin, please take one. No reciprocal national health service agreement exists in Nigeria. Private clinics and hospitals manned by qualified practitioners exist, even in rural towns. Government owned hospitals and teaching hospitals exist in major towns.
The main voltage in Nigeria is 220 volts. If you bring along any electrical equipment with 110 volts, remember to bring along a converter.
Nigeria operates a metric system, through the Imperial measure is still usually referred to. Cloth is sold in meters and yards, beef in kilograms, and petrol in liters. Distance is marked in kilometers, and temperature in centigrade.
World renown hotel groups, like the Hilton, Le Meridien, Hyatt, and Sheraton, run hotels in Nigeria. There are, however, Nigerian owned hotel groups that have been proved beyond any doubt that they are masters in the hospitality industry. These include Areya Hotels, which are a fine branch of hotels in Nigeria.
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Last Update: 5/1/1997