Nigeria

Summary: Nigeria is in western Africa between Niger and the Gulf of Guinea and has plains in the north rising to central hills and plateaus and dropping down to southern lowlands with some mountains in the southeast, all cut by the Niger and Benue rivers. After successfully moving into a democratic system of government, Nigeria has an economy based on oil and subsistence agriculture and is committed to economic reforms through the slow privatization of oil refineries and deregulation of the fuel sector.
Capital: Abuja
Time Zone: UTC+1
Population: 146,255,312
Languages: English, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Fulani
Power: 240V, 50 Hz
Currency: Naira - Currently 1 NGN = 0.0064 USD $
Climate: The Nigerian climate varies, from equatorial in the south, tropical in the center, to arid in the north. Seasonally, it has a cooler, dry winter from December to March with dusty Harmattan winds, and a hotter and more humid summer from June to September. - Currently 85º, Abuja Weather Forecasts

Destinations

Abuja: Abuja is the official capital in name, but is still a quiet place with few distractions, including natural rock formations, the Abuja Plant Nursery and the National Arboretum. Around 250 miles to the east is the Yankari National Park, a nature reserve that offers walks and trails to view the elephants, hippos, even a lion or two, swimming in the Wikki Warm Spring, and chalets and a restaurant in case you want to stay overnight.

Lagos : No longer the capital, Lagos still has the hustle, bustle and attractions of the second biggest city in Africa. Take a trip to Ikoyi or Victoria Islands, the nicer pair of islands with colonial houses make these elite areas comfortable, then to Lagos Island, the heart of the city, with night clubs, shopping malls, restaurants, and the National Museum, with a surprisingly good collection of antiques and artifacts. Take a day trip 100 miles northeast to Oshogbo for the Oja Oba Market, with Yoruba art and juju handicrafts, and to wonder at the shrines and statues in the Sacred Forest. Kano: Once an Arab trading center, Kano sits 200 miles away from Abuja on the edge of  the Sahel and dates back a thousand years. Admire the ruined mud wall that still surrounds the city, and the main Kofar Mata Gate that still stands. In the same area, you can see the Central Mosque, although closed to non-Muslims it is a beautiful work of art, and the Emir’s palace, from the outside, at least, then enter the Gidan Makama Museum, a restored 15th century building worth a visit, or just shop in the Kurmi Market.

Tips

Local Customs: In the northern Muslim areas, modest dress and behavior are expected, particularly from women, who should cover their arms to the elbow and legs. In the south, the British colonial influence means that more casual dress is accepted and handshakes are common. In all cases, respect the beliefs you encounter and avoid figuratively stepping on anyone's toes and you will find the locals friendly and generous.
Cash on Hand: Because of the potential for fraud, leave your credit cards behind. Banks are open weekdays until the early afternoon and will help exchange currencies or cash traveller’s checks. Cash, in particular, is important to have, so keep some on hand to help negotiate either a good purchase or a bad situation.

Bribery: Bribery is still common throughout the country, from customs employees to police officials or military roadblocks. Of course, at night, it can be hard to tell who is who, but handing over a few dollars will make them go away. Bringing an extra copy of your passport may help in some situations in case yours gets taken.

When To Visit: The cooler temperatures of winter make travel the easiest, and the Muslim festivals marking the end of Ramadan and Tabaski are popular and colorful, and the Argungu Fishing and Cultural Festival in mid-February is fun to attend, with barehanded fishermen and water sport competitions.

Food: Nigerian cooking is based on rices, stews and soups, with palm wine a popular local concoction. Buka, or roadside stalls, are the best and cheapest place to get local dishes, which can include the simple efo, or vegetable soup, to tuwo, a porridge-like dish of maize and or millet often served with a soup or sauce, to egusi, a spicy stew with red peppers and beef.

Tipping: Follow standard tipping rules and add a 10% gratuity if a service charge hasn’t already been added to your bill, and negotiate the tip into the fare when hailing a taxi.

Safety and Security: Be cautious when traveling near the Cameroon border and in the north of the country and don’t travel at night. Keep a low profile and avoid any overt displays of wealth, and be particularly vigilant in larger cities and around the southern river delta. Always ask before taking a picture, and be careful when dealing with the military or police. At the airports, keep a constant eye on your baggage and don't act in a hurry.