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Destination - Abuja, Nigeria NIGERIA Nigeria has borders with Niger to the north, Chad (across Lake Chad) to the northeast, Cameroon to the east and Benin to the west. To the south, the Gulf of Guinea is indented by the Bight of Benin and the Bight of Biafra. The country’s topography and vegetation vary considerably. The coastal region is a low-lying area of lagoons, sandy beaches and mangrove swamps, which merges into an area of rainforest where palm trees grow to over 30m (100ft). From here, the landscape changes to savannah and open woodland, rising to the Central Jos Plateau at 1,800m (6,000ft). The northern part of the country is desert and semi-desert, marking the southern extent of the Sahara. ABUJA Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria. It is located in the centre of Nigeria in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Abuja is a planned city, as it was mainly built in the 1980s and officially became Nigeria's capital on 12 December 1991, replacing the role of the previous capital, Lagos. As of the 2006 census, the Federal Capital Territory has a population of 778,567. Abuja's geography is defined by Aso Rock, a 400-metre monolith left by water erosion. The Presidential Complex, National Assembly, Supreme Court and much of the town extend to the south of the rock. "Aso" means "victorious" in the language of the (now displaced) Asokoro ("the people of victory"). The city is served by the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, while Zuma Rock lies nearby. Abuja is known for being the best purpose-built city in Africa as well as being one of the wealthiest and most expensive; however, the population on the semi-developed edges of the city are living in shanty towns such as Karu. General landmarks: Millennium Tower (Abuja) U/C, Central Bank of Nigeria headquarters, Nigerian Presidential Complex, Ship house, Ministry of Defence building, Aso Rock, official residence of the President of Nigeria, Zuma Rock, NNPC towers, Abuja International Conference Centre African Hall, Gurara Falls, Eagle Square, National Assembly building in Abuja, Central District, Nigerian Communications Commission building, Maitama District home of the embassies, National Library, National Mosque, National Ecumenical Centre (National Church), Abuja Stadium, The Velodrome , Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Strabag Hills, Usuma Dam, Usuma River, Jabi River ,Gurara River, Abuja Love Garden, Abuja Amusement Park, Abuja Zoological Park, IBB Golf Centre, Ecowas Secretariat, National Women Development Centre, Ushafa Pottery Centre, Ladi Kwali Pottery Centre, Giri Pottery Centre, Millennium park. Leisure centres: National Park and Zoo, Maitama, Wonderland Amusement Park MAIN AIRPORTS (APPLICABLE FOR THE CONFERENCE)
Getting Around By Air The former national carrier, Nigeria Airways, has now been liquidated but the new airline Virgin Nigeria (website: www.virginnigeria.com) operates domestic flights to Abuja and Port Harcourt. Charter facilities are available in Lagos from Aero Contractors (website: www.acn.aero). It is advisable to book internal flights well in advance. There is often considerable delay in internal air services. Lack of fuel sometimes disrupts internal commercial air travel and flights may be cancelled at short notice. Getting Around by Road Traffic drives on the right. The national road system links all the main centres, although in some areas secondary roads become impassable during the rains. Buses and taxis (or ‘bush taxis’ in the shape of Ford Transit vans) run between the main towns. Car hire is not difficult to obtain in Lagos and Abuja, but it is best to go through hotels. Chauffeur-driven cars are advised. Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required, accompanied by two passport-size photos. Abuja runs an efficient Bus Rapid Transit System and a green cab system. Abuja has modernized extensive freeways connected by flyovers and bridges. TRAVEL TIPS CLIMATE Varies from area to area. The southern coast is hot and humid with a rainy season from March to November. During the dry season, the Harmattan, wind blows from the Sahara. The north’s rainy season is from July to September. Nights can be cold in December and January. The FCT (Abuja) experiences three weather conditions annually. This includes a warm, humid rainy season and a blistering dry season. In between the two seasons, there is a brief interlude of Harmattan occasioned by the North East Trade Wind, with the main feature of dust haze, intensified coldness and dryness. The rainy season begins from April and ends in October, when daytime temperatures reach 28-30 degrees Celsius and night time lows hover around 22-23 degrees Celsius. In the dry season, daytime temperatures can soar as high as 40 degrees and nighttime temperatures can dip to 12 degrees, resulting in chilly evenings. Even the chilliest nights can be followed by daytime temperatures well above 30 degrees. The high altitudes and undulating terrain of the FCT act as moderating influence on the weather of the territory. Rainfall in the FCT reflects the territory's location on the windward side of the Jos Plateau and the zone of rising air masses. The annual total rainfall is in the range of 1100 mm to 1600 mm. Lightweight cottons and linens are worn, with a warm wrap advisable in the north. Rainwear is essential during the rainy season. CONVERSIONS: DISTANCE AND TEMPERATURE Distances throughout Nigeria are given in miles. 1 mile = 1.62 kilometres. Temperature is given in degrees Celsius. CURRENCY AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE Currency Exchange The Nigerian currency is Naira. The government of Nigeria has fixed an artificially high rate for local currency (the Naira) in terms of its value in exchange for foreign currencies. However, trading on the black market is extremely dangerous and could lead to arrest. Therefore, visitors are advised to exchange currency at the official rate and at approved exchange facilities, which often include major hotels. Inter-bank transfers are frequently difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish. As at Feb 10, 2009, the following rates apply: GBP1.00 = NGN193.18 USD1.00 = NGN132.30 EUR1.00 = NGN171.51 ZAR1.00 = NGN14.58 Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are rarely accepted in Nigeria and, because of the prevalence of credit card fraud, their use is ill-advised. Traveller's Cheques Facilities for changing traveller’s cheques are limited to Abuja and larger towns. Banking Hours Mon 08:00-15:00, Tue-Fri 08:00-13:30. ELECTRICITY 240 volts AC, 50Hz. EMERGENCIES Dial 199 for any of these 3 services: police, medical, fire. ETIQUETTE Nigeria is warm all-year, except for the occasional harmattan chill and some frigid temperatures on elevated areas like Jos and Pankshin in Plateau State and Obudu in Cross River State. Pack light cotton-based, comfortable clothing and a hat or cap and pairs of sandals for casual pursuits. No provocative dressing, please especially in the north or in the villages. For business meetings, pack a suit. Nigerian official dressing is conservative and formal. Dressing often determines the kind of reception you get and improper or casual dressing at an official engagement is not encouraged. But shirtsleeves and a tie are usually sufficient. Donning a traditional Nigerian attire is almost always a plus and conversation-starter. A foreigner in Nigerian clothing receives great admiration and trust. It is a good way to impress and earn confidence. Nigerian clothing is usually a loose embroidered or floral top and a pair of slacks or baggy shorts, or wrapper (a sari-like piece of colourful ankle-length cloth wrapped around the waist, for women). They come in a variety of colours, designs and textures – and prices. The clothing etiquette is different in the north, which has strong Arabic influence. Most workers and business people put on flowing robes – most of them white – or equally acceptable but more casual kaftans, with cuff links, and sandals. Nigerian wears do not require socks. FACILITIES FOR THE DISABLED Facilities for disabled travellers are limited at the airports. Few International hotels in larger cities make provisions for wheel chair users. HEALTH AND IMMUNISATION The government-provided health care facilities are of a poor standard and are subject to shortages of drugs, equipment, materials and even electricity. It is advisable to take a sufficient supply of drugs or medication to meet personal needs. However, there are some adequate private facilities where the standards approach those of Europe. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. There is no reciprocal health agreement with the UK. Medical insurance is essential. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by travelers over one year of age arriving within six days from infected areas. Travelers arriving from non-endemic zones should note that vaccination is strongly recommended for travel outside the urban areas, even if an outbreak of the disease has not been reported and they would normally not require a vaccination certificate to enter the country. Polio and typhoid both occur. Malaria risk exists all year throughout the country. The predominant falciparum strain has been reported to be resistant to chloroquine. LANGUAGE The official language is English. A variation of English (Pidgin English) is also spoken. The three main Nigerian languages are Yoruba, Ibo (also spelt Igbo) and Hausa; another 400 languages are also spoken in the country. MEDICAL SERVICES While Nigeria has many well-trained doctors, medical facilities in Nigeria are in poor condition, with inadequately trained nursing staff. Diagnostic and treatment equipment is most often poorly maintained, and many medicines are unavailable. Hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. PASSPORTS AND VISAS A passport and visa are required. The visa must be obtained in advance from a Nigerian Embassy or Consulate. Visas cannot be obtained on arrival at the airport. Application for Nigerian Visas can now be done online from anywhere on the globe. Application guidelines are also available online. Visit www.immigration.gov.ng for the most current visa information: Visa Application Guideline Entry Visa Application Form Re-Entry Visa Application Form RULES OF THE ROAD Nigeria drives on the RIGHT. The speed limit in Nigeria is 120 kilometres per hour. All drivers and passengers are reminded to wear seat belts, lock doors, and raise windows. It is important to secure appropriate automobile insurance. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence. It is recommended that short-term visitors not drive in Nigeria. A Nigerian driver's license can take months to obtain, and to date an international driving permit is not recognized. Major hotels offer reliable car-hire services complete with drivers. Reliable car-hire services can also be obtained at the customer service centres at the airports in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano. SAFETY AND SECURITY As in any foreign country, travellers should take a few basic precautions to ensure a safe and pleasant visit: •Never leave personal property unattended •Store valuables in your hotel’s safety deposit box •Keep your hotel room locked •Use reliable taxi services •Avoid displaying expensive jewellery and cameras •Do not carry large sums of money on your person •Stay away from dark, isolated areas •When travelling by car, plan your route in advance •Keep car doors locked and windows closed, and stay aware when stopped at a stoplight •When parked or driving, place valuables out of sight in the boot (trunk) •Never give strangers a lift SHOPPING Markets are the most interesting places to shop. Shopping hours are generally Mon-Fri 08:00-17:00, Sat 08:00-16:30. Malls and shopping centres include: Ceddi Plaza, Downtown Mall, Silverbird Galleria, Grand Square, Park 'N Shop, Sahad Stores and Maitama Stores. STANDARD TIME GMT + 1. TELEPHONES Abuja telephone dialling codes: International: +234 -9- National: 09- To call internationally out of Nigeria, dial 009 and then the country code. Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies. TIPPING In most bars and restaurant tips are not expected. But if tips were given, the recipient would show extreme, and sometimes colourful, gratitude. VAT (Value Added Tax) The value added tax (VAT) is currently set at 10%. VAT is payable on the importation of all goods and services, whether or not such importations attract customs duty or excise duty. All exported goods, basic food items, products meant for kids, books and educational materials etc are exempted from VAT. There is no VAT refund to tourists on purchases made in Nigeria. WATER Swan water is the safe drinking water to look for approx 80 naira for a big bottle. The cheap "pure water" sold in plastic bags is cheaper but not as "pure" as SWAN. EVA water, a brand by Coca Cola Company, is also recommended. |
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