Social Conventions Shaking hands with everyone is customary on meeting and departing. In Yorubaland, it is a sign of respect for women to curtsey when introduced and to enquire after relations, even if this is a first meeting. Unless the visitor knows someone well, it is unusual to be invited to a Nigerian’s home. Most entertaining, particularly in Lagos, takes place in clubs or restaurants. A small gift of appreciation is always welcome and business souvenirs bearing the company logo are also acceptable. Casual wear is suitable and a lightweight suit and tie are only necessary
for businesspeople on formal meetings; on most other occasions men will not need to wear a jacket, although a tie might be expected. Women should dress modestly, and respect local customs regarding dress, particularly in the Muslim north. It is inadvisable for women to wear trousers. There are over 250 tribes in Nigeria, the principal groups being the Hausa in the north, the Ibo (or Igbo) in the southeast and the Yoruba in the southwest. The larger of the minor groups are the Fulani, Idoma, Igala, Igbirra, Kanuri, Tiv and Nupe in the north; the Efik, Ekoi, Ibibio and Ijaw in the east; and the Edo, Itsekiri, Ijaw and Urhobo in the west. A result of this ethnic variety is the diversity of art, dance forms, language, music, customs and crafts. Nigerians have a very strong sense of ethnic allegiance.
International Travel:
Getting There by Air The national airline is Virgin Nigeria (website: www.virginnigeria.com).
Departure Tax None.
Main Airports Lagos (LOS) (Murtala Muhammed) is 22km (13 miles) north of Lagos. To/from the airport: Taxis to the city (journey time - 40 minutes) are available. Facilities: Restaurant, bar, snack bar, bank, post office, bureau de change, duty-free shop and car hire.
Note: Pickpockets and con artists, some posing as local immigration and other government officials, are especially common at Murtala Muhammed Airport.
Kano (KAN)is 8km (5 miles) north of Kano. To/from the airport: Taxis are available to the city (journey time - 25 minutes). Facilities: Restaurant, bank, post office, duty-free shop and car hire.
Abuja (ABV)is 35km (22 miles) from the city. To/from the airport: Taxis are available.
Getting There by Water Main ports: Lagos, Port Harcourt and Calabar. Other important ports include Warri and Sepele.
Getting There by Road Links are with Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger. The principal trans-Saharan routes pass through Nigeria from Niger. The principal link with Benin is via the Idoroko border point along the good coast road to Lagos.
Overview The following goods may be imported into Nigeria by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 200g of tobacco; 1l of spirits and 1l of wine; 284ml of perfume; gifts to the value of NGN300 (excluding jewelry, photographic equipment, electronics and luxury goods).
(a) If more than each of the above is imported, duty will be levied on the whole quantity. Heavy duty will be levied on luxury items such as cameras or radios unless the visitor’s stay is temporary. (b) It is forbidden to buy or sell antiques from or to anyone other than the Director of Antiquities or an accredited agent; visitors should obtain a clearance permit from one of the above before presenting antiques, artifacts or curios at the airport.
Champagne, sparkling wine, beer, mineral water and soft drinks; fruits, vegetables, cereals and eggs, whether fresh or preserved; jewelry and precious metals; textile fabrics and mosquito netting.
Internal Travel:
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 Water Ferry services operate along the south coast and along the Niger and Benue rivers. For timetables and prices, enquire locally.
Getting Around by Rail The two main routes are from Lagos to Kano (via Ibadan–Oyo–Ogbombosho–Kaduna–Zaria); and from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri (via Aba–Enugu–Makurdi–Jos). These two lines link up Kaduna and Kafanchan. There is also a branch line from Zaria to Gusau and Kaura Namoda. A daily service runs on both main routes. Sleeping cars are available, which must be booked in advance. There are three classes and some trains have restaurant cars and air conditioning. Trains are generally slower and less reliable than buses, but cheaper.
Getting Around by Road Traffic drives on the right. The national road system links all the main centers, although in some areas secondary roads become impassable during the rains. Reports of armed robberies in broad daylight on rural roads in the northern half of Nigeria have been reported and appear to be increasing. 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.
Getting Around Towns and Cities Public transport in Lagos operates in rather chaotic conditions. The city suffers from chronic traffic congestion, which makes it impossible for buses and taxis to operate efficiently, especially during the rush hours. There are many private bus companies and several thousand private minibuses. Taxis in Lagos are yellow and both fares and tip should be agreed in advance. A ferry service runs to Lagos Island.
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