Important Things You Must Know Before Travelling To Nigeria

Few years ago Nigeria was regarded as the giant of Africa in terms of population and GDP. After the 2015 elections, many things changed. We moved from being the giant of Africa into RECESSION. Right now, the country is still in recession. 

I am here to give tips to those who wish to visit Nigeria. Nigeria is still and  will be a great country despite all she is facing right now. Nigerians are never say never people!

Like we all know, as tourist, one needs to get all the information he could about a country he is visiting. This enables one to have a good vacation/visit.

Below are some critical stuffs you have to think about or simply mull over when intending to go to Nigeria. 

MALARIA 

Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease affecting humans and other animals caused by parasitic protozoans (a group of single-celled microorganisms) belonging to the Plasmodium type. Malaria causes symptoms that typically include fever, feeling tired, vomiting, and headaches (Source: Wikipedia).

Nigeria is a tropical nation and in this way, it is important to protect yourself against Malaria. Ensure you take anti-malaria drugs prescribed by your doctor before coming, while your are and after leaving!

Vaccination 

Nigerian law requires each visitor to have immunizations against yellow fever before entering the nation. 

This is critical since the outcome of not having a good documented yellow fever vaccinations could prompt a visitor being denied entry at the airport. 

Money 

The Nigerian unit of money is the Naira, with notes issued in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 and 1000 Naira. Tourists may bring foreign currencies as much as they want but such cash must be declared at the point of arrival to avoid forfeiture if found.

Dialects/Languages 

The official language in Nigeria is English language and it's used at all levels of administration, for example, law, business and education. It is spoken with fluency by large number of people and Nigeria is the largest English speaking country in Africa! 

Be that as it may, there are three noteworthy ethnic dialects: Hausa, generally spoken in the north, Yoruba broadly spoken in the West and Igbo generally spoken in the East. Different Languages incorporate Kanuri, Edo and so forth. 

My discussion under language would be incomplete without PDGIN English. The major language that connects Nigerians apart from English language is Pidgin. Infact, some radio stations like Wazobia, Faaji FM, Naija FM etc communicate with their listeners in Pidgin language. While English people say 'how are you', Nigerians use Pidgin to greet 'how you dey'! Pidgin language is very interesting and it could be very funny to ears when you hear it for the first time especially with the fact that it has some resmblances with the English language.

Airport Customs 

Tourists to Nigeria are permitted at least 4 liters of alcoholic beverage and 200 cigarettes obligation free. Tourists may export gifts, and also a few articles (e.g. animal skins and antiques) but they are required to get export permit to do so.

Illicit medications of any depiction are not permitted into Nigeria. It would be  ideal if you check with a Nigerian Embassy, Consulate or High Commission closest to you for current data before flight. 

TIME 

Nigeria is 1 hour faster when using GMT. This implies that amid sunshine it would be 1:00 p.m in London but 2:00 p.m. in Nigeria and 9:00 am in New York City. This is why Super Sports for instance prefer using Central African time because it is the same with London time.

Public Holidays 

*New Year's Day, *Id-el-Kabir, * Good Friday, *Easter Monday, *May Day, *Id-El-Maulud, *Oct 01: Independence Day, *Id-el-Fitri, *Dec 25: Christmas, *Dec 26: Boxing Day.

NOTE: Dates are not included for some holidays because exact dates are given by the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs 

Power/Electricity 

Nigeria as a country uses 220 volts, but most hotels have 220 volts for electric shavers. A converter is required for electric hardware intended for 110 volts. 

Banking and Office Hours

There are more than 100 commercial and merchant banks with many branches all over the nation. Banks open between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays except GTB that open 8:00 a.m and closes 5:00 p.m. Some banks operate on Saturdays bewteen 8:00 a.m and 12:00 p.m 

Business hours in Government workplaces are 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; in the private area, available time are 8:00 a.m or 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or 6:00pm, Monday to Friday.

These are the few things you must know as a foreigner travelling to Nigeria.

Thanks for reading this!