English is the official language and widely used, though many other languages are also spoken.
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Nigerian currency is the Naira (NGN), which is divided into 100 kobo. Approved exchange facilities include the major hotels and the airport, but official rates are very high. It is illegal to change money on the street. Credit card fraud is a problem and visitors are advised against the use of credit cards throughout the country; credit card facilities are also limited. Facilities for changing travellers cheques are also very limited. Prior to travel, visitors should ensure they have a variety of currency options available to them (Sterling, US dollars or Euros) in cash. Travellers should be aware of the prevalence of commercial fraud in, and emanating from, Nigeria.
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The country code for Nigeria is +234, and the outgoing international code is 009, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00927 for South Africa). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)1 for Lagos, (0)9 for Abuja. Full international direct dialling is available. There are good GSM 900 and 1800 mobile phone networks covering Lagos, Abuja and some other major towns. Internet cafes can be found in major cities.
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In restaurants a 10 per cent tip is adequate if a service charge hasn't already been added. Negotiate taxi fares before embarking on a journey; remember that fares are usually increased for tourists so tipping isn't necessary. Porters should be tipped accordingly.
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Violent street crime, armed robberies, muggings and car jackings are prevalent in Lagos and elsewhere in the more populous south of the country. Recent gang violence in central Port Harcourt means that visitors should take care when travelling around the town. Security at Port Harcourt has been increased due to safety concerns, but visitors need to be vigilant and cautious. Numerous hazards await unwary and uninformed visitors, from bogus greeters at the airport, to scams involving efforts to extort money from visitors' relatives back home and even taking hostages for ransom. Visitors should ensure that their local hosts and/or family and friends at home know their travel plans. The reliability of domestic airlines has also been questioned due to numerous accidents. There are frequent outbreaks of civil unrest and violence, usually caused by ethnic tensions and strikes often cause disruption to transport and other services. Following riots in Kano, travellers are advised to be extremely cautious in the northern region. Travellers are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations. Fuel shortages often occur, adding to uncertainty for road travel that is already hazardous because of the risk of armed robbery and car jackings, particularly in traffic jams and rural areas. Public transport is extremely dangerous with buses and taxis poorly maintained and fraud and criminal activity rife among drivers. Travellers are strongly advised to avoid the Bakassi Peninsula on the border with Cameroon. The Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa States should also be avoided, particularly the riverine areas and Port Harcourt, due to hostage-taking; workers are being kidnapped on an almost daily basis, and further threats have been issued. All but essential travel to Akwa Ibom State should also be avoided. Oil facilities have been attacked and expatriate oil workers seized, and in 2007 there was an increase in attacks offshore, with abductions taking place from oil rigs.
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Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required by anyone arriving from infected areas, and immunisation is recommended for all visitors travelling outside the main cities. No other vaccinations are required for entry to Nigeria, but there is a high risk of malaria, typhoid and hepatitis (A & B) and visitors should seek the latest medical advice on inoculations at least three weeks prior to departure. At present there is a high risk of polio infection in northern Nigeria, as well as regular outbreaks of cholera and meningitis. HIV/AIDS is prevalent. Nigeria has the world's highest rate of Onchocerciasis, or river blindness, which is caused by black flies that breed in fast-flowing rivers. Bilharzia, dengue fever and sleeping sickness also occur. The first case of bird flu in Africa was detected on a poultry farm in northern Nigeria in February 2006. There is little risk to visitors provided all situations that would bring close contact with live wild, caged or domestic birds are avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes are well cooked. There is a risk of food poisoning; visitors should only drink bottled water and ensure that meat and vegetables are well cooked and eaten hot, and fruit is peeled. There are some adequate private hospitals, but government facilities are of low standard and should be avoided. Most foreign companies have arrangements with private clinics and hospitals for their expatriate workers. Individuals needing specialised treatment for acute illness or severe injury are usually evacuated to Europe or South Africa. Good, comprehensive insurance is strongly advised, and should include evacuation.
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Electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz. Round and square three-pin plugs are used.
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