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| Entry Regulations / General Information |
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Entry for German Nationals |
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Travellers must hold a visa; a national passport valid for at least six months beyond the period of stay, a confirmation from a travel agency, and a letter of invitation must be submitted on application (among other documents). The visa application takes approximately two weeks (in the case of an application in person approximately one week). All correspondence must be in English.
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Geographical Location |
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To the north, the Federal Republic of Nigeria (West Africa) is bordered by Chad and Niger, to the south by the Gulf of Guinea, and to the west by the People's Republic of Benin. Nigeria is situated between 4° and 14° northern latitude, and between 4° and 14° eastern longitude.
Total area: 923,768km˛.
Administrative divisions: 36 states and the capital territory (Abuja Federal Capital Territory).
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Population |
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Population: approximately 120 million.
Cities (approximate numbers; the corresponding federal states are listed in brackets): Abuja (capital) 300,000; Lagos 6-7 million.
The population numbers listed below apply to the federal states noted in brackets: Ibadan (Oyo, 3.4 million), Kano (Kano, 5.7 million); Oshogbo (Osun, 2.2 million); Ilorin (Kwara, 1.6 million); Abeokuta (Ogun, 2.4 million); Port Harcourt (Rivers, 4 million); Kaduna (Kaduna, 4 million); Maiduguri (Borno, 2.6 million); Enugu (Enugu, 3.2 million); Benin City (Edo, 2.2 million); Katsina (Katsina, 3.9 million); Jos (Plateau, 3.3 million); Sokoto (Sokoto, 4.4 million).
Other cities: Akure (Ondo), Asaba (Delta), Awka (Anambra), Bauchi (Bauchi), Birnin Kebbi (Kebbi), Calabar (Cross River), Damaturu (Yobe), Dutse (Jigawa), Jalingo (Taraba), Lokoja (Kogi), Makurdi (Benue), Minna (Niger), Owerri (Imo), Umuahia (Abia), Uyo (Akwa Ibom), Yola (Adamawa).
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Language |
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The official language in Nigeria is English. There are a further 400 languages spoken, but Hausa, Yoruba and Ibo are the main languages used as lingua franca.
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Time Difference |
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Central European Time (CET).
During European summer time the time difference is CET -1 hour.
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Electricity |
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220V alternating current, 50Hz.
Three-pole plugs are required. Appropriate adapters can usually be purchased in major cities; however, travellers are recommended to buy an adapter already at home if possible. In Nigeria, there are frequent power failures, and the electric current is prone to fluctuations.
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Postal Service |
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Air mail to Europe takes up to three weeks to arrive, and is not always reliable. Travellers are recommended to use international courier services.
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Telephone |
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The international dialling code for calls from Western Europe to Nigeria is 00234; in the case of calls from Nigeria to Western Europe, the prefix "009" must be dialled prior to the relevant international country code (for example in the case of calls to Germany: 009-49). Telegrams can be sent from all major cities.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS: Police 199, ambulance and fire brigade 999.
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Mobile Phones |
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Mobile network technologies: GSM 900/1800.
Information for users of mobile phones registered with German network providers: Mobile phones connected to the E-Plus, O2 or T-Mobile networks can be used due to international roaming agreements. Travellers intending to use other mobile phones are advised to contact their network provider for detailed information.
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Internet |
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Country code suffix: .ng
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Public Holidays |
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1st January (New Year), Good Friday, Easter Monday, 1st May (Labour Day), Whit Monday, 1st October (Independence Day), 25th and 26th December (Christmas); additionally, there are various annual movable Islamic public holidays.
The main holiday season ranges from mid-December to early January, from end-March to mid-April and from early July to early September.
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Opening Hours |
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Banks: Mon 8a.m.-3p.m., Tues to Fri 8a.m.-1p.m.; (NIB - Nigeria International Bank) Mon to Fri 7:30a.m.-4p.m.;
Shops: Mon to Fri 9a.m.-6p.m., Sat 9a.m.-4p.m.;
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Clothes |
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Light, airy and easily washable summer clothes are needed throughout the year; travellers should also take light woollen clothes for the evenings, particularly when staying in the north or in the highlands. Sturdy shoes and clothes are required for excursions. In commercial life, formal clothes - suit, white shirt and tie - are worn; evening dress is required for special occasions. Rainwear should invariably be carried as well as good sunglasses. In the case of long-term stays, metal suitcases should be taken. Air-condition systems are generally tuned for exceedingly cool temperatures. Dry cleaner's facilities are only rarely available; travellers are recommended not to use them.
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© 2001 All rights reserved TIP Gesellschaft für Touristik-Informations-Programme mbH, München Last updated: 14.03.2007 - Proposals, hints and contact - Copyright
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