Visa Requirements

Save for citizens of countries within the ECOWAS region, all other delegates are required to enter Nigeria with valid visas. The Nigerian visa can be obtained from the Nigerian Embassy or High Commission in the delegate’s country of origin. But for delegates who are citizens of countries where there is no Nigerian Embassy or High Commission, visas would be issued to them at the point of entry into Nigeria, and that is, an international airport. However, such delegates are required to forward photocopies of their international passports and such other information as full names, date of birth, place of issue of international passport, date of expiry of the passport, flight details and two current passport photographs to Doxa Digital Services Limited, the official Visa procurement agency for RPM-05.

Vaccinations

Nigeria’s only mandatory health requirement is a yellow fever vaccination. Anti – malaria medication is recommended. However, participants are requested to check with the health authorities in their respective countries.

Banking

Nigeria has 90 banks excluding the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which is the banker’s bank. These banks are located in different parts of the Country and have overseas branches and correspondent banks. Many of these banks operate on-line real time.

Electrical current

220V, 50 Hz (2 pin round& 3 pin UK type)

Climate

Nigeria is generally recognized as having perhaps the most agreeable climate in West Africa. The southwest monsoon wind blows from the Atlantic Ocean towards the hinterland thus bringing rainfall as from April to September. The northeast trade wind, which is hot, dry, and dust –laden, blows from the Sahara Desert between October and March, having a cooling effect on the entire country. The intensity of both of these winds diminishes inland. The mean temperature oscillates between 25 and 40 centigrade, while the rainfall ranges from 2,650 mm in the southeast to less than 600mm in some parts of the north, mainly on the fringes of the Sahara Desert.

Local Time

The local time is Greenwich Mean Time + 1 (GMT + 1).

Transport and Communication

Nigeria is accessible through the land, sea and air routes. The country has many sea ports located in Apapa, Tin Can Island, Calabar, Port Harcourt, Warri, Sapele and Onne Ports. In addition to many airports which serve inter and intra-state travelers, there are four international airports in Ikeja (Murtala Mohammed International Airport), Aminu Kano International Airport, Port Harcourt International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Nigeria has a thriving Telecommunications sector which is adjudged as the fastest growing on the continent of Africa. The industry is deregulated and private-sector driven. The industry has revolutionized the nation’s economy and trails behind oil and gas in terms of contribution to the national economy.

Exchange Rate

1 Pound Sterling = NGN 238.6916
100 US $ = NGN 13 350
5,000 CFA = NGN 1 250
Please note that the rate changes from time to time.

Location

Nigeria lies on the west coast of Africa between 4 and 14 degrees north latitude and between 2 and 15 degrees east longitude. It occupies approximately 923,768 square kilometers of land, stretching from the Gulf of Guinea on the Atlantic coast in the south to the fringes of the Sahara Desert in the north. The territorial boundaries are defined by the Republics of Niger and Chad in the north, the Cameroon Republic on the east, and the Republic of Benin in the west. The Gulf of Guinea delimits the southern boundary.

History

The Federal Republic of Nigeria is made up of 36 States and a Federal Capital Territory located at the centre of the country. The States are subdivided into 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs). The 36 states are also grouped into six geopolitical zones that reflect ethnic and cultural identity in most cases. These are South East, South – South, South West, North Central, North East and North West. Nigerian history as a nation-state dates back to 1914 when the British Colonial administration merged or amalgamated the North and South protectorates and the Colony of Lagos into one administrative unit. Nigeria became an independent nation-state on 1st October 1960 and acquired the status of a Republic in 1963. Immediately after independence, the country ran the Westminster type of democracy. However, the American – type Presidential system of Government was introduced in 1979 and is currently in practice in the country. Nigeria is a very heterogeneous country with 374 identifiable ethnic groups, but the Igbos, Hausas and Yorubas are the major groups.

Size and Growth Rates

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa ranking tenth in the World. The present estimate is put at about 120 million. The country has 3.0% population growth rate. With a very large population, Nigeria remains Africa’s largest market for goods and services as well as a large pool of human resources for development. People under 15 years of age constitute 45% of the total national population, whereas those aged 60 and above constitute 3.3% of the total population of the Country.

Economy

Nigeria is reputed to be one of the most endowed countries in Africa, with abundant natural and human resources. Nigeria has highly resourceful, skilled and entrepreneurial citizens. The bulk of national revenue is derived from exports of crude oil, mineral and agricultural products. Nigeria is one of the World’s major exporters of crude oil and a prominent member of OPEC.

Tourist Attractions

Nigeria boasts of several historical monuments, archives, museums, exotic beaches, caves, lakes, rivers, mountains, hot springs, cultural festivals, durbar and boat regatta etc. There are several hotels of international standards in the major cities of the country. Abuja, the new sprawling national capital has a lot of choice hotels like Nicon Hilton, Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Le Meridian, Bolingo Hotel and Towers PLC, Rock View Hotels, Protea, etc, where guests are treated to warm and unique hospitability of the people of Nigeria.