The Nation

Nigeria is located on the west coast of Africa bordered to the north by Niger and Chad , to the west by Benin and the east by Cameroon right down to the Atlantic Ocean , which forms the southern limits of the Nigerian Territory . Nigeria covers 923,770 sq kilometres and is the most populous black country in Africa and the world - 120 million (approximately) , diverse in people and culture.

Nigeria has about 800km of coastline, which means the country has the potentials of being a maritime power. There is also an abundance of land for agricultural, industrial and commercial purposes.

The Federal Republic of Nigeria consists of thirty-six states, with the Federal Capital Territory located in the geographical middle of the country with the administrative headquarters in Abuja its capital city, since the move from the former capital of Lagos, which however remains the country’s economic capital and main gateway into Nigeria .

Nigeria operates a three tiers system of government: the Federal Government, the State Governments and the various Local and Municipal Councils of the federation.

Nigeria ’s official language is English, spoken alongside indigenous languages the major ones being Hausa, Ibo and Yoruba.

The Economy

With a population of over 120 million people, Nigeria is obviously the largest market in sub Saharan Africa with a manpower base of varying skill levels that ensure efficient and effective management of investment within the country.

A wide network of motorable all-season roads, railway tracks, inland waterways, maritime and air transportation, ensures good links and easy movement within the country and internationally.

The main Sea ports in Nigeria are located in Lagos (Apapa, Tin-can Island ), Warri, Port Harcourt , Onne Deep Sea and Hub Port , Calabar (EPZ) and the major airports in Lagos , Kano , Port Harcourt , Abuja , Enugu , Kaduna , Maiduguri , Ilorin , Jos, Owerri, Calabar, Yola, Sokoto. The main commercial cities include Lagos , Onitsha , Kano , Ibadan , Port Harcourt , Aba , Maiduguri , Jos, Kaduna , Warri , Benin , Nnewi.

Economic outlook in Nigeria is promising with a huge potential for growth. Nigeria operates a mixed economy, which accommodates individuals, small businesses as well corporate organisations and government agencies, to invest in almost all ranges of economic activities.

The government of Nigeria has introduced many measures to encourage investments, productivity and economic growth. The effects of these can be seen in the growth now occurring in the productive sectors, the reduction of the debt burden and the stabilised exchange rate of the Naira. The current and ongoing privatisation drive is also a measure taken by the government of Nigeria to disengage itself from private-sector oriented activities, which then leaves the Government in the role of facilitator and ensures concentration on the provision of incentives, policy and infrastructure necessary to enhance the development of the privat e sector's role as an engine of economic growth

Nigeria has an industrial policy focused on the following areas:

* Generation of productive employment
* Increased productivity;
* Increased export of locally manufactured goods;
* Geographical dispersal of industries;
* Improved technological skills and capability available in the country;
* Increased local content of industrial output by looking inward for the supply of basic and intermediate inputs;
* Attract direct foreign investment;
* Increased private sector participation.

Although rich in oil, the sixth largest exporter in the world, Nigeria is blessed with a variety of natural resources on which a number of industries in Nigeria are based, namely:

Refineries and petrochemicals : Kaduna , Warri, Port Harcourt , Eleme.
Iron and Steel : Ajaokuta, Warri, Oshogbo , Katsina, Jos
Fertiliser : Onne - Port Harcourt , Kaduna , Minna, Kano
Liquefied Natural Gas : Bonny
Aluminium Smelter : Ikot Abasi, Port Harcourt

The nation’s currency is the NAIRA; N1.00 = 100k (one naira = hundred kobo)