Language: English is the official language and widely used, though many other languages are also spoken.
Currency: 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 travelers 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. Travelers should be aware of the prevalence of commercial fraud in, and emanating from,
Nigeria.
Time: Local time is GMT +1.
Electricity: Electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz. Round and square three-pin plugs are used.
Communications: 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 dialing 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.
Duty Free: Travelers to Nigeria over 18 years do not have to pay duty on either 200 cigarettes, 50 medium sized cigars or 200g tobacco. Also allowed are 1 liter spirits and 1 liter wine, perfume or eau de Cologne for personal use and gifts to the value of N300 (excluding jewelry, photographic equipment, electronics and luxury goods.). The following items carry substantial duty levies: Cameras, projectors and other electronic goods, unless visitors can provide proof of possession for at least three years or can submit a certificate of re-importation. Prohibited items include beer, mineral water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, fresh fruit and vegetables, textiles, mosquito netting, jewelry and precious metals, cereals and eggs.
Tourist OfficeNigerian
Tourist Office, Abuja: +234 (0)9 234 2764 or www.nigeriatourism.net
EmergencyEmergencies: 199 (Ambulance).
Embassies
Nigerian Embassy,
Washington DC,
United States: +1 202 986 8400.
Nigeria
High Commission,
London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7839 1244.
Nigeria High Commission,
Ottawa,
Canada: +1 613 236 0521/3.
Nigeria High Commission,
Canberra,
Australia (also responsible for
New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6282 7411.
Nigeria High Commission,
Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 0805/8.
Embassy of Nigeria,
Dublin,
Ireland: +353 (0)1 660 4366/4051.
Nigeria High Commission, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6282 7411.
United States Embassy, Abuja: +234 (0)9 461 4000.
British High Commission, Abuja: +234 (0)9 413 2010.
Canadian High Commission, Abuja: +234 (0)9 413 9910.
Australian High Commission, Abuja: +234 (0)9 461 2780.
South African High Commission, Abuja: +234 (0)9 413 3776.
Irish Embassy, Abuja: +234 (0)9 413 1751.
New
Zealand High Commission, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Nigeria): +44 20 7930 8422 .
