FAQ · Culture & Etiquette 59

The Port Harcourt Tourist Beach is a white sand urban beach located along Kolabi Creek in Rivers State. Visitors can enjoy the serene environment, the waves, and take walks through the hiking trails. It is a popular destination for both tourists and residents, especially young people looking for recreation. During the annual CARNIRIV cultural fiesta, visitors can watch an exciting boat regatta organized by the state. Because it is located on the edge of the city, guests can easily visit nearby hotels and restaurants for dinner and nightlife.

Nigeria has two World Heritage Sites as of 2023. The country became eligible for these inclusions after accepting the UNESCO convention on 23 October 1974. Beyond the official list, Nigeria has also listed thirteen properties on its tentative list as of 2026. These tentative sites are those that member states may consider for future nomination. To be officially inscribed, a site must first be included on the tentative list and meet at least one of the ten UNESCO criteria.

The National Commission for Museums and Monuments, also referred to as the National Museum of Nigeria, was founded in 1979 by the Federal Government. Its primary role is to handle the collection, documentation, conservation, and presentation of national cultural properties. These activities are carried out for the purposes of education, enlightenment, and entertainment. The commission manages 52 national museum outlets, 10 libraries, and 65 monuments across the country. It also oversees one academic institution and one zoological garden.

Landmark University is a private Christian university located in Omu-Aran, Kwara State. It is affiliated with the Living Faith Church Worldwide and was featured among the top five universities in Nigeria by Webometrics in 2014. The institution aims to improve the agricultural sector of Nigeria and Africa through various academic programs. It encourages students to pursue agriculture through scholarships, career talks, and specialized courses like Agri-preneurship. The university also manages 1,059 hectares of farming land across different locations in Kwara State.

Festac Town is a historic federal housing estate in Lagos that was originally built for participants of the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture in 1977. It was designed as a self-sufficient festival village and once served as a model of modern urban planning in Africa. Another notable area is Kirikiri, which is known for housing Nigeria's most famous high-security correctional facilities. This community is located in the eastern part of Satellite Town. Additionally, Amuwo serves as a significant commercial and industrial hub located to the south of the highway.

Lagos offers several points of interest for visitors exploring the city. One such landmark is the Cathedral Church of Christ located in Lagos. You can also visit other significant sites like Tafawa Balewa Square and Freedom Park. For those interested in art, the Nike Art Gallery is another notable destination. These locations provide various cultural experiences for travelers during their stay.

Nigeria offers several historical sites including the Palace of Alaafin in Oyo. You can also explore the old walled cities located in Kano, Katsina, and Zaria. For those interested in Nigerian art, the Igbo Ukwu Shrine in Imo is a notable destination. These locations provide a glimpse into the traditional structures and heritage of the country. Visitors can experience these cultural landmarks during their travels.

The architecture of Nigeria was historically shaped by environmental, social, and cultural factors. Colonialism and missionaries introduced new styles, such as Gothic revival for early churches in Lagos and neoclassical designs for government buildings. African returnees also influenced the adoption of a Brazilian building type that spread across the country. While many different styles emerged starting in the 1970s, earlier influences remain significant today. Many modern structures are still modified versions of Brazilian or colonial neoclassical architecture.

One significant event is the Akwaaba African Travel Market, which is held annually in Lagos. This event serves as the first travel market in West Africa and provides a platform for trade and networking. It showcases products from Africa and around the world to businesses, investors, and governments. The market helps exchange cultural and tourism potentials among many participating countries. Lagos state has endorsed this as the official designated travel event in the state.

Victoria Island is an affluent area that serves as the main business and financial centre of Lagos State. It is considered one of the most exclusive and expensive areas to reside in Lagos. The island is located near Lagos Island, Ikoyi, and the Lekki Peninsula by the Lagos Lagoon. While it was originally surrounded entirely by water, a land bridge was created by filling in eastern swamps. This development eventually connected the island to the Lekki Peninsula.

If you are looking to visit national parks in Nigeria, you have a few options available. You can visit Old Oyo National Park or Gashaka-Gumti National Park. These areas are part of the Guinean forest–savanna mosaic, which is a biologically diverse region. This ecosystem is of global importance due to its unique blend of forest and savanna habitats. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect the biodiversity found in these locations.

Nigeria faces significant challenges regarding food security and affordability. Many citizens live below the international poverty line, making it difficult to afford enough food. Factors such as climate change, including frequent droughts and floods, damage crops and livestock. Additionally, conflicts like the Boko Haram insurgency and farmer-herder disputes displace people and limit access to farmland. These issues, combined with economic challenges and unemployment, contribute to acute food insecurity across the country.

The Africa International Film Festival, also known as AFRIFF, is an annual event that takes place during November. It is the largest film festival in the country and is held in Lagos. This week-long festival promotes African and diasporic cinema through various screenings and awards. It also includes professional development and a market for buying and selling film and television content. The event has been held annually in Lagos since 2015, with the exception of 2020.

The 2025 edition of ART X featured various galleries and special projects to engage the community. Notable installations included MASS (Devotion) by Dennis Osadebe and Asoebi by Sokari Douglas Camp. The fair also expanded its educational focus through the Schools’ Programme and Kids’ Tours. These initiatives partnered with local schools and Teach for Nigeria to introduce children to art. Additionally, the ART X Talks programme featured notable figures like film director Mati Diop.

Afropolitan Vibes is a live music concert series and an annual music festival located in Lagos, Nigeria. Created in 2013, the platform is designed to showcase alternative music through contemporary singer/songwriters and vocalists. The performances are firmly rooted in African musical origins such as Afrobeat, Afrofunk, Afro-hiphop, Afro-pop, and Highlife. All acts perform with the 13-piece BANTU collective and no miming is allowed during the shows. The event also hosts smaller acoustic gigs known as Urban Sessions.

Traditional Igbo performing arts in the precolonial era are often described by scholars as total theatre. These performances primarily conveyed messages through music, dance, and symbolism rather than just spoken words. This form of theatre was deeply integrated into various festivals and ceremonies and was typically performed by amateurs. Examples include the Igbo masquerade drama, which originated from ancestral worship, as well as specific performances like Odo and Aba Ugwu. Additionally, Igbo poetry was a well-developed art form that served sociological needs and was originally transmitted orally between generations.

Yoruba music is well known for an advanced drumming tradition, particularly the use of dundun hourglass tension drums. These drums can imitate the sounds of Yoruba speech because the language is tonal in nature. There are four major families of Yoruba drums used in different musical genres and contexts. The Dundun family is common in styles like Juju and Afrobeat, while the Sakara family is used for ceremonies and weddings. Other families include the Gbedu, which was historically used by royal courts, and the Akuba drums used in Afrobeat.

Since the mid-2000s, many contemporary pop music figures have emerged from the city. This era saw local artists in Port Harcourt blending indigenous influences with genres like R&B, reggae, highlife, hip hop, and afrobeat. A unique tradition emerged where pop artists integrated rapped verses into their songs through featuring credits. Notable figures include Muma Gee, who gained nationwide spotlight with her 2006 album Kade, and Soty, who achieved a breakthrough with the song Malaria. Additionally, Duncan Mighty became a household name following the release of his album Koliwater.

The Nigerian motion picture industry, often called Nollywood, has a history dating back to the late 19th century. Its development is generally classified into four main eras including the Colonial era, Golden Age era, video film era, and the emerging New Nigerian cinema era. Film first arrived in the country through peephole viewing devices before being replaced by improved exhibition devices in the early 20th century. The first set of films was screened at the Glover Memorial Hall in Lagos in 1903. The industry saw significant changes after independence, especially when the Indigenization Decree of 1972 required the transfer of cinema ownership to Nigerians.

Nigerian literature is predominantly written in English, though it also encompasses various languages like Igbo, Urhobo, Yoruba, Hausa, and Nupe. Many important English-language authors in West Africa come from Nigeria, including milestone writers like Chinua Achebe. The country has produced several highly decorated authors, such as Nobel Prize winner Wole Soyinka and Booker Prize winner Ben Okri. Early modern authors like Amos Tutuola also contributed unique works that challenged traditional narrative conventions. Additionally, publications like Black Orpheus magazine have served as important forums for many Nigerian poets and writers.

Nigeria hosts several prominent galleries such as Affinity Art Gallery, Alexis Galleries, Nike Art Gallery, and O’DA Art. New emerging spaces like ADEGBOLA, AMG Projects, and Nomadic Art Gallery are also making an impact through focused solo exhibitions. Major exhibitions include large-scale installations like MASS (Devotion) by Dennis Osadebe and Asoebi by Sokari Douglas Camp. You can also find special projects such as the ART X ICON exhibition dedicated to J.D. ’Okhai Ojeikere. These venues and events offer a diverse range of contemporary art experiences for visitors.

If you are looking for handicrafts, the city of Aba in the south-eastern part of the country is a well-known location. This city is particularly famous for its production of shoes. These items are commonly referred to as Aba made. This area serves as a significant center for such local crafts.

Akara is a type of fritter made from peeled, washed, and ground cowpeas or beans. The bean paste is mixed with pepper, onions, and other seasonings before being beaten to aerate the batter. These small balls are then deep-fried in oil to create the final dish. While it can be fried in palm oil, the version fried in vegetable oil is more common as street food in Nigeria. This popular snack is sometimes referred to as bean cake in English.

Certain religious groups follow specific dietary codes that affect the consumption of hot drinks. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints consider coffee and tea to be taboo. This ban does not include hot cocoa or herbal teas. Additionally, members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church generally avoid caffeinated drinks. Some individuals may also avoid caffeine in cola drinks for health reasons.

If you are visiting Nsukka, you will find several options for shopping. The town features modern shopping facilities for your convenience. Additionally, there is a large market located within Nsukka town. These locations provide various ways to shop while you are in the area. Nsukka is also quite easily accessible from all parts of Nigeria.

The Tinapa Free Zone and Resort is intended to combine business and recreational functions with duty-free shopping. This resort is located to the north of the Calabar Free Trade Zone. The Calabar Free Trade Zone itself is an area north of the port of Calabar in Cross River State. Companies in this zone benefit from special taxation rules and duty-free imports. However, the legal status of the Tinapa Free Trade zone has been uncertain.

Bargaining is a fundamental part of the market worldview among the Igbo people. Entrepreneurs view every interaction with a customer as an opportunity to bargain for a good outcome. This culture is deeply embedded in their understanding of entrepreneurship and business. Individuals are trained in specific programs that include bargaining strategy and negotiation. This approach allows people to bargain themselves in or out of various situations.

Yes, the Canaanland campus in Ota, Ogun state, includes several residential houses that provide for church employees and guesthouses. This large estate features various for-profit establishments operated by the church such as restaurants and shopping stores. The campus also houses several other facilities including a bakery and a petrol station. These amenities are part of the extensive 5,000-acre estate that serves as the church headquarters.

Yes, outdoor camping is available for those seeking a rustic experience within the park. There are designated camping areas provided for visitors. Beyond camping, the park offers various lodging options including suites, luxury rooms, and VIP accommodations. You can also explore the area through safari and nature walks. Well-trained guides are available to assist visitors during their exploration.

Nigeria's annual budget in 2019 was N8.8trn. Out of this total amount, only 3.6% was allocated to the healthcare sector. This low funding has contributed to a paucity of healthcare resources and frequent strikes. Such economic factors have played a role in the brain drain phenomenon known as Japa. Many skilled professionals seek better opportunities abroad due to these economic conditions.

The cost for a single entry 30 day visa for Canadians is approximately $260 USD, which is about $360 CAD. This visa is valid for 3 months from the day you apply for it. You can use the eVisa website, though it has been noted to be somewhat glitchy. Alternatively, you can apply for a tourist or business visa through a local consulate or embassy. However, using a third-party processing service like OIS may be required for those embassy applications.

Food typically accounts for about two-thirds of household spending in Nigeria. To track these costs, the Jollof Index monitors the price of essential ingredients like rice, tomatoes, onions, and protein. By June 2025, the average cost of preparing a single pot of Jollof rice reached ₦27,528. This represents a 153% increase compared to March 2023. Such dramatic increases in food costs have led to many households struggling to afford food.

You can attend the Sango Festival, which is also known as the World Sango Festival. This event is typically held in August at the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo in Oyo State. The festival lasts approximately one week and attracts more than 20,000 attendees from across the globe. It is dedicated to Shango, the Yoruba deity associated with thunder and fire. This annual celebration draws people from various locations including Brazil, Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago, and the wider Caribbean.

Kano is a significant city located in northern Nigeria and serves as the capital of Kano State. It is the second largest city in the country after Lagos and is known as the centre of commerce. The city has been a major route for trans-Saharan trade and a human settlement for millennia. It is situated in the savanna area and was one of the seven medieval Hausa kingdoms. Today, it remains a major commercial nerve centre for Northern Nigeria.

You can experience the Argungu Fishing Festival held in Kebbi State. This annual event features a competition where thousands of men jump into a river to catch the largest fish using traditional tools. Participants may even catch fish by hand to demonstrate their prowess. The festival includes cultural displays and activities that highlight the local heritage. It serves to enrich community unity and promote tourism in the region.

Lagos is the country's leading metropolis and offers a vibrant nightlife for international visitors. Beyond its nightlife, the city provides various cultural and historical attractions. You can enjoy musical performances at the National Theatre or explore modern art at the Nike Art Gallery. Other activities include visiting the Lekki Conservation Centre or Landmark Beach. This makes Lagos a diverse destination for those seeking entertainment.

The Society for Family Health works in six thematic areas that affect family health in Nigeria. These specific areas include maternal and child healthcare as well as family planning and reproductive health. They also focus on safe water systems and the strengthening of health and social systems. Additionally, the organization works on the prevention and treatment of malaria and HIV/AIDS. These public health interventions are implemented through various projects across the country.

Nigeria is characterized by distinct rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season brings slightly cooler weather due to increased cloud cover, though afternoons can be hot and humid. During the dry season, the weather is warmer because there is little cloud cover to obstruct the sun. In the middle of the dry season around December, the Harmattan wind brings dust that can lower temperatures. However, as this wind withdraws between March and April, temperatures can rise significantly in some parts of the country.

Nigeria is a diverse nation where Christians and Muslims make up roughly half of the population each. Principal Christian festivals include Christmas and Easter, which are recognized as public holidays. In some regions, these holidays may coincide with periods of heightened tension between Christians and Muslims. The two main Muslim festivals are Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, both of which are national public holidays. Visitors should be aware that certain religious periods can involve different levels of social tension in specific areas.

The Akin Fadeyi Foundation has developed the FlagIt corruption-reporting app to help tackle corruption in Nigeria. This application is part of a broader effort to promote transparency and accountability through technology. The foundation uses such tools to encourage civic engagement across the country. By using this app, citizens can participate in the fight against corrupt practices. It serves as a digital tool for those interested in promoting good governance.

English is the official language of Nigeria and was chosen to facilitate cultural and linguistic unity. You will find that it is widely spoken throughout the country. Additionally, Nigerian Pidgin English serves as a popular lingua franca for many people. This version of English is often referred to simply as Pidgin or Broken English. These linguistic factors should help you navigate your travels across the country.

Yes, you can use Visa credit cards in Nigeria. Access Bank was the first Nigerian bank to introduce Visa credit cards in the country. The bank also achieved EMV certification for its multi-card ATM services platform. This development occurred during 2007. Access Bank is a major financial services conglomerate headquartered in Lagos.

The corruption charges against Ibori include allegations of theft of public funds and money laundering. It was alleged that he attempted to bribe Nuhu Ribadu with a cash gift of $15 million. This specific cash was immediately lodged in the Central Bank of Nigeria and remains there as an exhibit. Additionally, a new allegation was pressed against him regarding the embezzlement of N40 billion. These various financial allegations have been central to the investigations conducted by the EFCC.

The Second-Tier Foreign Exchange Market, or SFEM, was a second official foreign exchange market in Nigeria. It opened in September 1986 and remained effective until the middle of 1987. This market was open to both foreigners and Nigerians to help find a market rate for the naira. The introduction of SFEM aimed to deregulate the financial sector and allow market forces to determine the exchange rate. It was the first time the Nigerian government floated a dual exchange rate system to reduce interest in the black market.

The first Automated Teller Machine was introduced in Nigeria in 1991. This service was launched at 35 Marina to provide convenient, online real time banking. Later, in 2011, the first biometric ATM and cash deposit ATM were launched in the country. These developments marked significant milestones in the evolution of banking technology within Nigeria.

Folarin has extensive experience in institutional development and internationalization. During his time at Covenant University, he worked to lay a solid foundation for institutional internationalization. His contributions included the formation of various student-based organizations. These organizations included groups such as tour guides, literary societies, and debate societies. His work helped create an atmosphere for growth and innovation at the institution.

During the influenza pandemic, the colonial government enacted new legislation to manage the crisis. This included the implementation of travel passes for individuals within the colony. These measures were part of a broader reaction to the severity of the epidemic. Other responses included increased usage of sanitary practices and door to door checks on indigenous Nigerian households. The colonial government was not initially equipped or ready for such a situation.

Domestic passenger flights can operate between cities such as Abuja and Port Harcourt. In this specific route, aircraft depart from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in the capital. The flight then travels toward the capital of Rivers State. Pilots must manage various weather conditions and runway statuses during these domestic journeys. This includes navigating through rain or visibility issues during the final approach to the destination airport.

Yes, there are notable ferry services within the Igboland region. One such service operates via the Awo-omamma-Oguta-Ogba–Egbema–Ndoni-Aboh route. These services have historically supported communication and trade. The lower Niger River has provided easy means of movement for people on both sides of the river since ancient times. This connectivity has enabled migration and trade between Igboland and the rest of the world.

The history of bus services in Nigeria can be traced back to the founding of the Anfani Bus Service in 1914. This service was established by Charlotte Olajumoke Obasa, who was a prominent Nigerian socialite and philanthropist. Historians regard this specific service as the first urban bus service in the country. Obasa was a significant figure who also campaigned for girls' education and women's employment. Her contributions helped shape the early transportation landscape in Nigeria.

Getting around is relatively easy, though you may experience delays due to traffic jams within most major cities. There are multitudes of coaches and buses available that can take you to any part of Nigeria you wish. For example, ABC Transport Services is well known for its services among others. In Lagos state, the government also operates a transit system using BRT buses to serve the metropolis.

In major cities like Lagos or Abuja, using ride-sharing services like Bolt is usually the easiest method. Lagos offers many buses and taxis, while smaller cities tend to have more affordable taxis than buses. You can also find common motorcycle taxis known as okadas, though they are not for the faint-hearted. For traveling between cities, you should go to a motor park and wait for a taxi to fill up before departing. The price for these intercity trips is fixed, so you do not need to negotiate with the driver.

Walking around Nigeria can be challenging because corruption is systemic and endemic throughout the country. You may be viewed as a walking wallet by corrupt officials due to your status as a foreigner. The police are notorious for being highly corrupt, ineffective, and prone to targeting, harassing, and extorting people for bribes. It is advised that you do not attempt to argue with or fight a corrupt police officer, even if you are innocent. Locals generally do not trust the police force because of these widespread issues.

The Federal Road Safety Corps is the government agency responsible for road safety administration in Nigeria. Founded in 1988, this agency operates in all Nigerian states and the Federal Capital Territory. Their statutory functions include making highways safe for motorists and checking the road worthiness of vehicles. They also recommend infrastructure works to minimize accidents on the highways. Additionally, they educate the public on the importance of road discipline.

Nigeria has had to re-import all oil derivatives including petrol, diesel, and kerosene using expensive foreign exchange. This situation arose because the four oil-processing refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna fell into disrepair. These refineries were previously integrated into the oil industry but were placed under the control of non-specialist followers to secure political power. Consequently, the country must now buy these products from European and American refineries. This process involves selling crude oil only to buy back the processed derivatives at a high cost.

Yes, there are regulations in place regarding the use of seat belts and other safety devices. The authorities are responsible for regulating these safety measures to help prevent or minimize accidents on the highway. This regulation is part of a broader effort to standardize highway traffic codes and ensure road safety. Members of the Commission have the power to arrest and prosecute persons reasonably suspected of having committed any traffic offence. Such enforcement helps in the overall goal of conducting research into causes of motor accidents and preventing them.

Flight 1145 was a domestic passenger flight traveling from Abuja to Port Harcourt. The aircraft was carrying 103 passengers and 7 crew members during its scheduled trip. While the flight was initially uneventful, the crew encountered adverse weather conditions during the final approach. The pilots faced challenges including intensifying rain, deteriorating visibility, and an unlit runway. These factors led to a difficult situation when the crew attempted a go-around at a low altitude.

The Federal Road Safety Corps is the government agency responsible for road safety administration in Nigeria. This agency operates in all Nigerian states as well as the Federal Capital Territory. Their statutory functions include making highways safe for motorists and checking the road worthiness of vehicles. They also recommend infrastructure works to minimize accidents and educate the public on road discipline. The corps was founded in 1988 to address road safety management across the country.

In territories that use left-hand traffic, vehicles keep to the left and roundabouts circulate in a clockwise direction. These areas typically use right-hand drive vehicles. Conversely, in right-hand traffic territories, vehicles keep to the right and roundabouts circulate counterclockwise. In these cases, the driver usually sits on the left side of the car. The direction of traffic and roundabout circulation is determined by the handedness of the roads.