Nigeria

Safety

I have to admit I was a bit nervous about going to Nigeria. I’ve checked the ‘Foreign and common wealth’ website before taking off to Nigeria and I was really concerned about our safety. As you can see in the map enclosed in this blog certain parts of the country are to be avoid.

After the French intervention in Mali there was a serious treat for terrorist attacks, there even was a recent bomb attack at a bus station in Kano.

There’s a criminal and terrorist kidnapping treat all over the country. As foreign visitors we were at high risk of being street crime or scam victims. We were advised not to go out after 10 P.M. and to remain in the center of the city.

Around 8 weeks before we started this journey we received our vaccinations. Nigeria is a country were deceases like Polio, Measles and Malaria are still reported.

Because of the abovementioned risks I couldn’t fully discover the country.

During this journey we remained in the Capital of Nigeria (Abuja) which was relatively save according to our travelling guides.

Cultural awareness

Before travelling to an unknown country I always like to inform myself about the local customs and habits.

In Nigeria it is considered as an insult if you hand over things to people with your left hand. It is disrespectful to shake hands with older people, it is better to bow your head a little bit. In the Islamic parts of the country you’ll have to wait before entering someone’s home because women have to cover their hair and body and they would need the time to do so if someone visits their home.

Economy

In spite of the high crime levels and the treat for terrorist attacks Nigeria is one of the two countries from Africa among 11 Global Growth Generators countries. This means Nigeria has growth potential and profitable investment opportunities.
Due to the restoration of democracy and economic reforms Nigeria is heading towards a full economic development.

Nigeria is one of the largest producers of Petroleum and it is member of the OPEC countries. The country also possesses a variety of natural resources like natural gas, coal, gold etc.

Nigeria is also the first African country who completely paid off its debts.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeria

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/sub-saharan-africa/nigeria

http://wikitravel.org/en/Nigeria