NIGERIA- A CHALLENGING DESTINATION
Nigeria is a destination travelers are coming to love due to its extremes. Locating in West Africa, it is a dominating and challenging destination for first timers to Africa. Nigeria is bordered with Republic of Benin, Chad, Cameroon and Niger. The name Nigeria is derived from the ‘River Niger’ running through the country. Nigeria is the most populous country of Africa and the most populous country in the world having a majority of the population Black. The country is blessed with fascinating historical sites, national parks and a long coastline. It is also a significant center of biodiversity having varied landscapes.
The country has an extensive history dating back to at least 9000 BC shown by archaeological evidence. Portuguese began trading in the 15th century but was overtaken by British later in the 19th century. Nigeria gained its independence in 1960, after which several governments have been changed. The inexperience civilian government had to tackle corruption, ethnic violence and the growing economic crisis in the country. Nigeria is listed as a major regional power and third richest country in Africa due to the discovery of oil in the country which has attracted attention of many international oil companies. Nigeria has tropical climate being hot and wet from March to November and dry from December to February. The Harmattan wind blows from the Sahara during the dry season. Travelers are advised to carry lightweight cottons and rainwear during the rainy season.
ECONOMY
Nigeria has one of the fastest growing economies in the world and is being classified as an emerging market with the aid from IMF and other international organizations. The country has abundant supply of natural resources like gold, tin, bauxite, iron ore, coal including petroleum contributing 80%of Government earnings and 40% of GDP. Nigeria is 12th largest producer of petroleum in the world and 8th largest exporter. United States is the largest foreign investor having close ties with Nigeria since the oil boom in 1970s. Apart from oil, Nigeria also possess highly developed financial services sector comprising of many local and international banks, brokerage houses, private equity funds and investment banks making Nigerian Stock Exchange second largest in Africa. It also has one of the fastest growing telecommunication sectors in the world having big market operators like MTN, Etisalat and Zain. Agriculture is still the main occupation employing 60% of the population of Nigeria. The major crops grown are coconut, maize, cassava, ground nuts, yams and sugarcane. The Nigerian film industry has also picked up recently from home made Nigerian movies popular locally and internationally.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Nigeria is the eighth most populous country of the world and according to United Nations it is still undergoing an explosive population growth. Like many other developing countries of Africa, heath care and education are at neglect and the government is trying to improve these facilities. The vibrant population of Nigeria is its greatest asset with a diversity of native races and religions giving it a rich culture. Fulani, Yoruba and Igbo are the largest ethnic groups accounting for 68% of the population. The other ethnic groups and minorities make up rest of the population residing mostly in major cities such as Lagos and Abuja or in the oil rich Niger Delta. There are about 521 languages in Nigeria; hence English is chosen to be the official language to facilitate cultural and linguistic unity in the country. It is used for commercial purpose, for education and other official purposes. People living in rural areas speak tribal languages like Yoruba and Ibo. Islam and Christianity are the main religions dominated in north and south of country respectively. Others follow indigenous religions in rural areas.
Nigerian culture is rich due to its diversity especially in literature as the country has second largest newspaper market in the continent after Egypt. Many Nigerians like Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Ben Okri and Helon Habila are renowned world over for their great literature work. Nigerian music is known world wide for its folk, hip hop and fuji music. Nigeria is called the heart of African music because of its popular indigenous music which is fused with American jazz and soul to form Afrobeat music. The film industry is called Nollywood generating lucrative income for the country. Football is Nigeria’s national sport and their national team Super Eagles is among top ranked in the world.
LAGOS
Lagos is the largest city in Africa and the economic and cultural hub of Nigeria. The city derived its name from the Portuguese for lagoon and is known for the lively music and best street life. Tourists can visit the National Museum at Onikan housing a wonderful collection of homemade handicrafts exhibiting Nigeria’s ancient civilization. Visitors can also shop for locally made items from Jankara Market and the market in Ibadan which is known to be one of the biggest in Nigeria.
ABUJA
Abuja, the capital of Nigeria is a planned city located in the heart of the country. It is one of Africa’s wealthiest and most expensive cities having fine architecture of Presidential Complex, General Post Office, National Assembly and Supreme Court. Visitors can visit the Eagle Square and the Tomb of Unknown Soldier holding important historical significance. The National Mosque and National Church are located opposite to each other and are worth a visit. The Wuse District has significance because of its famous market which is Abuja’s principal market.
ATTRACTIONS
• Arochukwu: This is a popular tourist destination housing the cave of the famous long juju oracle as the main attraction. It is the first religious centre with proper administration.
• Yankari National Park: This is the most developed wildlife park of Nigeria giving a rare opportunity to visitors to see varied wildlife including waterbucks, baboons, crocodiles, hippos and bushbucks.
• Obudu Cattle Ranch: Situated near the Camroon border, this ranch is a tourist delight due to its numerous attractions including the Agbokim waterfalls, natural swimming pools, horse riding, gorilla camps and bird watching.
• Birnin Kudu Rock Painting: This is renowned for the presence of fascinating ancient paintings on the rocks depicting the styles of the early inhabitants of the area.
• Igbo-Ukwu: This ancient town is a popular tourist destination because of its bronze artefacts which are as old as dating back to about the 9th century.
• Azumini Blue River: This famous river attracts visitors because of its serene nature and crystal clear blue water. Tourists can relax on the sandy beaches and picnic by barbecuing or can enjoy the canoe rides in the charming river.
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
The main international airport of Nigeria is in Lagos serving all African airlines and international airways. Virgin Nigeria is the national carrier having frequent flights and connections to UK. It also serves as the major domestic carrier within the country. Other entry points in country by air are Abuja and Port Harcourt. Travellers can also enter the country by land from the borders of neighbouring countries out of which it is the easiest from Niger. There are also ferry services from Calabar to Limbe being an overnight journey in each direction. For local travel, ferry services operate along the south coast and along the Niger and Benue rivers. Nigeria has god network of roads making it easier to travel by buses, taxis or car hires. Private minibuses also operate between major towns. Trains with sleeping facilities are also available for travelling between major cities. They are cheaper but less reliable than buses.
Nigeria has good communication facilities with internet and email facilities available near Lagos and average coverage of mobile telephones. Postage to Europe is not very reliable but there are international couriers in major towns giving good service. The media of Nigeria is one of the most vibrant in Africa having extensive network of state run TV and radios. There are many English language newspapers though radio is the main source of information for most Nigerians.
FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION
Nigerian cuisine is known for its richness and variety. There are many restaurants serving typical Nigerian food along with European and Oriental food. Tourists should try yams, sweet potatoes and the spiced dried meat called kilisha. Most of the food is made from different spices, herbs and flavourings used along with palm oil and groundnut oil topped with chilli peppers to make it very spicy. Mouth watering road side snacks cooked in barbeque's or fried are available in plenty. Goat meat and bush meat are considered a delicacy. Nigerian brewed Guinness is famous in drinks.
Nigeria offers good accommodation suiting the needs and pockets of all travellers. There are good hotels with international standards and facilities in Lagos and other major cities and are quite expensive. Guest houses and government run catered rest houses are scattered in the entire country providing cheap and comfortable stay. Christian missions and sporting clubs also offer good cheap staying and eating facility for travellers who want to spend most of their time outdoors.
Nigeria is enticing for travelers looking for some urban adventure and a true face of modern Africa. It is definitely a challenging country full of contrasts and surprises.
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