Nigeria itinerary

Nigeria's history

history

• 500 BC., before the Europeans discovered Africa: Nigerian culture was one of the most ancient and greatly developed nations in West Africa
• The Portuguese (first Europeans) discovered Nigeria in late 15th century
• 17th and 18th century: The Portuguese started slave trade with Lagos as the most important harbor for such
• end of 19th century: The British undertook the dominance over Nigeria from the Portuguese by fighting them
• Nigeria became a member of the Commonwealth in 1960 under the tutelage of the British imperial power
• Since then, there were many riots, dictators and civil wars until the Constitution of 1999

Economy

economy

• Nigeria has a mixed economy and an emerging market
• Largest oil producer in Africa and 6th largest oil producer worldwide
• World´s largest petroleum importer
• Nigeria committed to achieving a wide range of ambitious aims involving poverty reduction, education, gender equality, health, environment and international development cooperation
• most successfully, Nigeria advanced in providing universal primary education and protecting the environment

Politics

politics

• Since the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been enforced in 1999, Nigeria is a democratic society
• The three organs of government work in line to make sure that the power is balanced

--> legislative, executive and judicial powers

• Under the 1999 constitution the executive power is vested in a president

--> currently: Muhammadu Buhari

• President = head of state and chief executive

--> directly elected to a four-year term, nominates the vice president and members of the cabinet

• Main religions: Islam and Christianity, which do not influence political decisions

Traffic jams & general problems

Traffic jams & general problems

• Nigeria has a lot of traffic

--> epic traffic jams, especially in the major cities

• It can take months to get a Nigerian driver's license
• Traffic lights do not normally work well
• Stop signs are not taken seriously
• Floods during the rainy season
• Fuel shortages are frequent

--> fill up your gas tank before heading out on Nigerian roads

--> long lines at fuel stations

• always take a mobile phone just in case as well as bottled water to deal with traffic in the heat

Buses

Buses are largely deemed unsafe due to poor maintenance, out of control driving and packed-in passengers but it could be worth the experience, as it is also very cheap

Buses

https://www.legit.ng/483952-20-most-dangerous-bus

-stops-to-avoid-in-lagos.html

"Okadas"

• Motorbike taxis, which are a common method of transport
• Risky due to the driver's erratic maneuvering and disregard of traffic laws
• Banned in Abuja and Lagos after 10 pm

"Okadas"

https://techpoint.africa/2020/02/27/lessons

-lagos-okada-ban/

Taxis

• Cheap way of travelling within Nigeria
• But local taxis are not particularly safe, as travellers have reported being taken to desolate areas where they've been robbed or assaulted

Taxis

https://food.jumia.com.ng/blog/around-

nigeria-in-5-popular-taxis-3159

Hiring a private driver

• Hiring a car with a driver
• Major hotels will supply this service

--> take you around

--> pick you up and drop you off at the airport

• Make sure the driver has documents to prove his identity

--> otherwise you might get duped by criminals

→ Probably the safest way of travelling within Nigeria

→ The private driver's vary greatly in price

Abuja city tour/sightseeing tour (two day trip)

Abuja city tour/sightseeing tour

• sightseeing tour around the town

→ you get to see many sights consecutively

• See and learn about the 5 districts of the Metropole Abuja

→ Asokoro, Wuse, Garki, Maitama and the Central Business District

• Visit the outback of Abuja and learn about Nigeria´s native inhabitants,

→the Gbagyi people

• Lead by trained and educated tourist guides
• You will get picked up right at your hotel
• Can be booked via TripAdvisor
• Starts from 120 $ (there are different types of trips that are way more cheap, I refer to the circumstances given by one specific trip)
• You could also go hiking in the mountains or visit waterfalls etc.

The Jabi Lake and the Jabi Lake Mall

The Jabi Lake & the Jabi Lake Mall

• Only half an hour away from the Airport (by car)
• Open everyday from 09:00-22:00
• Jabi lake Mall = opportunity for shopping and eating

→ wide range of stores, restaurants and cafés

• The Jabi Lake offers a lot of inexpensive ways of enjoying the nature in Nigeria

→ it is convenient for picnics, taking a boat ride, do sports, take walks, ride horses or other preferred outdoor activities

• It provides a great view

https://food.jumia.com.ng/blog/5-ways-to-have

-fun-at-jabi-lake-2267

The Abuja National Mosque

• Open to non-Muslim public, except during congregational prayers
• Located in the very center of Abuja

→ easy to reach and other sights or restaurants within range

• Within the cultural area of Abuja

→ the National Christian Centre and the An Noor Mosque are right across

• A chance to become familiar with the local culture and their traditions since about 50% of Nigeria´s inhabitants practice the Islamic religion
• Get to know other religions and Islamic architecture

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abuja_

National_Mosque

Restaurants

Restaurants

Visiting restaurants that serve African or traditional local food, for example:

• Nkoyo, Abuja

--> 11 am - 10 pm

--> about 15$ to 19$ for a meal

--> offers vegetarian and vegan options

--> 4,0 on TripAdvisor

• Bukka Restaurant, Abuja

--> 06:30 am - 10.30 pm

--> about 29$ to 38$ for a meal

--> offers vegetarian options

--> 4,0 on TripAdvisor

https://www.tripadvisor.de/Restaurants

-g293825-Abuja_Federal_Capital_Territory.html

Night-time activities in Abuja

Moscow Underground Club, Abuja

22 pm - 8 am

Night-time activities

• Maitama & Wuse areas = the city’s most popular nightlife neighbourhoods

--> heart of the city’s drinking and clubbing scenes

--> numerous bars, restaurants and clubs

• Top entertainment and club hotspots:

--> Moscow Underground, Caribbean Lounge, Aqua Nightclub, Play Lounge

--> diverse mix of clubs, from the exclusive to the cheap and cheerful (I could not find any details concerning the prices)

--> most well-known and best nightclubs in Abuja with various kinds of music

Caribbean Lounge, Abuja

Mon - Sun = 24 hours