Nigeria

Introduction to Nigeria

The Federal Republic of Nigeria is a country in West Africa. The most populous country in Africa, Nigeria re-achieved democracy in 1999 after a sixteen-year-long interruption by a corrupt and brutal series of military dictators and counter-coups. Nigeria borders the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, Niger in the north and the Gulf of Guinea in the south. Major cities include the capital Abuja, the former capital Lagos, Ibadan, Osogbo, Calabar, Warri, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano, Kaduna, Onitsha, Jos, Ilorin, Maiduguri, Bauchi, Sokoto and Benin City.

The country's name first appeared in print in The Times in 1897 and was suggested by the paper's colonial editor Flora Shaw who would later marry Frederick Lugard, the first Govenor General of the Amalgamated Nigeria. The name comes from a combination of the words "Niger" (the country's longest river) and "Area." Its adjective form is Nigerian , which should not be confused with Nigerien for Niger.

Nigeria is located on the Gulf of Guinea. Its major cities are located in southern lowlands. The central part of the country contains hills and plateaus. The north consists of arid plains that border the Sahara. Its neighbouring countries are Benin, Niger, Chad and Cameroon.

Forest and woodland occurs chiefly in the southern third of the country, which is affected by seasonal rains from the Atlantic which occur from June to September. As one progresses northward the country becomes drier and the vegetation more savanna in type. The northern third of the country forms part of the semi-arid sahel region on the fringes of the Sahara desert.

Nigeria is divided roughly in three by the rivers Niger and Benue, which flow through the country from north-east and north-west to meet roughly in the centre of the country near the new capital city of Abuja. From here the united rivers flow south to the sea at the Niger Delta. Its highest point is Chappal Waddi (2,419 m), on the Cameroonian border.

Cultural notes about Nigeria

Nigeria has over 250 different languages and cultures. The three largest are the Hausa-Fulani who are predominant in the north, the Igbo who are predominant in the southeast, and the Yoruba who are predominant in the southwest. The rest of Nigeria's ethnic groups (sometimes called "micro-minorities") are found all over the country but expecially in the densely populated south. The Hausa tend to be Muslim and the Ibo, Christian. Practitioners of both Christianity and Islam are found among the Yoruba. Indigenous religious practices remain important, especially in the south, and are often blended with Christian beliefs.

Nigeria is famous for it's English literature and its popular music. Since the 1990s the Nigerian movie industry, sometimes called "Nollywood" has emerged as a fast-growing cultural force all over the continent.

Official Canadian government advisories for travelling to, in and around Nigeria

You are advised against all travel to the Niger River Delta and surrounding areas (including Delta, Imo, Rivers, Bayelsa and Anambra States) due to the ongoing possibility of violent protests. Canadians in the waterfront areas of the Niger Delta states (especially in or around Port Harcourt, Kula, Soku, Okirika and Bonny), and Canadians in Lagos state should exercise vigilance at all times, due to the ongoing targeting of expatriate oil workers. The danger of being in the wrong place at the wrong time is always present. On December 20, 2005, unknown gunmen attacked oil company installations in the remote Opobo Channel in Rivers state. At least 8 people were killed and the Nigerian President has placed security forces in the oil producing delta in a state of high alert as other incidents may occur.

Violence and unrest, often sparked by tensions between ethnic and religious communities, occur without warning in various parts of the country and have resulted in numerous deaths. The majority of the population in northern Nigeria is Muslim. Demonstrations for or against Sharia law may occur in northern states and are sometimes violent. The cities of Kaduna, Jos, and Kano have been particularly affected. These outbreaks generally follow periods of tension based on previous incidents. Violent outbreaks may also occur in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba states.

Oil rigs in the Delta region have been occupied by villagers who demand jobs or compensation for damage done to the environment. You should always maintain a high level of security awareness and inquire about local conditions when travelling in the country. Avoid large crowds and demonstrations; and follow local news reports.

Armed robbery, hostage taking, rape, and violent assault occur and may be committed by persons posing as police or military personnel. Several incidents of armed robbery resulting in deaths have occurred at Ikeja domestic airport in Lagos. House robberies, particularly in the expatriate areas of Lagos, are common. Theft from hotel rooms can also occur. Personal belongings, travel documents and original identification documents should be stored in hotel safes. Carry photocopies of passports, visas, and travel documents needed daily at all times. Avoid carrying large sums of money. You should visit beaches only in large groups and during daylight hours, particularly those in the vicinity of Victoria Island (Lekki and Bar Beaches).

Canadians intending to conduct business in Nigeria or with Nigerians should be aware of the high rate of commercial fraud.