lagoSmart Channels Visit Nigeria
	Immunization Nigerian law requires every tourist to have vaccinations against yellow fever in order to enter the country. This is extremely important since the consequence of not having documented yellow fever vaccinations could lead to a tourist being denied entry at the airport. Malaria Nigeria is a tropical country and therefore, it is necessary to protect yourself against Malaria. The most recommended drug for use in Nigeria is Chloroquine Phosphate taken once a week. To be started - two weeks before departure, continued throughout the stay here - until two weeks after returning. Time Nigeria is 1 hour ahead of GMT, meaning that during daylight savings, it would be 12:00 in London, 1:00 pm in Nigeria and 8:00 am in New York. Currency The Nigerian unit of currency is the Naira, with notes issued in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Naira denominations. Visitors may bring unlimited amounts of foreign currency, provided a declaration of such currency is made to customs. Foreign currency may be changed only at authorized banks. Airport Customs Visitors to Nigeria are allowed 4 ltrs of Alcoholic Beverage and 200 Cigarettes duty-free. Visitors may export souvenirs, although some articles (e.g. animals skins and antiques) require an export permit. Illegal drugs of any description are not allowed into Nigeria. Please check with a Nigerian Embassy, Consulate or High Commission nearest you for current information before departure. Holidays Jan 01: New Year's Day Feb 11,12: Id-el-Kabir Apr 18: Good Friday Apr 21: Easter Monday May 01: May Day May 13: Id-el-Maulud Oct 01: National Day Nov 25,26: Id-el-Fitri Dec 25: Christmas Dec 26: Boxing Day *Exact dates are subject to official notice by the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs Language English is the official language of Nigeria and it's used at all levels of administration, law, commerce and education. It is spoken with varying degrees of fluency by 50% of the population, making Nigeria the largest English Speaking country in Africa. However, there are three major ethnic languages: Hausa, widely spoken in the north, Yoruba widely spoken in the West and Ibo widely spoken in the East. Other Languages include Kanuri, Edo, Ijaw, Tiv, Nupe and many others. Electricity Nigeria uses 220 volts, however, most hotels have 220 volts for electric shavers. A converter is needed for electric equipment designed for 110 volts. Banking And Office Hours There are over 100 commercial and merchants/investment banks with over 1,800 branches through out the country. Banks are open to customers between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Mondays, and 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. Business hours in Government offices are 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; in the private sector, office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.