NIGERIA
Federal Republic of Nigeria, a state in West Africa. In terms of population, it ranks first in Africa; Nigerians make up approx. 1/8 of the continent's inhabitants. The country's territory extends from the coast of the Gulf of Guinea to the West African savannah. It borders on Benin in the west, Niger in the north, Chad in the northwest, and Cameroon in the east and southeast.
Nigeria. The capital is Abuja. Population - 118 million people (1997). Population density - 127 people per 1 sq. km. Urban population - 38%, rural - 62%. Area: 923,768 sq. km. The highest point is Mount Chappal Vaddi (2419 m). Main languages: English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Ibo. Main religions: Islam, Christianity, local traditional beliefs. Administrative division: 36 states and the Federal Capital District. Currency: naira = 100 kobo. National holiday: Independence Day - October 1. National anthem: "Rise, fellow citizens, Nigeria needs you."
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At the time of the declaration of independence on October 1, 1960, Nigeria was a federation consisting of the former federal capital of Lagos and three large, largely autonomous administrative regions: Northern, Western and Eastern. In 1963, a fourth region was separated from the territory of Western Nigeria - the Midwest. In relation to Nigeria, the concepts of North and South (Eastern and Western Nigeria, as well as Lagos) were established.
The nature of political processes in Nigeria in the first half of the 1980s was largely determined by the struggle for power between the main peoples of the North (Hausa and Fulani) and the South (Yoruba and Ibo), and depending on the situation, other ethnic groups could be either allies of the southerners or northerners. This rivalry continued for many years. In 1966, as a result of a military coup, the parliamentary republic was abolished and a military government was created, and in 1967 the territory of Nigeria was divided into 12 states. The authorities of the Eastern region, where separatist sentiments had been growing since 1966, proclaimed the creation of the independent Republic of Biafra, after which a civil war broke out. On January 15, 1970, after fierce resistance to feudal forces for 31 months, Biafra surrendered.
In 1976, instead of 5, Nigeria became 19 states. In addition, a new Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, was carved out of Niger State. In order to mitigate ethnic tensions, the names of some states were changed. In 1987 the number of states reached 30, and in 1996 - 36, not counting Abuja. In December 1991, the government moved from Lagos to the new capital, Abuja.
NATURE
Features of relief and hydrography. Nigeria is located on a low plateau with an altitude of approx. 600 m above sea level The country's territory is divided into large blocks by the valleys of the Niger and Benue rivers and is separated from the ocean by a narrow belt of coastal swamps. The width of this belt usually does not exceed 16 km, with the exception of the Niger Delta, where it reaches 97 km. A complex network of lagoons and channels located behind a barrier of sandy beaches forms a system of protected shallow waterways through which small vessels can pass from the Benin border in the west to the Cameroon border in the east without entering the ocean. Further inland, the Nsukka-Okigwi escarpment rising above the Cross River valley, the Jos and Biu plateaus, and the Adamawa Mountains are clearly visible. The generally flat surface of the plateau, composed of crystalline rocks in the north and west of the country and sandstones in the east, is in many places dotted with island mountains (inselbergs), i.e. rocky outlier hills with steep slopes. In the northeast, the surface gradually decreases towards Lake Chad, the level of which is 245 m above sea level.
The main rivers of Nigeria are the Niger, from which the country takes its name, and its largest tributary, the Benue. The main tributaries of the Niger and Benue - Sokoto, Kaduna and Gongola, as well as rivers flowing into Lake Chad, begin on the Jos Plateau, which is the hydrographic center of Nigeria. Navigation on these and other rivers, such as the Imo and Cross, is limited due to rapids and waterfalls, as well as sharp seasonal fluctuations in water levels. In Niger, ship traffic is maintained all year round to the city of Onitsha (where a bridge was built across the river), and from June to March - to Lokoja. During the wet season, boats operate as far as Jebba. Along the Benue, steamships go as far as Yola, but navigation is carried out only for four months - from July to October.
Climate. The climate is influenced by two air masses - equatorial sea air associated with moisture-carrying winds, and tropical continental air associated with the dry and dusty harmattan wind, which blows from the Sahara Desert. There are two seasons - wet (March - September), which in the south of the country is separated by a short dry interval in August, and dry (October - February). There is more precipitation in the south than in the north. The average annual precipitation on the coast is 1800-3800 mm, and on the northern edge of the country it is less than 25 mm. Sweltering heat and severe thunderstorms herald the beginning and end of the wet season, but between May and August, when most of the rainfall occurs, severe, short-lived thunderstorms give way to more persistent rainfall. Average temperatures are high and approximately the same in the north and south of the country. In the south, humidity is also high with constant heat, although temperatures rarely exceed 32 ° C, while in the north there are seasonal differences, and during the dry season there are significant daily temperature fluctuations. In the northeast, temperatures in the shade can reach 38° C. There are also frosts.
Soils and minerals. Almost all soils in Nigeria are acidic. In a number of areas in the east of the country, intensive leaching of soils formed on sandstones led to the formation of the so-called. “acid sands”, which are easy to process but quickly deplete. The soils of the far north were formed from desert sands and are easily destroyed. They differ sharply from the fertile soils that formed on the heavy loams of many river floodplains, in the cocoa belt and in the Niger Delta. In some densely populated areas, intensive farming and overgrazing have caused soil erosion.
Vast areas of Nigeria are composed of sedimentary rocks enriched in iron. There are many iron ore deposits, but they are not being developed. The largest deposits are located in Mount Patti near Lokoja and in Sokoto. In the 1980s and 1990s, the country produced oil and natural gas in the Niger Delta and offshore, tin and columbite (niobium ore) on the Jos Plateau near Enugu, and limestone (for cement production) in Nkalagu, Abeokuta, Sokoto, Ukpilla and Calabar .
Flora and fauna. Mangrove and freshwater swamp forests dominate the coastline, but then give way to a belt of dense tropical forest, in which the main tree species are kaya (mahogany), Chlorophora high and Triplochitone durum. The oil palm grows wild in tropical rainforests; in densely populated areas, the bushes of this palm have replaced the forest. In more northern areas, the forest thins out and is replaced by tall grass. This is the Guinean savannah, in which trees such as baobab, false locust and tamarind grow. More open savannas occur north of the line marking the northern limit of root crop production, while desert landscapes predominate in the far northeast. Acacia (a source of gum arabic) and mimosa are common there.
The placement of animals depends on the vegetation. The southern swamps and forests are home to crocodiles, monkeys and snakes, while the north contains antelope (several species), camels, hyenas, and the occasional giraffe and lion. Other animals common to tropical forests and wet savannas are elephants, gazelles, gorillas and leopards. The rivers are home to numerous species of fish, crocodiles and hippos. The variety of birds is amazing, especially along the edges of the forests. African bustards, vultures, kites, hawks, snipes, quails, pigeons, ostriches and parakeets live here.
POPULATION AND SOCIETY
Demography. According to the 1991 census, its population was 88,514,501 people. This figure turned out to be 20-30 million less than that given by UN experts. Because the distribution of federal funds and political representation were based on population, state leaders overstated state populations. Therefore, the federal government was forced to cancel the results of the 1962 and 1973 censuses. Only the results of the 1963 census were recognized as reliable - then 55.7 million people lived in Nigeria. True, according to UN experts, the real number of Nigerians in 1963 did not exceed 46 million people. According to estimates carried out in 1991, 46.8 million people lived in the North alone, while the ethnic and religious affiliation of the respondents was not clarified. Before the 1991 census, the UN made a forecast for 2000, according to which the country's population should have reached 150 million people by that time.
High population density is characteristic of most areas of the southeast, slightly lower - for the southwest and north (Kano state and northern Kaduna state). The sparsely populated belt runs from eastern Kwara State through the Niger River Valley, the center of Plateau State and most of Yobe and Borno States.
Ethnic composition. Over the past twenty centuries, Nigeria has experienced the effects of numerous waves of migrations or invasions mainly from the northeast. Therefore, the ethnic and linguistic situation in the country is very diverse. Nigeria is home to more than 250 ethnic groups, each with their own language and cultural characteristics. 80% of the population consists of ten groups, which are numerically dominant in individual states: Hausa and Fulbe in the states of Sokoto, Kaduna, Bauchi, Yobe, Katsina, Jigawa and Kano, Kanuri in Borno, Tiv in Benue and Plateau, Yoruba in Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti and Lagos, Edo or Bini in Edo, Ibo or Igbo in Imo and Anambra, Ibibio-Efik in Cross River and Ijaw in Bayelsa. Hausa, Yoruba and Ibo make up approx. 60% Nigerians.
Peoples of the northern states. The most numerous peoples of the North are the Hausa, Fulani, Kanuri and Tiv. All of them, except the Tiv, are Muslims. During the jihad, a religious war in the early 19th century, the Fulbe established their control over the Hausa lands and created a Muslim state - the Sokoto Caliphate. Sokoto occupied most of the territory of northern Nigeria, with the exception of the Kanuri-inhabited Borno in the northeast and the Tiv lands along the banks of the Benue River. Social relations among the Fulani are more conservative than among the Hausa, whose military expansion and trading activities led to the fact that the Hausa language spread to many areas of West Africa and became the lingua franca of much of northern Nigeria. The lifestyle and social relations of the Kanuri, the main population of the state. Borno is largely determined by the norms of Islam, but this is not the result of the conquests of the Fulani. From the 13th century and until the beginning of the colonial period, the Kanuri managed to maintain their political independence, being the ethnic core of the Muslim state of Kanema-Bornu, located around Lake. Chad. Those living in the states of Benue and the Tiv Plateau, unlike their Muslim neighbors, profess Christianity or remain committed to traditional beliefs.
Peoples of the Eastern States. The three main ethnic groups in eastern Nigeria are the Ibo-speaking peoples who live in Imo and Anambra states, the Ibibio-Efik in Cross River State and the Ijaw in Bayelsa State. The traditional type of settlement of all three peoples is small villages. The main form of social organization for the Ibos were associations of villages and clans. Ibo society was democratic, all decisions were made in council. A prominent place in the pantheon of traditional Ibo deities belonged to the earth goddess Ala, and the priests of her cult often performed judicial and other governmental functions. Ibo art is characterized by a high degree of expression. From the overpopulated eastern regions, the Ibos migrate to other parts of the country. The exception was the period of the civil war 1967-1970. Traditionally, the Ibibio lived in villages where secular and religious leaders exercised power. Each village enjoyed a significant degree of autonomy, but groups of villages, based on blood ties and shared beliefs, were organized into clans, ruled by a secular and religious chief and a council of elders. Political power was exercised by secret societies such as the Ekpo and Ekpe. Ija-speaking peoples live in the Niger Delta region; their settlement areas in the eastern part of the delta in Bayelsa State are characterized by low population density. The Ijaw are divided into several groups: Kalabari, Okrika, Nembe and Bonni, but linguistically and culturally they all form a single community. The traditional social and political organization of the Ijaw is quite similar to that of the Ibo, the difference being that Ijaw villages were rarely capable of joint action. Most modern Ibos, Ibibios and Ijaws are Christians.
Peoples of Western Nigeria. To the southwest of the Niger River, the majority of the population is Yoruba, living in the states of Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti and Lagos, and the Edo-(Bini-) speaking population of Edo State. The Yoruba are united by a common language, traditions and a legend about their origin from a common ancestor, the creator of the world Oduduwa, but they never had a single centralized state. The Yoruba created several strong city-states. The power of some rulers of these states was not limited to the boundaries of their possessions. The Oni (the ruler of Ife) was considered the religious head of all Yorubas, and the Alafin (the ruler of Oyo) was nominally considered the first among equals of the Yoruba rulers. In traditional Yoruba beliefs there are several main cults, each associated with a specific deity, such as Shango, the god of thunder. Yoruba religious beliefs, poetry, and music brought to the New World influenced the culture of Brazil and some Caribbean countries.
The most notable Yoruba contribution to West African art is sculpture. Since 1938, several bronze and terracotta heads and figurines have been found during archaeological excavations on the territory of Ife. The oldest of them were made ca. 800 years ago. Yoruba sculptures are among the world's masterpieces. Recently, the inherent expressiveness of Yoruba art has found vivid expression in wooden sculpture.
The Edo-speaking people of Edo State are best known for the Benin Empire created by their ancestors. When at the end of the 15th century. Benin was at the zenith of its power, its influence spread from the banks of the Niger River to the territory of modern Togo.
Religion. About 35% of Nigerians are Christian, and approximately 48% are Muslim. Christian missions were active in southern Nigeria. The position of the Catholic Church is strongest among the population of the eastern part of the country, and the Methodist and Anglican ones in the west. Other Protestant churches are also active. There are also a number of local Christian African churches that arose on the basis of schismatic movements due to the dissatisfaction of part of the population with the dominance of foreign missionaries in the church hierarchy and their negative attitude towards polygamy. The vast majority of Yorubas profess Islam. Thanks to the efforts of missionaries, Christianity and Western education spread in Southern Nigeria, while the population of the North remained committed to Islam.
Cities. Due to the fact that the Yoruba traditionally lived in urban settlements, some of the Nigerian cities are located in the southwest of the country. At the center of this region is Ibadan, and within a radius of 145 km are Lagos, the former capital and still the largest commercial, port and industrial center; other major cities in the region are Ogbomosho, Oshogbo, Ilorin, Abeokuta, Ilesha, Iwo, Ado-Ekiti, Mushin, Ede, Ife and Ikerre. All of them are purely African cities with ancient history.
Many cities of the North, which are the capitals of the emirates, are as ancient as the cities of the southwest. In Kano, where the majority of the population is Hausa and Fulani, city walls with a circumference of 21 km were once destroyed, after which the city became a major trading center. Other major cities of the North are Zaria, Katsina and Kaduna, located in the Hausa and Fulani areas, as well as Maiduguri (225.1 thousand), in the northeast.
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
Historical background. The political development of Nigeria was determined by the following factors.
Uneven development of the North and South. The peoples of Nigeria were united under British colonial rule in 1914. However, this unification was largely formal, since the North and South were very different regions socio-politically, and the colonial administration deliberately sought to develop the South and ignored the North. After 1914, the gap in the economic, cultural and technological development of the two parts of the country widened even more. This imbalance contributed to suspicion and conflict between political leaders of the North and South. The northerners feared the dominance of the inhabitants of the more developed southern regions, and the southerners feared the hegemony of the North, which was larger in territory and population. Fears on both sides resulted in a struggle for control of the federal government and demands from Southern politicians to administratively divide the North.
Interethnic contradictions. Concerns about the establishment of dominance by one or another people were not limited to the conflict between the North and the South. The British colonial authorities did little to create a pan-Nigerian community. Only in 1946 was the Legislative Council established, which included elected representatives from all regions of Nigeria, and its residents had the opportunity to feel like Nigerians. Conflicts between the main ethnic groups - Hausa and Fulani, Yoruba and Ibo, as well as between them and regional ethnic minorities - posed a constant threat to the unity of the country.
The end of the federalism system. In the political system created during Nigeria's transition to independence in 1960, the ideas of pan-Nigerism and regional interests had to coexist. It was assumed that balance would be achieved through the establishment of a federal government structure, in which a number of important powers were transferred to the administrations of the Northern, Eastern and Western regions. The struggle between parties for control of the central government, the distribution of financial and other resources, jobs and positions of influence reached such proportions that by the mid-1960s the federal constitution effectively ceased to operate. Two military coups in 1966 ultimately led to the restoration of federalism, but weakened the federal system as a whole. Since the early 1970s, the position of the central government has been steadily and significantly strengthened. This was due to its success in the 1967-1970 civil war and the significant increase in government financial resources as a result of the oil boom following the start of oil production in the Niger Delta region.
Constitutional Development of Nigeria. In 1951 a quasi-federal government was created. However, the constitution, which provided for the concentration of almost all power at the center and gave little power to the regions, turned out to be ineffective in Nigeria. In 1954, the status of the federal government was revised, and the regions received more rights. This constitution lasted until the military coup of 1966. Amendments concerned the autonomy of Nigeria, the country's independence in 1960 and its proclamation as a republic in 1963. Under this constitution, the powers of the central government included issues related to defense, foreign policy, police, customs and excise, and currency and the banking system, transport and communications (railroads, roads and postal service) and the work of higher educational institutions. Regional authorities were in charge of many issues of regional economic development, healthcare, school education, local government, and tax collection, including income taxes.
After Nigeria was declared a republic, the head of state was the president, elected for a five-year term. The range of his powers was very limited. The head of government, the prime minister, was accountable to the federal parliament. The parliament consisted of a House of Representatives, elected by universal suffrage, and a Senate that had no real power, in which all regions were equally represented. The northerners played a dominant role in the House of Representatives; they owned 167 out of 312 parliamentary seats. The struggle for control of parliament and for positions in the federal government system was at the center of acute political and regional conflicts. Each region had its own governor, prime minister, executive council, bicameral legislature and administrative apparatus.
After two military coups in 1966, the parliament and cabinet of ministers were replaced by the Supreme Military Council and its subordinate body, which included several civilians. Civilian rule was restored in October 1979. The new constitution provided for the replacement of the British parliamentary model with the American presidential system. The President became the head of state and government, and for the first time in the history of Nigeria, the executive and legislative powers were completely separated. The president was elected for a four-year term by direct universal suffrage, and all states participated in the elections on equal terms. Legislative power was exercised by the National Assembly, consisting of the Senate (95 senators) and the House of Representatives (450 deputies). Senators and deputies were also elected for four years.
Central government. On December 31, 1983, as a result of a military coup, the legitimate government was overthrown. Many provisions of the 1979 constitution were suspended because Nigerian citizens could now be imprisoned without court approval. The highest authority was the federal military government, which created a special council to govern the country (National Council of State). As a result of the military coup carried out in August 1985, almost half of the previous leadership was removed from power, and General Ibrahim Babangida, an active participant in the previous military coup, was appointed president. He led the country as chairman of the Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC), to which the government and military governors of the states were subordinate. Babangida's reign ended in August 1993. In November 1993, Defense Minister General Sani Abacha became head of state. After the death of Sani Abacha from a heart attack on June 8, 1998, power passed to General Abdulsalam Abubakar, who promised to transfer power to a legally elected civilian government by May 29, 1999.
State and local governments. In 1976, Nigeria was divided into 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory; in 1987, two new states were created, in 1991 - 9 more, and in 1996 - 6 more, after which the total number of states reached 36. According to the 1979 constitution, the governor of each state was elected for a four-year term; Simultaneously with the election of the governor, the unicameral state legislative body, the House of Assembly, was elected for the same term. States were given the right to collect taxes, but when state law conflicted with federal law, the latter took precedence. After the military coup of 1983 and before the 1991 state elections, state military governors were appointed by the central government. In 1993, the elected governors were replaced by persons appointed by the military authorities.
Law and order. Nigeria has several legal systems: customary law (chiefs' courts), Muslim law in most northern states (courts where Muslim Alqali judges administer justice), Nigerian statutory and case law.
According to the 1979 constitution, the federal judicial system of Nigeria includes: the Supreme Court, consisting of no more than 16 members - the highest court, the Court of Appeal and the High Court. The appointment of federal judges is the prerogative of the president. Each state has its own court.
During the colonial period and after the country's declaration of independence, the question of the place of the police in the system of government bodies was the subject of constant heated disagreement. The compromise solution eventually reached called for the creation of a unified police force under the control of an Inspector General of Police, directly accountable to the federal government. Each state appointed a Commissioner of Police, who was subordinate to the Inspector General and carried out the current orders of the state government. Under military leadership and in accordance with the 1979 constitution, all police came under the control of the federal government, but the post of police commissioner was retained in each state. Local police units were disbanded and their personnel were absorbed into the Nigerian Police Force.
Political parties. The country's political parties were banned from 1966 to 1978, then from 1984 to 1989 and again in 1993. Until 1966, each of the three main parties was based on the region whose legislature it controlled. The conservative Northern People's Congress (NPC) controlled the government of the Northern region from 1952 to 1966 and the federal government from 1960 to 1966 through the creation of two coalitions with other parties. The National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC), which arose in the wake of the national liberation movement, controlled the government of Eastern Nigeria from 1952 to 1966, and in 1966 participated together with the NNC in the coalition federal government. The third main political force - the Action Group (AG) - was formed on the basis of the Yoruba cultural association Egbe Omo Oduduwa "Children of Oduduwa" (Oduduwa is the legendary ancestor of all Yoruba). From 1952 to 1962, until the federal government declared a state of emergency in Western Nigeria, the DG controlled the government of that region. Then there was a split in the ranks of the party, but after the state of emergency was lifted in 1963, one of its factions headed the government of Western Nigeria.
Among the smaller parties, the Union of Progressive Elements of the North (SPES) deserves mention, which, being in opposition to the SNK, was blocked with the NSNK. SPES opposed the dominance of the leaders of the emirs and conservative social norms and customs in the North. Most of the small parties, as a rule, acted in alliance with larger parties; others, such as the United Congress of the Middle Belt, focused on solving purely local problems.
After the ban on political activity was lifted in September 1978, it was decided that only those parties that managed to achieve significant support in two-thirds of the 19 states could use the right to nominate candidates for the post of president. As a result, five parties were represented in the 1979 presidential elections, and six in the 1983 elections. During both election campaigns, it became clear that only the relatively conservative National Party of Nigeria (NPN), whose candidate Shehu Shagari became president of the country, enjoyed nationwide support. The NPN's main rival in the elections was the Yoruba-based Nigerian Unity Party. The Nigerian People's Party held a strong position among the Ibos. The more left-wing People's Renaissance Party and the Greater Nigeria People's Party enjoyed the most support in some northern states. After the military coup of 1983, all political organizations in Nigeria were banned.
In May 1989, the military leadership allowed the activities of parties, after which it itself created two parties, coming up with names for them and writing programs. The military believed that these two parties could express the political aspirations of all Nigerians and that other parties were not needed. The program of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), defined as “a little left,” differed little from the program of the National Republican Convention (NRC), which was defined as “a little right.” In the December 1991 elections, the NRC won 16 gubernatorial posts, and the SDP won 14. The NRC won unexpected victories in Lagos and Kano State. In the July 1992 national elections, SDP candidates won victories in Lagos, the Yoruba southwest and the populous Middle Belt. The SDP won 51 of 92 seats in the Senate and 314 of 593 seats in the House of Representatives. The NRC did well among the Hausa and Fulani voters of the Muslim North, although the fly in the ointment was the SDP victory in Kano. Only 25% of the electorate took part in the elections, which can be partly explained by the fact that the vote was not secret.
In the presidential elections of June 1993, in which 33% of voters took part, SDP candidate Moshood Abiola won a decisive victory over his NRC rival Bashir Tofa.
Armed forces and foreign policy. The backbone of Nigeria's armed forces is the ground forces, but the country also has a small navy and air force. The size of the army, which amounted to only 9 thousand people in 1966, increased at the end of the 1980s to 120 thousand, and in 1993 it amounted to 76 thousand.
Nigeria is a member of the UN, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the Organization of African Unity and the British-led Commonwealth. Its foreign policy until 1966 can be characterized as a policy of non-alignment, then the country began to move increasingly away from the West. In 1990, Nigerians formed the backbone of the military contingent of six African states that entered Liberia to end the civil war there. Nigeria was accused of supporting one of the parties to the conflict. The Nigerian contingent of troops as part of the UN peacekeeping force was in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Cambodia.
See below
Which means “flowing water” in Tuareg.
Capital of Nigeria. Abuja.
Area of Nigeria. 923768 km2.
Population of Nigeria. 110532 thousand people
Location of Nigeria. Nigeria is a state in Western Europe, bordered on the north by Niger, on the east by Chad and on the west by Benin. In the south it is washed by the Gulf of Guinea.
Administrative divisions of Nigeria. Nigeria is a federation of 30 states and the capital city of Abuja.
Nigeria form of government. Republic.
Head of State of Nigeria. President, elected for a term of 5 years.
Supreme legislature of Nigeria. Bicameral Parliament (House of Representatives and Senate).
Supreme Executive Body of Nigeria. Government.
Major cities in Nigeria. Lagos, Ibadan.
National language of Nigeria. English.
Religion of Nigeria. 50% are Muslims, 40% are Christians, 10% are pagans.
Ethnic composition of Nigeria. 21% are Hausa, 20% are Yoruba, 17% are Ibo, 9% are Fulani. In addition, about 250 other ethnic groups live in Nigeria.
Currency of Nigeria. Naira = 100 kobo.
Sights of Nigeria. In Lagos there is the National Museum of Nigeria, where there is a rich collection of art objects from almost all periods of the country's development; museums in City, Ibadan, Ilorin, Jos and Kaduna are also interesting.
Useful information for tourists
The ocean beaches located on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea are magnificent, but very dirty and practically unequipped. There are, one might say, no seaside resorts, although beaches of sand of different shades stretch for many hundreds of kilometers. A unique natural monument of Nigeria is the Jos plateau, which is a remnant of rocks rising from the greenery with flat tops and almost vertical slopes, eroded.
It is prohibited to export weapons, drugs, food in large quantities, exotic plants, animals and birds. Objects of antiquity and art, products made of gold and precious metals are subject to mandatory customs control. An appropriate permit is required for the export of animal skins, ivory and crocodile skin products. When importing pets, you must have a veterinary certificate with a stamp on vaccination against rabies and permission from the country's veterinary service.
Have you decided to organize a holiday in Nigeria? Looking for the best hotels in Nigeria, last minute tours, resorts and last minute deals? Are you interested in the weather in Nigeria, prices, cost of travel, do you need a visa to Nigeria and would a detailed map be useful? Would you like to see what Nigeria looks like in photos and videos? What excursions and attractions are in Nigeria? What are the stars and reviews of hotels in Nigeria?
Federal Republic of Nigeria- a state in West Africa. It borders in the west with Benin, in the north with Niger, in the northeast with Chad, and in the east with Cameroon.
The Niger and Benue rivers divide the country into two parts: the coastal plain is located in the southern part, and low plateaus predominate in the northern part. The highest point in the country, Mount Chappal Vaddi (2419 m), is located in Taraba state near the Nigerian-Cameroon border.
Airports in Nigeria
Abuja Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport
Benin Airport
Warri Airport
Kaduna Airport
Calabar Margaret Ekpo International Airport
Kano International Airport
Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport
Port Harcourt International Airport
Enugu Akanu Ibiam International Airport
Nigeria hotels 1 - 5 stars
Weather in Nigeria
The climate is equatorial monsoon and subequatorial, with high humidity. Average annual temperatures everywhere exceed +25°C. In the north, the hottest months are March–June, in the south - April, when temperatures reach +30–32°C. The rainiest and “coolest” month is August. The greatest amount of precipitation falls in the Niger Delta (up to 4000 mm per year), in the central part of the country - 1000–1400 mm, and in the extreme northeast - only 500 mm. The driest period is winter, when the harmattan wind blows from the northeast, bringing daytime heat and sharp daily temperature changes from the desert regions of the mainland.
Language of Nigeria
Official language: English
There are about 400 local languages and dialects, the most common languages being Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo.
Currency of Nigeria
International name: NGN
Naira is equal to 100 kobo. The circulation of other currencies is officially prohibited, although in reality almost all hard currencies in the world are accepted in markets and private shops.
Using credit cards and tourist traveler's checks is difficult and is only possible in the capital. Currency exchange can only be done in banks and official exchange offices.
Customs restrictions in Nigeria
The transit of foreign currency is limited only when leaving: you can import without restrictions, and you can export the amount within the limits of the imported foreign currency. The exchange can be made at any exchange office. It is recommended to save receipts. When transiting amounts up to $3000, its declaration is not required.
It is prohibited to export items made of bronze, animal skins, bird feathers, elephant bones, and gold coins. The import ban applies to weapons and drugs. Without imposing a duty, you can enter: perfumes - 250 g, household appliances, photo, audio and video equipment - one item of each name, strong alcoholic drinks - 1 liter, tobacco - 200 g, cigars - 50 pcs., cigarettes - 200 pcs., wine - 1 l.
Import of animals
To import animals, you need a special conclusion from a veterinarian confirming that the animal is free of diseases and has been vaccinated against rabies, as well as permission from the country’s veterinary service.
Mains voltage: 220V
Shopping in Nigeria
Everywhere, both in the market and in stores, you can and should bargain.
Safety
Nigeria is a country with a difficult crime situation; it is not recommended to enter into conflicts with the local population, carry large sums of money with you or leave them in a hotel room, or use a taxi at night, especially when there are strangers in it besides the driver.
Fraud is quite common, especially when using foreign currencies, so it is advisable to exchange some naira in small denominations in advance for everyday use.
Country code: +234
Geographic first level domain name:.ng
Federal Republic of Nigeria It is considered a fairly large state in many respects. For example, in terms of the population that lives in this republic, it leads among others African countries continent. The total number of people who live in Nigeria is about 129 million inhabitants. This is 1/8 of the statistical indicators of all registered people inhabiting Africa. Therefore, such an indicator is very impressive for a single country. Description of Nigeria, geography, climate features and much more is the topic of the article.
Story
Nigeria, the features of which we will consider, has an interesting history of its own development, which is interesting due to many factors. Back in the middle of the 1st millennium BC. e. In the central part of the modern state, the Nok civilization begins to form. During that period, local residents actively created terracotta figurines, which were made in the form of wheeled carts, horses and riders.
After the Nok civilization ceased to exist, its culture was adopted by the Yoruba people. Thanks to him, the unique associations of Oyo, Ife and the Benin kingdom were created.
In the 8th century AD e. The state of Kanem-Borno was created in the central Sahara, which occupied the territory from Libya to Nigeria. But in the 14th century it collapsed, as a result of which the Hausa people settled in certain parts of the former empire.
The first European settlements in Nigeria date back to the 15th century. These were the Portuguese who discovered new lands. But they did not try to impose cultures and their own orders, but, on the contrary, contributed to the development of the kingdoms of Oyo and Benin. And only in the 19th century, when Nigeria became a colony of Great Britain, did a foreign form of government and the English language actively begin to be implanted here.
In 1914, Nigeria, having the status of a British colony, became a single protectorate. But the future Federal Republic of Nigeria was not formed as a single nation at that time. This was hampered by its territorial division into many states in which different peoples lived.
Geography of Nigeria and local climate
The territory of Nigeria extends in western Africa from the coast of the Gulf of Guinea to the savannah. In the north, this country neighbors Niger, and on the western side it borders on Benin. Chad is located to the northeast of Nigeria and Cameroon to the east.
The climate of Nigeria is subequatorial and equatorial monsoon; the air is often dominated by high humidity. The average annual temperature, according to research, is about 25 o C. The hottest months in the northern part of the country are considered to be March-June. In the southern part of Nigeria, April is traditionally considered the warmest month of the year. Then the temperature limit rises to 30-32 o C. August, on the contrary, is rainier and cooler.
Since Nigeria's climate, as mentioned above, is subequatorial and equatorial monsoon, the winter period here is often dry. It is then that, as a result of the cold harmattan wind that blows from the northeast, sudden temperature changes occur. For example, during the day it can be 30 o C, and at night it drops sharply to 10 o C.
The highest point in Nigeria is Mount Chappal Wadi, whose height is 2419 meters. It is located near the border with Cameroon, in the state of Taraba.
Capital of Nigeria
According to historical information, on December 12, 1991, the capital of Nigeria became the city of Abuja. Until this time, the city of Lagos had a similar honorary status.The state of Abuja is located in the central part of the country. The area is not dominated by any of the so-called ethnic communities, so it remains neutral.
Abuja was founded in 1828, the main designer of the city was the architect Kenzo Tange. The city is divided into 6 districts. In the center is the residence of the President of Nigeria.
Abuja has a population of about 780,000 people and an area of 609 square kilometers.
The capital of Nigeria has well-developed infrastructure and transport links. In fact, Abuja is easily accessible from all parts of the country, with many roads leading from different directions. There is also an international airport here. Therefore, a person who wants to visit this area can do so very easily.
Territorial structure of Nigeria and form of government
In Nigeria there is a presidential form of government by the state. The legislative body is the bicameral National Assembly, which includes the Senate and the House of Representatives. Today the Constitution is in force, which was adopted in May 1999 by the head of state.
More than 30 million km 2 is the area occupied by Africa. Nigeria - 924,768 km2. The number is quite impressive. The entire territory of the country is divided into 36 states. Each state has a House of Assembly - a body legislative power. Resolutions passed at meetings of the Assembly come into force only when signed by the governor. The term of office of the Assembly Chamber is 4 years. Moreover, by law it must sit for at least 181 days a year.
The judiciary in the states of Nigeria is administered by 3 types of courts: the Customary Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court and the Shariah Court of Appeal.
The Nigerian flag was adopted in 1960, on October 1st. Divided into even vertical three parts: green stripes on the sides, white in the middle. Green symbolizes forests and natural resources, white symbolizes peace.
The coat of arms of Nigeria features two silver horses holding a shield on which an eagle sits. The shield itself is black, with a forked cross. Horses symbolize pride and dignity, the eagle symbolizes strength. White cross on the shield - Benue and Niger are the main rivers of the republic, the black color of the shield is fertile lands.
Local attractions
The Federal Republic of Nigeria is famous for its tropical forests, as well as the famous Joey plateaus (flat-topped rocks). Also, visitors to this country should visit the metropolis of Lagos. Here they will see specialized and historical museums, various cultural and historical sites. Vacationers can also be pleased with the fact of a pleasant pastime on specially equipped beaches. There are also plenty of unusual entertainment venues where you can have fun and unforgettably spend your free time.
Natural resources and core activities
A natural resource such as oil provides a decent economic position for Nigeria. Natural gas, tin ore and other minerals are also mined in this republic. Quite large quantities of agricultural products are exported: rubber, cocoa beans, palm oil.
The basis of the activities of the inhabitants of this country lies in the development of the agro-industrial sector. Entire enterprises have been created here that specialize in processing waste generated in the process of farming.
Mechanical engineering is also actively developing, wood processing industry, food and light industry. In Nigeria, craftsmen use a special leather extrusion technology.
Peoples living in Nigeria
The most numerous peoples who live in Nigeria are the Tiv, Fulani, Kanuri and Hausa. They predominate in the northern part of the country. All of the listed peoples of Nigeria, except the Tiv, profess Islam.
Thanks to the militancy of the Hausa people and their skillful management of trade relations, their language became widespread in northern Nigeria.
If you look at the eastern part of the country, the following peoples of Nigeria live here: Igbo, Ibibio-Efik and Ijaw. Imo and Anabara states are largely Igbo dominated. In Cross River you can meet many people who belong to the Ibibio-Efik people. The Ijaws are densely populated in Bayelsa State. All these peoples live in small villages and run their own households there. Another common feature is the fact that they make important decisions collectively, on community councils. The function of power is performed by secular or religious leaders.
The state of Benin, which is located in the southwestern part of Nigeria, is home to the Yoruba people, who number about 20 million people.
Languages
The official language of Nigeria is English. However, there are also approximately 400 local languages and dialects in which residents of one or another nation communicate with each other. The most widespread languages are the Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo peoples.
Nigeria's vernacular language is suitable for media dissemination and communication among residents. Most people living in Nigeria are fluent in at least two languages.
Culture in Nigeria
Talented writers for whom this country has always been famous have made a significant contribution to the cultural heritage of Nigeria. Among them are Chinua Achebe, Femi Osofisan, Buchi Emecheta, Ben Okri, Daniel Fagunwa.
In the cinematic arts, the Federal Republic of Nigeria has also achieved very tangible success: today it ranks honorably second in the production of feature films. The only country in the world that is ahead of Nigeria in this matter is India.
The music that Nigerians listen to is completely diverse. Each people inhabiting its territory has its own musical preferences, as well as the instruments with which they hold their own concerts.
Religion
Most of all in Nigeria are those who adhere to the Islamic faith. In total, they make up about 50.4% of all those living in this republic. But there are also many Christians, approximately 48.2%. In fact, Christianity in Nigeria is a worthy competitor to Islam. The remaining 1.4% of Nigerians adhere to other religions.
What a tourist needs to know about Nigeria
All those who wish to visit Nigeria must initially decide what type of holiday they prefer. For example, those who love beach resorts should visit Port Harcourt. There are simply magnificent sandy beaches here. In the center of this small resort town there is a museum of National Traditional Jewelry of the 19th century.
If you prefer a city holiday, you should definitely visit the city of Kano. It is rich in various architectural, historical and cultural monuments. You can see here both a grand mosque and the emir's palace. And the Kano market is the most famous in Nigeria.
You can enjoy the originality of a country holiday and see natural parks in the village of Cross River and near the city of Akwa Ibom.
Flights to Nigeria are operated from the capitals of European powers. However, for this you must first obtain a visa. Registration of all documents allowing you to visit Nigeria takes on average about one week.
