Nigeria
Nigeria is Africa's most populous country and a cultural powerhouse, home of Afrobeats, Nollywood and a fiercely contested jollof rivalry with Ghana. Most visitors start in Lagos, with its art galleries, live-music venues and beach escapes, then add the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, ancient Kano or the cool Obudu Plateau. Travel takes planning, and local contacts help enormously.
Overview
Nigeria's 220 million-plus people speak more than 500 languages, and the country divides broadly into a Yoruba south-west, an Igbo south-east, a largely Hausa and Muslim north, and a Middle Belt of many smaller groups. Most first trips centre on Lagos, the commercial capital, with excursions into Yoruba country: Abeokuta's Olumo Rock, the sacred grove at Osogbo and the old city of Ibadan. Abuja, the planned capital, is calmer and an easy flight away. Further afield, Cross River State offers Calabar's carnival and the Obudu highlands, while Kano anchors the north.
Nigeria rewards travellers who come with patience and connections. Lagos is expensive for accommodation and slowed by notorious traffic, but its restaurants, galleries and nightlife — especially in December, when the diaspora comes home — are as energetic as anywhere in Africa. Infrastructure is uneven: power cuts are common, generators hum everywhere, and road journeys can be long. Travel advice differs sharply from state to state, so check the FCDO guidance before planning any overland route. What surprises most visitors is the warmth of the welcome and the sheer volume of music.
Map of Nigeria
Top 5 highlights
- 1Sacred site
Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove
One of the last areas of primary forest in southern Nigeria, sacred to the river goddess Osun and filled with shrines and extraordinary sculptures by Susanne Wenger and the New Sacred Art movement. UNESCO-listed and best visited with a local guide.
- 2Nature
Lekki Conservation Centre
A patch of protected wetland forest on the Lekki Peninsula, crossed by one of Africa's longest canopy walkways. Come early to see monkeys, monitor lizards and birdlife before the heat and the weekend crowds arrive.
- 3History
Kofar Mata dye pits, Kano
Dyers still plunge cloth into deep indigo pits said to date from the 15th century, beside one of the old gates of Kano. Nearby survive sections of the ancient city walls and the Emir's palace, Gidan Rumfa.
- 4Wildlife
Yankari National Park
Nigeria's best-known game reserve, in Bauchi State, shelters elephants, baboons and antelope, but the real draw is Wikki Warm Springs, a clear spring-fed stream at a steady 31°C that is perfect for swimming.
- 5Nature
Obudu Mountain Resort
A former cattle ranch on a plateau at around 1,600 metres near the Cameroon border, reached by a road of dizzying hairpin bends. Rolling grassland, waterfalls and cool nights make it feel unlike anywhere else in Nigeria.
Biggest cities
Lagos
Nigeria's commercial and cultural engine: gallery-hop in Ikoyi and Lekki, eat suya on Victoria Island, catch live Afrobeat at the New Afrika Shrine and take a boat to Tarkwa Bay beach.
Kano
One of West Africa's oldest trading cities, with stretches of ancient mud walls, the Kofar Mata dye pits, the Emir's palace and a vast market; check the FCDO advice first.
Ibadan
A sprawling Yoruba city of rust-roofed hills, home to Nigeria's first university and Cocoa House, once the tallest building in tropical Africa; an easy train ride from Lagos.
Figures are rounded urban-area estimates and vary widely by source; the UN's latest method also ranks the sprawling Onitsha conurbation in the south-east among Nigeria's largest.
When to go to Nigeria
Best time: Nov–Feb.
Average climate in Lagos
Festivals & events
- Mar, MayDurbar festivals
At Eid, northern emirs ride out with hundreds of horsemen in brilliant robes and quilted armour. Dates follow the Islamic calendar; Kano's and Katsina's are best known, though sometimes cancelled at short notice.
- AugOsun-Osogbo Festival
The climax of a two-week August festival sees a votive maiden lead a huge procession to the river in the sacred grove, with drumming, dancing and offerings to Osun.
- DecCalabar Carnival
Throughout December, Calabar hosts costumed band parades, street parties and concerts, building to a grand carnival procession through the city late in the month.
How much does Nigeria cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Jollof rice
Rice cooked in a smoky tomato, pepper and onion sauce, ideally with the slightly charred base of 'party jollof'; Nigerians insist theirs beats Ghana's.
Suya
Thin strips of beef rubbed with yaji, a fiery ground peanut and chilli spice mix, grilled over charcoal and served with sliced raw onion.
Pounded yam and egusi
Smooth, stretchy pounded yam, eaten by hand, with egusi, a rich soup of ground melon seeds, leafy greens and meat or fish.
Getting around
Domestic flights are the practical way to cover long distances, linking Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano and Calabar. Modern trains run from Lagos to Ibadan and from Abuja to Kaduna. In Lagos, Uber and Bolt are the simplest way around, and the Blue and Red Line trains help on some routes. Yellow danfo minibuses and keke tricycles are cheap but chaotic. Rather than driving yourself, hire a car with a driver.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- DG230V — UK plugs fit
- Emergency numbers
- Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +234
- Time zone
- UTC+1 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Not safe — drink bottled or treated water
- Driving
- On the right
- Tipping
- Tipping is expected for good service: about 10% in restaurants without a service charge, and small sums for drivers, porters and guides.
- Etiquette
- Greetings matter: always greet before getting down to business, show respect to elders and use your right hand to give and receive. Dress modestly, especially in the Muslim north.
- Main airports
- Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS), Lagos; Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV), Abuja; Port Harcourt International Airport (PHC), Port Harcourt
Visas & entry for Nigeria
Shown for a British passport.
Visa required — apply before you go
You must have a visa to enter Nigeria as a visitor. Get your visa before travelling.
If you have a valid Nigerian residence permit (CERPAC or Green Card), you do not need a visa to enter Nigeria.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Hepatitis ATetanusTyphoidYellow fever
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- ChikungunyaDengueHepatitis BMeaslesMeningococcal diseasePolioRabiesTuberculosis
- Yellow fever certificate
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers (usually over 9 months or 1 year old). There is a risk of yellow fever in parts of the country — vaccination may be advised.
- Malaria
- High risk of malaria
- There is a high risk of malaria in Nigeria: antimalarial tablets recommended.
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Nigeria
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Sat 26 Dec 2026 | Boxing Day |
| Mon 28 Dec 2026 | Boxing Day (observed) |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Wed 10 Mar 2027 | Eid al-Fitr (date may shift) |
| Thu 11 Mar 2027 | Eid al-Fitr Holiday (date may shift) |
| Fri 26 Mar 2027 | Good Friday |
| Mon 29 Mar 2027 | Easter Monday |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | Workers' Day |
| Mon 3 May 2027 | Workers' Day (observed) |
| Mon 17 May 2027 | Eid al-Adha (date may shift) |
| Tue 18 May 2027 | Eid al-Adha Holiday (date may shift) |
| Sat 29 May 2027 | Presidential Inauguration Day |
| Sat 12 Jun 2027 | Democracy Day |
| Mon 14 Jun 2027 | Democracy Day (observed) |
| Sun 15 Aug 2027 | Prophet's Birthday (date may shift) |
| Mon 16 Aug 2027 | Prophet's Birthday (observed, estimated) (date may shift) |
| Fri 1 Oct 2027 | National Day |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Useful phrases in Yoruba
| English | Yoruba | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Báwo ni | BAH-woh nee |
| Thank you | Ẹ ṣé | eh SHEH |
| Please | Ẹ jọ̀ọ́ | eh JAW |
| Excuse me | Ẹ má bínú | eh mah bee-NOO |
| How much is this? | Èló ni èyí? | EH-loh nee EH-yee? |
Know before you go
- Check the FCDO travel advice before booking and again before any overland journey, as guidance differs sharply between states.
- Carry a mix of card and cash: cards work in upmarket Lagos and Abuja venues, but markets and taxis want naira; change money only through banks or licensed bureaux.
- Plan Lagos days around traffic: crossing between the mainland and Victoria Island can take two hours at rush hour, so group sights by area and stay near them.
Nigeria travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Nigeria?
The best time to visit Nigeria is generally Nov–Feb. Peak months are January, February, November and December. Average highs in Lagos range from 28°C to 33°C across the year.
How much does a trip to Nigeria cost per day?
Roughly £45 a day on a tight budget, £110 mid-range and £240+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in Nigeria?
Nigerian naira (NGN).
What plug type does Nigeria use?
Type D and G sockets at 230V. UK visitors need a travel adapter.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Nigeria?
Traffic drives on the right in Nigeria, unlike the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in Nigeria?
Not safe — drink bottled or treated water.
Do I need a visa for Nigeria?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: You must have a visa to enter Nigeria as a visitor. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for Nigeria before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/nigeria/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for Nigeria?
TravelHealthPro recommends Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid and Yellow fever for most travellers, with Chikungunya, Dengue, Hepatitis B, Measles, Meningococcal disease and Polio sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
