Travel Buddy: What to Know While Planning a Trip to Nigeria
By Deborah Inyang
POV: a trip to Nigeria is in the works or about to happen and though you have tried to prepare as best as you can, but you still have some questions. It's bad enough to be thrust into an unfamiliar territory but entering the unfamiliar territory unprepared is a different kind of hell. When you have all the necessary knowledge beforehand, your trip to Nigeria can be a velvety smooth experience so I'm here to make sure that's the package you are subscribed to. While packing your luggage or booking a ticket from your home country, here are a few things you want to keep in mind as you plan that trip to Nigeria.
1. Be updated with and follow the country's necessary protocols
Like every other country, Nigeria has immigration rules that must be obeyed before you are permitted to enter the country. Stay up to date with the changing travel protocols to avoid being frustrated by airport officials upon arrival. Bear in mind that registering on Nigeria's online travel portal, applying in advance for a visa on arrival (if eligible) and getting vaccinated are non-negotiables.
2. Be health conscious
This is general travel advice but a particularly big health concern in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa is malaria. Foreigners not as desensitized to mosquito bites as indigenes are at a higher risk of malaria no matter when they travel. It is important to pack antimalarial medication right along with your clothes and take necessary precautions to prevent this killer disease upon arrival. It's also a good idea to drink bottled water when and where possible as opposed to tap water.
3. Pre-plan your travel logistics
If you don't have your accommodation and airport logistics sorted out ahead of time, you may begin your wonderful stay in Nigeria with exasperation. Nigeria boasts online platforms like Booking.com, ShortLetMart, and Airbnb that help you ensure that you find the perfect place to stay during your trip if you don't already have one. To avoid falling prey to exploitation, have a local meet you at the airport to negotiate taxi rates, pay in naira as often as possible, and do things yourself at the airport to save money on “tipping”.
4. Pack the right kind of clothes
Not dressing appropriately for the weather can put a damper on whatever fun activity is on your itinerary due to discomfort. As a hot country, clothing materials that are breathable and help you stay cool such as cotton, cotton/polyester, and nylon are best for Nigeria's dry season. Sweaters can be worn during the colder Harmattan season but because Nigeria does not get as cold as countries that experience winter, clothes mostly made of cotton will suffice for all seasons. It's very important to keep in mind that although all casual wear are welcome, outfits like shorts and other skin baring outfits are frowned upon in some parts of Nigeria especially the Muslim states.
5. Nigeria is a cultural buffet
One thing you shouldn't expect during your stay is the same way of life in every part of the country. There are many cultures in Nigeria even within a single state and although the difference can initially be a shock, there is something beautiful and unique to be experienced in each of them, from spicy food to tourist sites. Nigeria is also a religious country so when planning your itinerary, make room for Muslim prayer times and try not to make plans on Sundays as it is the Lord's day. It is comforting to know that everyone speaks English or a variation of it called pidgin English. To better blend in and banter with the locals, here are a few words of pidgin you can pick up:
How you dey/ How far - How are you?
Wetin dey happen - What's going on?
I wan (pronounced one) chop - I'm hungry
Abeg - Please
I no get - I don't have (handy if you're begged for money or bribe)
No wahala - No problem
Reduce am na - Give me a discount
Add jara - Give me extra
6. Nigerians are friendly people
Nigerians have a contagiously positive attitude especially towards foreigners so expect it to show up in the form of friendly greetings and small talk. When they ask about your family, they're not being nosy, they are genuinely just trying to make conversation.
Knowing the dos and don'ts of both the country and the people can make you plan your trip and manage your expectations better. There's so much to explore in Nigeria so I hope I've been able to help you better prepare for your stay here. Enjoy your trip!
