Nigeria Travel Requirements: What You Need to Know

Nigeria is a country in West Africa, bordered by Benin to the west, Chad and Cameroon to the east, and Niger to the north. It is one of Africa's most populous countries with over 170 million inhabitants. Nigeria has been home for centuries to diverse ethnic groups who have their own languages and customs. The country's official language is English but many other Nigerian languages are also spoken such as Igbo (Igbo people), Yoruba (Yoruba people), Hausa (Hausa people) and Fulani.

 

With its vast natural resources and youthful population Nigeria has great potential for rapid economic development that will benefit all Nigerians. One key requirement for this growth: stability in government institutions that will prioritize providing economic opportunities in the country.

 

Section 1: Where is Nigeria located

Nigeria's coordinates are:

 

longitude: 0°20' North,

 

latitude: 13.17' North.

 

With a coastline of 818 nautical miles, Nigeria is situated in the tropics and shares a maritime border with Chad. This is also where the country gets its name from. 'Nigeria' means 'Land of the Rising Sun' in Yoruba.

 

Map of Nigeria with the country's current geopolitical boundaries

 

Section 2: Demographics of Nigeria

 

The country has a history of conquest dating back over 300 years. A combination of British, Spanish and French forces gained control of the region, known at the time as the Yoruba Confederacy. In 1967, Nigeria gained independence and its flag was unveiled at the London Conference, flag #1 depicting the rising sun symbolizing the country's energy and hope.

 

Historical background of Nigeria

The old European colonial powers laid claim to Nigeria. With the French arrival in 1860, the first contact between the French and the Hausa people of what is now Nigeria was arranged between two warring tribes, the Fulani and the Hausa. A peace accord was finally reached between the two warring tribes. It was the first recorded peace treaty between different Hausa tribes. This treaty is still celebrated as the founding of the Fulani Empire.

 

The Fulani people prospered and their empire expanded into Western Nigeria, the Middle Belt region and the Niger River Delta. Fulani people also occupied part of Cameroon and the eastern part of the Republic of Benin, all territory now under Republic of Benin.

 

Current Politics in Nigeria

Nigeria has a fragile government that has grappled with high levels of poverty, political instability, and corruption for years. Its economic troubles stem from the lack of a credible currency to stabilize its economy. This instability has led to poor governance and an unstable economy. A series of attempted coups and a series of military and civilian administrations have been plagued by corruption, poor infrastructure, lack of capital investment, and deep seated poverty. The government's economic mismanagement led to soaring inflation, dwindling oil revenue, and a harsh economic climate. Recently the government has taken steps to tackle corruption and help the economy with infrastructure investments and fiscal consolidation.

 

Nigeria is also highly sensitive to oil prices.

 

How to Apply for Nigerian Passport

Foreign nationals must enter Nigeria at one of the five major border entry points in Nigeria: Lome, Portharcourt, Makurdi, Yenagoa, and Owerri. You can learn more about the five major Nigerian border entry points and enter the country through them by downloading the International Visitor Survey .

 

For more information about Nigerian Passport: https://www.travel.state.gov/passport/en/country/nigeria.html

 

If you have your residence visa for Nigeria already, you can apply for a valid Nigerian Passport online at the embassy of Nigeria at Cotonou or via mail at Federal Republic of Nigeria Consular Office, c/o Nigerian Mission in Douala, Republic of Cameroon, Place H-6, Douala.

 

FAQs

 

When should I start applying for a passport?

 

As soon as possible.

 

Foreign Investment in Nigeria

Nigeria is an emerging economy that holds huge potential for foreign investment. From 2012 to 2016, the country received the highest number of FDI projects out of any other African country – 135 out of 175. This period is also when a large number of private equity and venture capital funds began investing in Africa, which contributed to Nigeria's reputation as a favourable investment destination.

 

In April 2016, the country received an influx of $4 billion of investments from China in what was the largest FDI delegation to arrive in Nigeria's history. The flow of investment to Nigeria also included the establishment of a US$2.3 billion state-owned power generation company and a US$600 million railway project in South-east Nigeria, as well as the creation of at least 37,000 jobs.

 

Immigration Requirements to Live in Nigeria

As a country of immigrants, Nigeria is welcoming to new citizens and non-citizens with high-skilled professional jobs and generous asylum policies. Nigerians are subject to legal immigration, can apply for a work visa and can also apply for permanent residency.

 

If you want to live in Nigeria you will need a visa to enter the country. In addition, you will need a minimum level of income that is sufficient to cover your basic living expenses, and it is advised to have financial stability before immigrating.

 

Background on Safety in Nigeria

Nigeria is currently rated the world's 27th most dangerous country (based on recent government reports). Armed robbery, kidnapping and carjacking are common in urban centers. There is also a high incidence of violent crimes in rural areas. Despite Nigeria's long history of violence, however, the vast majority of Nigerians are law-abiding citizens and demonstrate their dedication to the country by volunteering to serve in the military and police, working in the country's growing economy and contributing to their communities.

 

It is important to emphasize that it is a personal choice whether to visit Nigeria, and there are significant security risks involved. Any advice regarding safety and personal security should be considered very carefully.