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Nigeria
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Shopping in Lagos

Travel etiquette
How to fit in

Health

Visa & Immigration

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Lagos – a brief overview
Nigeria’s largest city Lagos is home to some beautiful beaches, interesting markets and friendly people. Straddling a chunk of coastline and a pair of nearby islands, the city is a beguiling blend of chaotic markets, tropical sunshine and a glittering business district – much of it funded by Nigeria’s impressively prolific oil industry.
Away from the skyscrapers, most of which are to be found on Lagos Island, the city is home to several interesting museums and galleries, as well as the old slave port of Badagry, which was founded by the Portuguese in 1452.
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Top 10 sights in Lagos

Badagry
Nigeria
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Just outside Lagos is Badagry, known locally as ‘The Point of No Return’, which was founded by the Portuguese in 1452 as a slave port. Although many of the buildings are decrepit, the town offers an interesting insight into the transatlantic slave trade.
Lighthouse Beach
Lagos
Nigeria
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One of Lagos’ nicer beaches, Lighthouse Beach is a glittering golden stretch of sand overlooked by a 110-year-old lighthouse and with good views of the container ships easing into the main port.
Nike Art Centre
3rd Roundabout, Epe Expressway,
Ikate Cross Road, Lekki Phase 1 Peninsula,
Lekki
Lagos
Nigeria
Tel: +234 803 409 6656
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Opening times:
Various
Owned and run by local artist, Nike Davies Okundaye, this gallery is the best place for a taste of the local art scene which, along with painting, includes gorgeous batik-work and handicrafts.
DIDI Museum
Victoria Island
Lagos
Nigeria
Tel: +234 709 850 5052
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Opening times:
By appointment
Set within a private home, the DIDI Museum was founded in 1983 by Dr Newton Jibunoh to provide a platform for traditional Nigerian art. The main collection includes paintings, sculpture and photography, as well as some unusual snaps of visiting heads of state.
Tafawa Balewa Square
Lagos
Nigeria
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Lagos’ central square is home to some impressively large monuments, among them a series of gigantic horses and touching memorials to the Nigerian soldiers who died fighting for the UK in WWI and WWII.
National Museum
Lagos
Nigeria
Tel: +234 1 263 6005
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Opening times:
Daily 0900-1700
This fascinating museum charts Nigeria’s history from prehistoric times to the modern day. Among the star exhibits are the ancient Nok Terracottas and a huge collection of ivory crowns, as well as the bullet-ridden car in which military ruler Murtala Mohammed was gunned down in 1976.
Lekki Conservation Centre
Lekki Peninsula
Nigeria
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A picturesque stretch of wetland just outside Lagos, Lekki was set aside by the government for local wildlife in 1987. Raised walkways allow you to see crocodiles, monkeys and huge flocks of colourful birds up close.
Kalakuta Republic Museum
The former home of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, this quirky museum is dedicated to the life and times of the great man. Along with a complete discography, it contains scores of his personal possessions.
Funtopia
Lagos
Nigeria
Tel: +234 802 377 0694
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Opening times:
Daily 1000-1800
Enormously popular with well-heeled locals, Funtopia boasts three huge swimming pools, water slides, a games room, gorgeous sea views and a convenient swim-up bar for adults.
Terra Kulture
Lagos
Nigeria
Tel: +234 1 270 0588
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Opening times:
Daily 1200-2400
A stylish art gallery that houses a selection of painting and sculpture by some of Nigeria’s best contemporary artists, as well as a rooftop bar and an auction house.
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Country information
Country overview
Nigeria is blessed with hundreds of miles of coastline, national parks and fascinating ancient sites.
Geography
Nigeria has borders with Niger to the north, Chad (across Lake Chad) to the northeast, Cameroon to the east and Benin to the west. To the south, the Gulf of Guinea is indented by the Bight of Benin and the Bight of Biafra. The country’s topography and vegetation vary considerably.
The coastal region is a low-lying area of lagoons, sandy beaches and mangrove swamps, which merges into an area of rainforest where palm trees grow to over 30m (100ft).
From here, the landscape changes to savannah and open woodland, rising to the Central Jos Plateau at 1,800m (6,000ft). The northern part of the country is desert and semi-desert, marking the southern extent of the Sahara.
General knowledge
Key facts
Population: 169 300 000
Population Density (per sq km): 174
Capital: Abuja.
Language
The official language is English. A variation of English (Pidgin English) is also spoken. The three main Nigerian languages are Yoruba, Ibo (also spelt Igbo) and Hausa; another 400 languages are also spoken in the country.
Currency
Naira (NGN; symbol ₦) = 100 kobo. Notes are in denominations of ₦500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of ₦1 and kobo 25, 10, 5 and 1.
Electricity
240 volts AC, 50Hz. British-style plugs with three square pins are most commonly used.
General business opening hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1600 (government offices); 0830-1700 (private businesses). However, offices in the northern states may close at 1300 as Muslim workers may take part in prayer services at 1400; business resumes after this.
Public holidays
Listed below are the public holidays for the period January 2020 to December 2021.
Note
Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given below are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Id el Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Id el Fitr itself. Id el Fitr and Id el Kabir may last up to several days, depending on the region.
2020
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2020
Good Friday: 10 April 2020
Easter Day: 12 April 2020
Easter Monday: 13 April 2020
Workers’ Day: 1 May 2020
Id el Fitr (End of Ramadan): 24 and 25 May 2020
Democracy Day: 29 May 2020
Id el Kabir (Feast of Sacrifice): 31 July and 1 August 2020
Independence Day (Republic Day): 1 October 2020
Id el Maulud (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad): 29 October 2020
Christmas Day: 25 December 2020
Boxing Day: 26 December 2020
2021
New Year’s Day: 1 January 2021
Good Friday: 2 April 2021
Easter Day: 4 April 2021
Easter Monday: 5 April 2021
Workers’ Day: 1 May 2021
Id el Fitr (End of Ramadan): 13 and 14 May 2021
Democracy Day: 29 May 2021
Id el Kabir (Feast of Sacrifice): 20 and 21 July 2021
Independence Day (Republic Day): 1 October 2021
Id el Maulud (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad): 19 October 2021
Christmas Day: 25 December 2021
Boxing Day: 26 December 2021
All information subject to change.
Flight and accommodation
Nightlife in Lagos
There’s plenty to do in Lagos once the sun sets, although it’s worth remembering that the city’s criminal fraternity is most active after dark.
With that in mind, hotel bars are usually your best bet, although some visitors do risk it for a night out with the locals.
Bar Campione
Lagos
Nigeria
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A cheerful sports bar that’s packed with locals come the weekend.
Crystal Lounge
Lagos
Nigeria
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An upmarket party spot with live DJs and regular theme nights.
Elegushi Beach
Lagos
Nigeria
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Come weekends, this Lagos beach transforms into an alfresco nightclub; keep a close eye on your purse and don’t go alone.
The New Afrika Shrine
Lagos
Nigeria
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Dedicated to the music of the late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, this is the place to hear real Nigerian tunes.
Likwid Lounge
Lagos
Nigeria
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A glitzy bar popular with local A-listers, Likwid does the best cocktails in Lagos.
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Restaurants in Lagos
Eating out in Nigeria is relatively cheap, although you will pay more at business-oriented restaurants.
Either way, whether you’re after a taste of local food or simply fancy a really good curry, Lagos’ plethora of eateries has something for you.
The Yellow Chilli
Victoria Island
Lagos
Nigeria
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Price: Expensive
A smart Nigerian restaurant serving well-presented local fare popular with city businessmen.
Saffron Bar and Restaurant
Lagos
Nigeria
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Price: Expensive
Popular with local bigwigs, Saffron serves up an eclectic menu of dishes drawn from all over the world.
Ocean Basket
Lagos
Nigeria
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Price: Moderate
A South African seafood chain that makes the most of the rich seas off Lagos’ coastline.
Sherlaton
Lagos
Nigeria
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Price: Moderate
One of the few restaurants to cater for vegetarians, Sherlaton specialises in veg-heavy Indian food.
Al Basha
Lagos
Nigeria
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Price: Cheap
Tasty, reasonably authentic Lebanese food served up takeaway style.
Flight and accommodation
Calendar of events
Music Festival Lagos
March 2020
Venue: Golden Tulip Festac Lagos
First held in 2013, this popular music festival is already well on its way to becoming one of Nigeria’s must-do events. Bringing together artists from different generations, the festival showcases the best of Nigerian music, from stars with 50-plus years’ experience to youngsters breaking into the music scene.
Lagos Fashion and Design Week
Nigeria’s fashion industry is under the spotlight in this glitzy event. Eye-catching, cutting-edge designs are paraded along the catwalk in a series of glamorous runway shows. Fashionistas can also browse the hottest new trends in showrooms jam-packed with the latest textiles, clothing and accessories.
MUSON Festival
Organised by The Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON), this classical music festival showcases the outstanding MUSON Choir and Nigeria’s only professional orchestra, the MUSON Symphony Orchestra. Indigenous music, jazz tunes and musical theatre are also thrown into the mix in a dynamic 10-day programme.
All information subject to change. Please check the dates on the relevant event organizer’s website.
Flight and accommodation
Hotels in Lagos
Lagos has an impressively large selection of hotels, although the majority are geared towards business travellers.
Nevertheless, it is possible to find safe budget accommodation, while those looking for relaxation can enjoy the numerous beach resorts.
The Federal Palace Hotel & Casino
Lagos
Nigeria
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Category: Expensive
Huge, comfortable rooms and 24-hour security make this a good base for exploring Lagos.
The Moorhouse Ikoyi Lagos – Mgallery Collection
Lagos
Nigeria
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Category: Moderate
The closest thing Lagos has to a boutique hotel, Mgallery Moorhouse is decked out in chic African style.
Golden Tulip Festac Lagoon
Lagos
Nigeria
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Category: Moderate
Set amid lush tropical gardens with a large outdoor pool, this massive hotel has nearly 500 rooms and suites.
ibis Airport Hotel
Airport Road
Lagos
Nigeria
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Category: Cheap
A good-value choice if you need to stay near the airport, with smart, compact rooms.
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Best time to visit
Today: Friday, 15.01.2021 07:00 UTC

sunny
temperature
27°C
wind direction
westwind speed
6.875 mphhumidity
78%7 days forecast
Saturday
16.01.2021
29°C / 27°C
Sunday
17.01.2021
29°C / 27°C
Monday
18.01.2021
29°C / 27°C
Tuesday
19.01.2021
29°C / 27°C
Wednesday
20.01.2021
30°C / 27°C
Thursday
21.01.2021
29°C / 27°C
Friday
22.01.2021
30°C / 27°C
Climate & best time to visit Nigeria
Varies from area to area. The southern coast is hot and humid with a rainy season from March to November. During the dry season, the Harmattan wind blows from the Sahara. The north’s rainy season is from July to September. Nights can be cold in December and January.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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absolute max | absolute min | Ø absolute max | Ø absolute min | relative humidity | Ø precipitation | days with deposit > 1mm | sunshine duration | |
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Jan | 35 °C | 13 °C | 31 °C | 21 °C | 81 % | 24 mm | 2 | 5.3 h |
Feb | 36 °C | 15 °C | 32 °C | 22 °C | 79 % | 45 mm | 3 | 6.0 h |
Mar | 35 °C | 18 °C | 32 °C | 23 °C | 76 % | 89 mm | 6 | 5.6 h |
Apr | 35 °C | 15 °C | 32 °C | 22 °C | 82 % | 146 mm | 9 | 6.0 h |
May | 35 °C | 20 °C | 31 °C | 22 °C | 84 % | 215 mm | 12 | 5.7 h |
Jun | 33 °C | 18 °C | 29 °C | 22 °C | 87 % | 334 mm | 17 | 3.8 h |
Jul | 31 °C | 17 °C | 27 °C | 21 °C | 87 % | 238 mm | 14 | 3.2 h |
Aug | 33 °C | 15 °C | 27 °C | 21 °C | 85 % | 87 mm | 10 | 3.5 h |
Sep | 32 °C | 18 °C | 28 °C | 21 °C | 86 % | 177 mm | 12 | 3.8 h |
Oct | 33 °C | 18 °C | 29 °C | 21 °C | 87 % | 171 mm | 12 | 5.4 h |
Nov | 34 °C | 17 °C | 31 °C | 22 °C | 84 % | 66 mm | 6 | 6.2 h |
Dec | 34 °C | 16 °C | 31 °C | 22 °C | 82 % | 23 mm | 1 | 6.2 h |
year | 36 °C | 13 °C | 30 °C | 22 °C | 83 % | 1615 mm | 103 | 5.1 h |
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Phone calls & Internet
/Mobile Telephone
Dialing code: +234
Mobile Telephone
Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies. Coverage is average.
Internet
Internet and e-mail services are available in Internet cafes in Lagos.
Flight and accommodation
Shopping in Lagos
Key Areas
Although most of Lagos is dotted with street stalls and hawkers, the main action happens in the city’s many markets, where you can buy everything from crafts to pirate DVDs to vintage clothes (much of which comes from Western charity boxes). Jankara Market is the biggest and, along with dodgy DVDs, houses an interesting fetish market. Elsewhere, Lagos is home to several malls, among them the modern Silverbird Galleria – the best place to look for stylish things to wear.
Markets
Jankara Market (near Adeyinka Oyekan Avenue) is the biggest and best and sells a mind-bogglingly large array of food, clothes, crafts and knock-offs. Lekki Art Market (inside the Lekki Conservation Centre) is brilliant for local art and sculpture.
Shopping Centres
Along with Silverbird Galleria (133 Ahmadu Bello Way), King’s Plaza (Adeniran Ogunsanya Street) and Ikeja City Mall (Obafemi Awolowo Way) are well worth a look.
Flight and accommodation
Traveller etiquette
Social Conventions
Shaking hands with everyone is customary on meeting and departing. In Yorubaland, it is a sign of respect for women to curtsey when introduced and to enquire after relations, even if this is a first meeting. Unless the visitor knows someone well, it is unusual to be invited to a Nigerian’s home. Most entertaining, particularly in Lagos, takes place in clubs or restaurants. A small gift of appreciation is always welcome and business souvenirs bearing the company logo are also acceptable. Casual wear is suitable and a lightweight suit and tie are only necessary for businesspeople on formal meetings; on most other occasions men will not need to wear a jacket, although a tie might be expected.
Women should dress modestly, and respect local customs regarding dress, particularly in the Muslim north.
It is inadvisable for women to wear trousers. There are over 250 tribes in Nigeria, the principal groups being the Hausa in the north, the Ibo (or Igbo) in the southeast and the Yoruba in the southwest. The larger of the minor groups are the Fulani, Idoma, Igala, Igbirra, Kanuri, Tiv and Nupe in the north; the Efik, Ekoi, Ibibio and Ijaw in the east; and the Edo, Itsekiri, Ijaw and Urhobo in the west. A result of this ethnic variety is the diversity of art, dance forms, language, music, customs and crafts. Nigerians have a very strong sense of ethnic allegiance.
Flight and accommodation
Health
Food & Drink
All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other Risks
Vaccinations against meningococcal meningitis, tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended.
Contractual physician of Lufthansa
Dr. Engert, KlausJBMS Clinic Lagos
Ijora Causeway 15
Lagos
Nigeria
Tel. +234-706-980-0000 ext. 5303
Please note that Lufthansa accepts no responsibility for the treatment nor will it bear the cost of any treatment.
Flight and accommodation
Visa & Immigration
IATA Travel Centre
The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.