BusinessTravel Guide
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NIGERIA
Explore Africa’s powerhouse
N I G E R I A
NIGERIA
With a plethora of natural delights and increasingly prevalent business acumen, Nigeria is emerging as a force to be reckoned with in the industry Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Joe Palliser
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ften referred to as the Giant of Africa, Nigeria has built a worldwide reputation with thanks to its large population, economy and the third-largest youth population globally. Despite the recent drop in crude oil prices, Lagos - the main city - is going up in the world with thanks to the ever increasingly popular tech industries, top class restaurants and clubs and a new found interest in the arts scene which has created a new face for modern Africa. During your visit to Nigeria you will notice that English is one of the official languages there and it’s widely spoken, making it easy to navigate your way around during your time there.
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It is important to take note that at present many foreign governments advise against travelling to Northern and Central Nigeria, due to the current ethnic tension. However, if you happen to have a day or afternoon free for some exploration outside of the capital city, there are many safe and enticing opportunities to fully immerse yourself in the many cultural layers of Nigerian. Whether you are interested in Yoruba shrines or perhaps enticed by the natural beauty of the river deltas, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
FACTS & FIGURES
Languages:
English, Hausa, Lgbo, Yoruba, Fulani
Area:
923,768 square kilometres
Population (2016): Currency: Time zone: Dialling code: Internet TLD: Climate:
186 million Naira (NGN) UTC +1 +234 .ng Tropical hot
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The Business End UNDERTAKING WORK IN Nigeria can more often than not be a very positive experience, with the majority of Nigerian organisations conducting themselves in a similar manner to a family. You will encounter a welcoming open-armed approach to newcomers, making your business trip a thoroughly pleasant experience from start to finish. At present Nigeria is recognised as a mixed economy-emerging market, with lower-middle income status, although it is gradually working its way up the business ladder in terms of sector development.
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With a plethora of natural resources to utilise as well as a highly-developed financial system, legal operations, communications, transport sectors and an increasingly renowned stock exchange - the second largest in Africa - the country show a lot of promise when it comes to recognition as an African business hub. Although there are increasing signs of change to the business world in Nigeria, at present more than 30 percent of Nigerians are employed by the agriculture sector. The country has a huge agricultural production net, with its major crops including
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beans, sesame, cashew nuts, cassava, cocoa beans, ground nuts, gum arabic, kolanut, maise, melon, millet, palm oil, rice, rubber, soybeans and yams. The country also has an abundance of mineral resources that are yet to be properly utilised which explains the smaller scale of its mining industry at present, including coal, natural gas, bauxite, tantalite, gold, tin, limestone, lead and iron ore, leaving massive room for expansion.
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Out & About
YOUR TRIP TO Nigeria will offer up an abundance of unexpected delights to enjoy, for example the many varied traditional cuisines. Some of the many delicacies on offer include afang soup, owo soup, plantain, pepper soup, amala, eba, pouded yam, jollof rice, ground nut soup and Owerri soup, which is the most expensive African soup available in Nigeria. If you are feeling a little less adventurous and after the comforts of home during a busy trip away, you will find a multitude of foreign restaurants in Lagos. A great example that is always popular with visitors is the Sky Bar and Grill at the Eco Hotel, Churasco’s, Lagoon and Fusion, all of which are located in close proximity. When it comes to hospitality Nigeria manages to exceed expectations yet again, providing something to suit every need and requirement. Alongside individual boutique hotels, there are also plenty of hotel chains well-suited to the requirements of business travellers, such as Radisson, Hilton, Mariott and Sheraton. When planning your travels it is advisable to use companies such as hotels.ng that allow you to price check and find the perfect hotel for you anywhere in the country.
The property is strategically located 10 minutes away from the Asaba International Airport. At Best Western Plus Elomaz, Asaba you will be wowed by the architectural design, exquisite furnishings, and the warm and friendly guest services.
Plot 22 A/B-27 Core Area, DBS Road, GRA, Asaba, Delta State T: +234-803-819-3264 | +234-903-150-9975 | +234-812-765-6397 +234-0700 BWHOTELASABA F: +234-09052211553 E: info@bestwesternelomazhotel.com reservations@bestwesternelomazhotel
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Outlook Recommends “Nigeria is a pulsating powerhouse: as the most populous nation on the continent - nearly every fifth African is Nigerian - it dominates the region.” - Lonely Planet
HOTELS
MUSEUMS
LEISURE
Kalakuta Republic Museum
The Wheatbaker Swiss International Mabisel Hotel Port Harcourt Sheraton Lagos Hotel
Slave History Museum
RESTAURANTS
Lekki Leisure Lake Optimel Water Sports Kayak Lagos NATIONAL PARK
National Museum Lagoon Restaurant Ocean Basket Victoria Island Casper & Gambini’s 6
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Gashaka-Gumti National Park Yankari National Park Lekki Conservation Centre
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Transport Links
BEFORE TRAVELLING TO Nigeria, ensure that you have applied for your visa to enter the country well in advance, as foreign nationals require one - these are available at Nigerian embassies, high commissions and consulates worldwide. There are an array of international airports located within Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu; bear in mind that the Lagos domestic and
international terminals are located a fair distance apart, so transportation time between the two is often lengthy and may hold up your arrival. You will find that transportation options are in abundance in Nigeria, and although the roads are relatively poor in comparison with European countries, one of the best ways to travel around remains either your own or a hired car. When travelling in the cities, prepare
yourself for delays and traffic jams. A large proportion of the trains running in Nigeria are more often than not transporting cargo, and therefore is not the most popular form of transportation available in the country. Some suggest plans have been raised to pursue the development of the nationwide train network over the years, however, this is yet to be successful in coming to fruition.
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Landmark Attractions
Nike Art Gallery
“Artist and Designer Nike Davies Okundaye invites you to visit her Nigeria… Whether you are a specialist in the arts, an enthusiast of African arts or merely interested in a brief immersion in a new culture, Nike offers the opportunity to see Nigeria with fresh eyes. You stay at guest houses at her homes in Lagos, Oshogbo and Ogidi.” - nikeart.com
Lekki Conservation Centre
“Run by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, this centre has a huge tract of wetlands set aside for wildlife viewing. Canopy walkways enable you to see monkeys, crocodiles and various birds; early morning is the best time to visit. There is a conservation centre and a library.” - Lonely Planet
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BY ALEX MAZZETO - JUREMA OLIVEIRA (TALK) 18:15, 16 NOVEMBER 2009 (UTC) - UNESCO, CC BY-SA 3.0,
Osun Sacred Grove
“The dense forest of the Osun Sacred Grove, on the outskirts of the city of Osogbo, is one of the last remnants of primary high forest in southern Nigeria. Regarded as the abode of the goddess of fertility Osun, one of the pantheon of Yoruba gods, the landscape of the grove and its meandering river is dotted with sanctuaries and shrines, sculptures and art works in honour of Osun and other deities.” - whc. unesco.org
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Olumo Rock “The founding site of Abeokuta, famed Olumo Rock has a rich history and great spiritual significance. Hire a guide and climb the rock – at one point it is smooth and quite steep, so go via the steps if you’re not confident. You’ll see shrines, sacred trees, tribal wartime hideouts, and ultimately, at the top, an astonishing view of the city.” - Lonely Planet
BY DEMOKIDOZ - OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 4.0,
Afi Mountain Drill Ranch
“Drills are one of Africa’s most endangered primates, and here is the only place in the world to see natural-sized captive drill groups in natural habitat. The founders of our drill groups were recovered as orphans after their nursing mothers were illegally shot for bushmeat. We have rehabilitated over 85 lone drills into 6 social groups, now bearing a new generation; over 450 drills have been born at the project.” - pandrillus.org
Kalakuta Republic Museum
“If you are planning a trip to Nigeria, Kalakuta Republic Museum in Lagos should be on your must visit list. Lagos is situated in South-west region of Nigeria and it has become a normal stop for every traveller… the Kalakuta republic museum was home to Late Fela Anikulapo Kuti and his followers in the 1970s till his death in 1997.” - myguidenigeria.com
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BusinessTravel Guide joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com
+44 (0)1603 959 676
ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com
+44 (0)1603 959 672
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