Following nearly 16 years of military rule, a new constitution was adopted in 1999, and a peaceful transition to civilian government was completed. The president faces the daunting task of reforming a petroleum-based economy, whose revenues have been squandered through corruption and mismanagement, and institutionalizing democracy. In addition, the OBASANJO administration must defuse longstanding ethnic and religious tensions, if it is to build a sound foundation for economic growth and political stability. Although the April 2003 elections were marred by some irregularities, Nigeria is currently experiencing its longest period of civilian rule since independence.
Country profile: Nigeria
After lurching from one military coup to another, Nigeria now has an elected leadership. But it faces the growing challenge of preventing Africa's most populous country from breaking apart along ethnic and religious lines. Political liberalisation ushered in by the return to civilian rule in 1999 has allowed militants from religious and ethnic groups to express their frustrations more freely, and with increasing violence.
Thousands of people have died over the past few years in communal rivalry. Separatist aspirations have been growing, prompting reminders of the bitter civil war over the breakaway Biafran republic in the late 1960s.
AT-A-GLANCE- Politics: Parliament blocked moves to allow President Obasanjo to stand for third term in 2007. The army was the dominant political player until 1999
- Economy: Nigeria is Africa's leading oil producer; more than half of its people live in poverty
- International: Nigeria plays a prominent role in African affairs; has withdrawn troops from oil-rich Bakassi peninsula to settle border dispute with Cameroon
The imposition of Islamic law in several states has embedded divisions and caused thousands of Christians to flee. Inter-faith violence is said to be rooted in poverty, unemployment and the competition for land.The government is striving to boost the economy, which experienced an oil boom in the 1970s and is once again benefiting from high prices on the world market. But progress has been undermined by corruption and mismanagement.
The former British colony is one of the world's largest oil producers, but the industry has produced unwanted side effects.
The trade in stolen oil has fuelled violence and corruption in the Niger delta - the home of the industry. Few Nigerians, including those in oil-producing areas, have benefited from the oil wealth.
Nigeria is keen to attract foreign investment but is hindered in this quest by security concerns as well as by a shaky infrastructure troubled by power cuts.
- Full name: The Federal Republic of Nigeria
- Population: 130.2 million (UN, 2005)
- Capital: Abuja
- Area: 923,768 sq km (356,669 sq miles)
- Major languages: English (official), Yoruba, Ibo, Hausa
- Major religions: Islam, Christianity, indigenous beliefs
- Life expectancy: 43 years (men), 43 years (women) (UN)
- Monetary unit: 1 Nigerian naira = 100 kobo
- Main exports: Petroleum, petroleum products, cocoa, rubber
- GNI per capita: US $560 (World Bank, 2006)
- Internet domain: .ng
- International dialling code: +234
President: Olusegun Obasanjo
Olusegun Obasanjo won a second term in April 2003, gaining more than 60% of the vote in Nigeria's first civilian-run presidential poll for 20 years. But opposition parties rejected the outcome, citing allegations of vote-rigging.
He began his first leadership stint in 1976 after the assassination of Brigadier Murtala Mohamed. In 1979 he earned the distinction of becoming Africa's first modern military leader to hand over power to civilian rule. Renouncing politics, he then returned to his home state to set up a pig farm.
In 1995 he was jailed for his part in an alleged coup plot against military dictator Sani Abacha, but was set free three years later by new military leader General Abubakar.
He became a civilian head of state in 1999 in elections that followed a transition programme started by Gen Abubakar. Mr Obasanjo set up an investigation into human rights abuses under military rule, released political prisoners and began a crackdown on corruption. But critics say he has failed to halt spiralling violence and religious and ethnic clashes.
His economic reform programme has won some plaudits; the president is pushing for privatisations, tax reform and greater transparency.
On the world stage, he helped to engineer a common plan for Africa's economic recovery - the New Partnership for African Development (Nepad). A key player in the Commonwealth, he reluctantly supported Zimbabwe's suspension over political violence in 2002.
Born in 1937, Olusegun Obasanjo is an ethnic Yoruba from the south-west of Nigeria. He joined the army in 1958 and came to prominence in 1970 as the officer who accepted the surrender of Biafran forces in the 1967-70 civil war.
Under the constitution, he is due to step down in 2007 at the end of his second term. His supporters want to amend the charter to allow him to stay in office, but their attempt was blocked by parliament in May 2006.
Nigeria's media scene is one of the most vibrant in Africa. State-run radio and TV services reach virtually all parts of the country and operate at a federal and regional level. All 36 states run their own radio stations, and most of them operate TV services.
The media regulator reported in 2005 that more than 280 radio and TV licences had been granted to private operators.
But TV stations in particular are dogged by high costs and scarce advertising revenues.
Radio is the key source of information for many Nigerians. Television viewing tends to be centred more in urban areas, and among the affluent. International radio broadcasters, including the BBC, are widely listened to.
There are more than 100 national and local newspapers and publications, some of them state-owned. They include well-respected dailies, popular tabloids and publications which champion the interests of ethnic groups. The lively private press is often critical of the government.
Media freedom improved under President Obasanjo. But restrictive decrees remain in force; in 2004 rebroadcasts of foreign radio stations were banned and concern was expressed over a proposed media law.
Citing high levels of violence, the media rights body Reporters Without Borders has said Nigerian journalists operate amid a "prevailing culture of brutality".
The press
Television
Radio
News agency
Oil-rich Nigeria, long hobbled by political instability, corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and poor macroeconomic management, is undertaking some reforms under a new reform-minded administration. Nigeria's former military rulers failed to diversify the economy away from its overdependence on the capital-intensive oil sector, which provides 20% of GDP, 95% of foreign exchange earnings, and about 65% of budgetary revenues. The largely subsistence agricultural sector has failed to keep up with rapid population growth - Nigeria is Africa's most populous country - and the country, once a large net exporter of food, now must import food. Following the signing of an IMF stand-by agreement in August 2000, Nigeria received a debt-restructuring deal from the Paris Club and a $1 billion credit from the IMF, both contingent on economic reforms. Nigeria pulled out of its IMF program in April 2002, after failing to meet spending and exchange rate targets, making it ineligible for additional debt forgiveness from the Paris Club. In the last year the government has begun showing the political will to implement the market-oriented reforms urged by the IMF, such as to modernize the banking system, to curb inflation by blocking excessive wage demands, and to resolve regional disputes over the distribution of earnings from the oil industry. In 2003, the government began deregulating fuel prices, announced the privatization of the country's four oil refineries, and instituted the National Economic Empowerment Development Strategy, a domestically designed and run program modeled on the IMF's Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility for fiscal and monetary management. GDP rose strongly in 2005, based largely on increased oil exports and high global crude prices. In November 2005, Abuja won Paris Club approval for a historic debt-relief deal that by March 2006 should eliminate $30 billion worth of Nigeria's total $37 billion external debt. The deal first requires that Nigeria repay roughly $12 billion in arrears to its bilateral creditors. Nigeria would then be allowed to buy back its remaining debt stock at a discount. The deal also commits Nigeria to more intensified IMF reviews.
Nigerian natural resources include natural gas, petroleum, tin, iron ore, coal, limestone, niobium, lead, zinc, arable land
the Niger enters the country in the northwest and flows southward through tropical rain forests and swamps to its delta in the Gulf of Guinea
Nigerian religion is Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10%.
Natural hazards in Nigeria include periodic droughts; flooding.
Travel Advice on Nigeria
SUMMARY
- We advise against all travel to the riverine areas of Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States. Riverine areas are generally regarded as being those accessible only by boat. This is because of the high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks in these areas.
- We advise against all but essential travel to Akwa Ibom State and the rest of Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States, including Port Harcourt, because of the high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks in these areas. On 18 December 2006, two bombs exploded in Port Harcourt, one in a Shell residential compound and the other at Agip’s headquarters. On 23 January 2007 a British and a US national were taken hostage while driving to work in Port Harcourt.
- There is a high risk of further kidnappings by armed militants around the oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta. In nine separate incidents since January 2006, 22 British nationals have kidnapped. One Briton has been killed. Since that time over 150 foreign nationals have been kidnapped in the Niger Delta area. See the Terrorism/Security section of this travel advice for more details.
- If you decide to travel to, or remain in, these areas you do so at your own risk. The level of consular assistance we can provide in these areas is limited. If your presence is essential, it would be reckless to travel to, or remain in, these areas unless you have taken appropriate professional security advice and have acted on it.
- Campaigning for elections due in April 2007 has begun. Localised unrest is likely and the security situation may deteriorate rapidly in the vicinity of election rallies. The risk of crime in the Niger Delta is likely to increase in the run up to the elections. You should remain extra-vigilant throughout this period. See the Political Situation section of this travel advice for more details.
- Localised outbreaks of civil unrest can occur at short notice. Details and advice are circulated via the British High Commission's Community Liaison Officers' network.
- Violent crime is especially prevalent in the south of the country, including Lagos.
- The most common problems encountered by British nationals in Nigeria are attempts by scam artists to extract money from their intended victims. These scams come in many forms and can cause considerable financial loss to victims.
- You should be aware of the threat from terrorism in Nigeria. A statement issued by Usama Bin Laden in February 2003 called for an uprising by Muslims in a number of countries including Nigeria. He suggested that “faithful Muslims” rise up against the Nigerian Government. He also referred to “support for brothers” in Nigeria in December 2004.
- Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Nigeria have resulted in one human fatality. As a precaution, you should avoid live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked. For further information see Avian Influenza section below and also read Avian and Pandemic Influenza Factsheet.
- We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Please see: Travel Insurance.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
We advise against all travel to the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and River States. Riverine areas are generally regarded as being those accessible only by boat. We also advise against all but essential travel to Akwa Ibom State and the rest of Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States, including Port Harcourt. This is because of the high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks in these areas.
If you are concerned about someone who has travelled to Nigeria you should contact Consular Section of the Deputy High Commission, Lagos.
Political Situation
Nigeria Country Profile
Demonstrations and outbreaks of localised civil unrest and violence can occur with little notice throughout the country. There is a particular risk of election-related violence and harassment in the moths running up to national and regional elections in April 2007. There have already been several incidents in and around the Niger Delta. Other incidents have occurred in the Niger Delta (Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Imo and Anambra), North (Kano, Borno, Jigawa and Katsina) and Central Nigeria (Taraba, Plateau and Benue states), South West (Oyo and Lagos) and the Cross-Rivers and Ebonyi border.
Details of those incidents are circulated to the British community via the British High Commission's Community Liaison Officers' network.
Demonstrations for or against, Sharia law may occur in northern states and can become violent without warning. There have also been demonstrations about developments in the Middle East. British nationals are not specifically targeted. However, you should take care to avoid large crowds, demonstrations or disturbances, especially if you are driving.
Road Safety
If you are expecting a greeter or driver to collect you at any of Nigeria’s international airports you should ensure that he/she can properly identify themselves, as bogus greeters are a problem.
There are frequent reports of robberies and carjackings, some involving armed gunmen, on Nigeria's road network. You should:
- be vigilant when travelling on all major roads within Nigeria.
- avoid travel after dark outside cities.
- take care after dark within cities, avoiding secondary roads and areas where other traffic is light.
- be particularly vigilant when sitting in traffic jams or at traffic lights at night.
- keep your car windows and doors locked and valuables out of sight.
Traffic in many of Nigeria's major cities can be chaotic and slow moving. Serious traffic jams in Lagos are not uncommon. Short journeys that normally take minutes can sometimes take hours. We advise you to take a mobile telephone with you when travelling by car so that you can stay in touch with family, friends and employers. We also advise you to have a supply of bottled water in your vehicle at all times.
There are authorised as well as unauthorised vehicle checkpoints throughout Nigeria. Some are for security checks, others to extort small payments of money. You should slow down at any type of checkpoint and use common sense at all times.
Public transport is dangerous. Taxis and long distance buses are poorly maintained and are often driven by fraudulent drivers. Most major hotels offer cars for hire with drivers. We would recommend that you use these where possible.
Road travel in Lagos is banned between 07:00 and 10:00 on the last Saturday of every month for municipal road clean up; police vigilantly enforce the ban.
Air Safety
Port Harcourt airport is currently closed for maintenance.
The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the EU. You should check http://europa.eu.int/comm/transport/air/safety/flywell_en.htm to see whether this will affect your travel.
There are a number of domestic airlines, although following a series of crashes there are concerns about their reliability.
British government staff based in Nigeria are strongly urged to use Virgin Nigeria and Aerocontractors wherever possible but have discretion to use other airlines to destinations not served by these two airlines where they judge that the risks of travel by road are at least as great.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
It is illegal to import beer, mineral water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, fruits, vegetables, cereals, eggs, textile fabrics, jewellery, and precious metals. It is illegal to export pieces of African art, particularly antiques, without written authorisation from the Department of Antiquities. You should contact the Nigerian High Commission for specific information regarding customs requirements.
Photography in airports may lead to arrest.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
It is recommended that you obtain a new passport if your passport has less than six months validity remaining otherwise you may be turned away by airlines.
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Nigerian High Commission in London.
HEALTH
GENERAL
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