"Nigeria - Between Myth and Reality" Top 5 Page for this destination Nigeria by Toyin

Nigeria Travel Guide: 630 reviews and 867 photos

Land of Ancient Empires

Many has been said and written about Nigeria, her people and culture, economy and politics, that sheds light on the tremendous potential of this African Giant. This nation has a lot of positive contributions to the continent. Remove Nigeria from Africa then Africa would have been in trouble long time ago. Nigerians fought in Liberia and Sierra Leone and liberated our brothers and sisters there. We did this under the instrumentality of ECOMOG. We lost lives and resources; which is not well understood by others. The United Nations is taking the credit for the beautiful things that took place in those areas, because nobody cares to give the country this credit. Nigerian troops are still fighting in Congo and Dafur. Look at where South Africa is and yet Nigeria was considered a frontline state during their struggle because of Nigeria's contribution towards dismantling of apartheid. In fact, in the 70s, civil servants in Nigeria contributed a percentage of their salaries; student union movements contributed monies for the liberation of South Africa. But the average South African has never heard about it. Countriesdo not talk about Nigerias successes; we dwell on negatives. Nigeria contributed to the de-colonisation and therefore to the independence of many African countries. Nigeria has been sending professionals to many African countries under the Technical Aid Corps Scheme. When the country succeed in helping this other countries develop, they even join others in calling Nigerians criminals. There are challenges and the country is meeting them.

Nigeria is the first country that boldly came out to fight corruption through two agencies, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and related matters Commission (ICPC). Anybody who dismisses it is not being fair to the country. Nigeria is leading in the world in the fight against drug counterfeiting under the instrumentality of NAFDAC. Many countries today are in a quagmire on how to handle this scourge. We have many positives to show off to the world. Keeping quiet is not wise anymore. There are more difficult places than Nigeria and tourists still go there.

WARNINGS ABOUT NIGERIA: When you get an offer that is too generous, especially cash related, becareful. The Oil and Gas sector is very volatile be straight by going through the proper channels. Especially the up stream sector. If you must do business, do it first, with genuine intentions. Don't be greedy, by looking for excessive profits. Once it looks like you have to break rules, or beat the system, don't do it. Go through the Economics desk of a Nigerian Embasy in your country, or better go through the Ministry of Commerce and Industries. This is not perculiar to Nigeria, always do the right things where ever you go!

The People, the Culture

ARO OF ILARO

There are several dominant themes in Nigerian history that are essential in understanding contemporary Nigerian politics and society. However, this may lie somewhere beyond the scope of this page. I would only urge visitors to go and see things for themselves. The uniqueness of Nigeria, is inherrent in the people of this Nation State.

Toyin." ORIGIN MYTH

Doing bussiness in Nigeria

NIGERIAN MINTING AND PRINTING

There are over 2000 industrial establishments in the country presently. Among these are a giant oil industry, iron and steel complexes, steel rolling mills, pharmaceutical industries, food processing, car assembling and the Export Processing Zone (EPZ). Government economic policy favours and places priority on greater investment in agricultural production and agro-processing industries, manufacturing and export production. The economy offers low costs of production, abundantly skilled and versatile human resources and access to a vast local market of over 130 million people and beyond in the sub-region.

http://www.nigeriafrance.com

Pros and Cons

Pros:The Largest Black Nation, with great economic potentials.
Cons:Nigeria is a country of enormous promise unfulfilled.
In a nutshell:Lots more is expected from Nigeria, but its hospitality is astonishing.

Last visit to Nigeria: Sep 2004
Intro Updated Aug 28, 2009
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (66)

Nigerian Culture Local Customs (23)

Do a close up, and you get the whole gist! France as the venue of the display was to underscore the affection that the... more travel advice

Nigeria Local Customs (23)

Do a close up, and you get the whole gist! more travel advice

Art Local Customs (23)

Mounted at Sales Miro, UNESCO Headquarters, 7 Place de Fontenoy 75352, Paris, the exhibition opened on April 18 was... more travel advice

Nigerian Culture Local Customs (23)

It is simple, but complex! Do a close up, and you get the whole gist. What I have here is a conglomerate of the... more travel advice

Favorites (12)
See All Globalization II
Things to Do (4)
See All Globalization
Restaurants (2)
See All Fish
Off The Beaten Path (3)
See All Nsukka Goats-Nigeria
Hotels (4)
See All Abj Wuse Zone II
Shopping (5)
See All Nsukka Filling Station

What to Pack (1)
Cotton wears
Tourist Traps (3)
See All 419
Transportation (3)
See All THE OKADA
Warnings Or Dangers (2)
See All Islamic Religion and the People
Sports & Outdoors (1)
Abuja Stadium
Nightlife (3)
See All Murtala Muhammed International Airport

Travelogues (5)

1 - 4 of 5

Comments (74)

jm8181 Mar 2, 2011 at 11:48 AM Report Abuse

Hello, the list of restaurants in Nigeria is not at all updated. One can get the detailed list from VConnect site (http://www.vconnect.com)
Elisabcn Sep 21, 2009 at 1:41 PM Report Abuse

Thanks for sharing a piece of your Nigeria with us, Toyin. Great introduction picture!! Elisa
MikeBird Jul 10, 2009 at 2:24 PM Report Abuse

When I visited Kaduna my colleague and I were presented with traditional robes as a leaving gift. They are much treasured but sorry to say I've never worn it in England. Thanks for sharing. Mike
jumpingnorman May 27, 2009 at 12:06 PM Report Abuse

Enjoyed reading your local customs in Nigeria - I would love to wear the traditional clothing but it looks complex! I wokr with about 5 people here from Nigeria and they are very good friends....Thanks for sharing, Norman :)
cpiers47 May 26, 2009 at 8:23 PM Report Abuse

Great pages! I had a job offer from a school in Jos many years ago...So I am still curious about Nigeria.
joiwatani Apr 28, 2009 at 5:58 AM Report Abuse

Great Nigerian pages!
starship Apr 1, 2009 at 9:52 AM Report Abuse

Great page and great information on the culture, native dress, shopping, etc. Your observations are very helpful and the photos are great!
BillNJ Jan 22, 2009 at 1:47 AM Report Abuse

Very detailed and interesting page.
sourbugger Dec 24, 2008 at 3:12 AM Report Abuse

hi toyin, didn't get chance to talk in karlesule, but i'm sure we will meet sometime. best xmas wishes. sb.
Jim_Eliason Aug 27, 2008 at 6:14 AM Report Abuse

Great tips Toyin!