Nigeria is the giant of sub-Saharan Africa, with nearly one-fourth of the population of the continent, enormous oil reserves, fertile land for agriculture, and a vibrant culture. What you'll remember most about your tour in Nigeria are the people. Nigerians are friendly, helpful, and welcoming. They have a well-defined sense of humor and Nigerians at all levels of society, from government ministers on down, love to laugh at a good joke. Nigerians are also intelligent, resourceful, and sometimes even challenging and confusing...but your Nigerian friends, neighbors, and colleagues will definitely be unforgettable. The striking sights will stay with you for life: the mother nursing a baby while peeling a yam with a machete at roadside, a colorfully dressed vendor walking with a large tray of eggs on her head, a motorcycle passenger balancing a full-sized dresser or bookcase on his head, or the spectacular dazzle of turbaned and robed men on horseback riding in the many durbars in northern Nigeria.

A tour in Nigeria offers excellent professional opportunities. Nigeria is one of the most important countries in Africa. It is the fifth-largest source of oil imports for the U.S. The military plays a leading role in African peacekeeping operations and Nigeria also exerts diplomatic and political leadership in the African Union. With the country's large population nearly evenly split between Christianity and Islam, the U.S. public outreach effort is challenging and important. Consular officers find visa work in Nigeria to be especially interesting. American employees at all levels routinely receive greater responsibilities than they might at posts of comparable size in developed countries.

Outside work, expat life in Nigeria can be unexpectedly pleasant and rewarding. Because of the relaxed pace of life in Abuja, the active social life, the warm temperatures, the incredibly tasty exotic fruits, and the swimming pools, your evenings and weekends can be very pleasant and busy. Lagos is more fast-paced, even hectic, and offers a wider range of daytime and evening activities. Although Abuja and Lagos are both hardship posts that present challenges to everyday life, Americans who are willing to work at it can find a wide variety of community activities to enjoy.

Play golf, tennis, soccer, volleyball, or go bowling. Take tae kwon do, yoga, or aerobics classes, or run with the Hash House Harriers. Go on off-road trips with the Abuja Rally Team. Shop for authentic African artwork, masks, statues, fabrics, or pottery. Have your hair braided and traditional Nigerian clothes tailored. Bargain for fresh organic produce at the open-air market. Life in Nigeria, especially because of the differences and difficulties, is perfect for simple pleasures: spending time with your family, discovering and enjoying new experiences, and making life-long friendships. Indeed, as Nigerians say with sincerity: "You are welcome!"

The Host Country

Area, Geography, and Climate Last Updated: 12/29/2004 1:59 PM

Nigeria is roughly equal in size to California, Nevada and Utah combined. Its 356,669 square miles stretch across several climatic regions: a narrow coastal belt of mangrove swamps; a somewhat wider section of rolling hills and tropical rain forests; a still larger dry central plateau, with open woodlands and savanna; and a strip of semi-desert on the fringes of the Sahel. Nigeria is bordered by Benin to the west, Niger and Chad to the north, Cameroon to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south. Lagos is located in the coastal belt and Abuja is in the central plateau.

The country's major geographical features are the Niger and Benue Rivers. The two rivers form the upper arms of a flattened letter Y, coming together in the south-central part of the country, and proceed due south as the Niger River, fanning out into a large and intricate delta as the waters reach the Gulf of Guinea. Most of Nigeria's oil deposits are found in the Niger delta or in the coastal waters. The country's highest peaks are in the eastern highlands bordering Cameroon, with elevations up to 7,936 feet. The most extensive upland area is the Jos Plateau in east-central Nigeria, a region 2000 to 4000 feet above sea level with elevations up to 5841 feet.

Due to its size and diversity, Nigeria has different climate zones. In the coastal area, where Lagos is located, temperatures range from the mid-70s to the low 90s during most of the year. Rainfall is heaviest in this area, averaging 70 inches per year. The rainy season is fairly distinct throughout Nigeria. Along the coast, the heaviest rains fall during May to October. Humidity is high most of the year but declines during the winter months. In the central plateau, where Abuja is located, temperatures can climb to over 100(F between March and June. Abuja's climate is generally hot and humid during the rainy season of June to September and rainfall in the area averages 50 inches per year. The humidity decreases considerably during the coolest months of December and January, when night temperatures are often in the 60s. The climate in northern Nigeria is drier, averaging as low as 20 inches of rain per year in the far north.

A distinctive feature of Nigerian weather is the harmattan, a dry northeasterly wind that carries sand from the Sahara south as far as Nigeria's coast during the months of December through February. The effects of the harmattan are felt strongest in the northern part of the country and decrease gradually the further south one goes. Visually, the harmattan creates a haze that on certain days can almost block the views of the surrounding hills in the Abuja region. Many people experience eye, nose and throat problems during this time of year.

Population Last Updated: 12/29/2004 2:00 PM

Nigeria's population is estimated at 137 million, or approximately one-fourth of sub-Saharan Africa's total population. Nigeria's people belong to more than 250 tribal or ethno-linguistic groups, with three major groups - the Hausa-Fulani in the north (30 percent of the population), the Yoruba in the southwest (20 percent), and the Igbo in the east (17 percent) - constituting some two-thirds of the total population. Other groups, such as the Ijaw, Kanuri, and Tiv, range in size from several million members to fewer than 50,000.

Approximately half of the country's population practices Islam, more than 40 percent practice Christianity, and the remainder practice traditional indigenous religions or no religion. Many persons combine elements of Christianity or Islam with elements of a traditional indigenous religion. The predominant form of Islam in the country is Sunni. The Christian population includes Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, and a growing number of Evangelical and Pentecostal Christians. Catholics constitute the largest Christian denomination.

Muslims are predominant in the north, where Islamic influences from the Middle East have been strongest. Christians are predominant in the southeast, where the Igbos adapted quickly to Western traditions. Nigeria's southwest is divided between Christians (50 percent) and Muslims (36 percent), with predominantly Christian Yorubas comprising the region's largest group.

Most Nigerians, from traditional farmers in remote villages to business executives in large cities, respect complex patterns of familial obligations and relationships. The term "extended family" only hints at the ties that link educated and cosmopolitan urbanites to rural family members. When a person speaks of his "brother," for example, he may have in mind a sibling, a cousin, or a good friend from a neighboring village.

Few Nigerians can be neatly labeled as being either traditional or modern. Aspects of modernity have reached the most remote village, but traditional patterns still exist among even the most highly educated people. In addition to dress and food preferences, Nigerian traditions are evident in respect for elders and the preferences for consensus in deliberative bodies.

English is Nigeria's official language and is widely spoken, but Pidgin English is spoken across ethnic and social groups. Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, and several hundred other indigenous languages are also spoken, and Hausa is the dominant language in and around the federal capital of Abuja.

Public Institutions Last Updated: 12/30/2004 12:24 AM

Nigeria won its independence from the British on October 1, 1960, inheriting a parliamentary government that lasted only six years. The Nigerian military came to power in a coup d'etat in 1966 and suspended the Constitution until civilian rule was restored in 1979. Nigeria's 1979 Constitution called for a government closely resembling that of the United States, with a president and vice president elected every four years, a bicameral legislature (the National Assembly), and an independent judiciary.

The military returned to power in 1983 and suspended all sections of the 1979 Constitution relating to electoral and legislative procedures at the federal and state levels. Five years later, the military announced a program for Nigeria's return to civilian rule. The regime conducted local and state government and National Assembly elections, and civilians took office shortly thereafter.

Nigerians went to the polls on June 12, 1993 to elect a civilian president and complete the last leg of the military's carefully orchestrated transition program. Most observers described the election as the fairest in Nigeria's history, but the regime annulled the election results. The military briefly relinquished power to a civilian-led interim government but returned to power in November, 1993. In 1995, General Sani Abacha announced a three-year transition program aimed at restoring democratic rule. State and National Assembly elections were scheduled, but the program collapsed when Abacha died suddenly in June 1998. His successor, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, announced a revised transition program and promised to hold democratic elections at all levels of government.

Nigeria returned to democracy in May 1999 when former military president Olusegun Obasanjo (1976-1979) took office. Obasanjo acted to reduce the military's influence, gradually removing all officers who had held political positions, and announced plans to strengthen accountability and good governance. In state and national elections in April 2003 that were marred by significant irregularities, Obasanjo and the ruling political party, the Peoples Democratic Party, were declared victorious. Obasanjo was sworn in for his second and last term on May 29, 2003.

Arts, Science, and Education Last Updated: 12/30/2004 6:58 AM

Nigerians' enthusiasm for education far outstrips the government's resources. Primary education is free and compulsory but not always readily available. Although many question its quality, most Nigerian children receive at least some primary education. Literacy is fairly common in large cities and towns but less widespread in rural areas. Outside observers estimate that only 40 to 45 percent of Nigeria's population is literate.

At the same time, demand by Nigerians for quality higher education is increasing rapidly. Enrollment at Nigeria's 24 federal and 12 state universities exceeds 200,000. Another 600,000 students attend the country's 250 teachers' training colleges and 130 polytechnics, but education is often disrupted by strikes protesting the nonpayment of staff salaries. Nigeria's growing population and increasing numbers of secondary school graduates have led to severe overcrowding, and as with primary schools, many observers question the quality of education. Nigeria has no private tertiary institution, but private technical schools abound.

Nigeria trains its own doctors, dentists, technicians and scientific personnel, but the country's historical emphasis on science and education has weakened over the last few decades. Many personnel focus on practice as opposed to research.

Nigeria has historically had a vibrant artistic life. Nigeria's best-known works of art include the terra-cotta figures of the Nok culture, which flourished in the Jos region before A.D. 800, the bronze castings and ivory carvings of the Benin kingdom, and the spirit masks and carved figures of the Igbo and Yoruba peoples.

Nigerian artisans still cast and carve in the traditional manner, and their products are readily available in markets and galleries. Woven fabrics, embroidered and dyed fabrics, jewelry, decorated calabashes (gourds), leather goods, pottery, and baskets are common.

Pageantry is characteristic of Nigerian life, and towns and villages often host impressive exhibitions of music and dance to welcome important visitors. Benin City hosts the Igue Festival in December, and Lagos periodically hosts traditional Egungun and Eyo masquerades.

Nigerian musicians and authors are well known. Juju and high-life musicians such as Fela Kuti are international stars. Afrobeat, pioneered by saxophonist and social activist Fela Anikalapo-Kuti and carried on by his son Femi, is recognized worldwide. In the literary world, Chinua Achebe and Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka are household names, and a host of other playwrights, novelists, and poets have won acclaim. Some of their works can be found in the recommended reading list at the end of this report.

Commerce and Industry Last Updated: 12/30/2004 6:59 AM

Despite the advantages of a relatively low-cost labor pool, abundant natural resources, and a large domestic market, Nigeria's economic performance remains wedded to the fortunes of its petroleum sector. Oil accounts for roughly 10 percent of the country's GDP, 90 to 95 percent of its export earnings, and 80 percent of government revenues. The United States now buys approximately half of all Nigerian oil exports, which makes Nigeria the fifth-largest supplier of U.S. oil, with about 10 percent of total U.S. oil imports.

For much of Nigeria's post-independence history, misguided economic policies and political instability have hindered development. The government used much of the revenues from the oil boom of the 1970s to finance high levels of consumption and ill-advised investments, leaving Nigeria's economy debt-ridden and vulnerable to the vagaries of oil prices.

Nigeria launched an IMF/IBRD Structural Adjustment Program (SAP) in 1986 but abandoned the program in 1993, when economic advisers to the newly installed military government pressed for a reversal of SAP reforms. Market mechanisms gave way to regulated exchange rates and investment regimes, and incomes dropped sharply, causing the military government to alter or abandon many of its policies.

Since then, a number of SAP reforms have been re-instituted. The exchange rate has been partially deregulated and the Dutch auction system re-introduced, and the budget deficit has been kept within reasonable bounds. Regulations on foreign investment and foreign exchange transactions have been eased, and decrees regarding money laundering and advance-fee fraud (known locally as "419" schemes after the section of the law which prohibits them) have been promulgated. Still, distortions remain, and Nigeria's external debt remains high (currently about $32 billion, much of which was rescheduled in 2003). 419 prosecutions are extremely rare.

Nigeria's basic infrastructure is extensive, but it is poorly maintained and largely incapable of meeting the demands of a large country with a population of 137 million. Deficiencies range from crumbling roads and bridges to erratic telephone service and frequent shortages of water, fuel, and electricity. This, together with political uncertainty, slow economic growth, and a notorious reputation for corruption and fraud detract from the government's efforts to attract foreign investors.

Seventy percent of Nigeria's population is engaged in agriculture. Before Nigeria began to export petroleum, its chief exports were agricultural commodities such as cocoa, peanuts, palm oil, rubber, timber and cotton. Many of the country's exports virtually disappeared during the oil boom, but Nigeria's population still depends heavily on subsistence farming for much of its food.

In recent years, more than 65 percent of Nigeria's imports have consisted of capital goods and industrial raw materials. Frequent policy changes, uneven duty collection, long clearance procedures, and alleged extensive corruption and smuggling make imported goods scarce and expensive and create severe bottlenecks for commercial activities. Bans on importing a variety of goods--including sorghum, millet, wheat flour, meat products, fresh fruit, textiles, certain plastic items, furniture, soaps, and detergent, among others --further complicate matters.

Locally produced consumer goods include textiles, beverages, lumber, furniture, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and food products. Other domestically manufactured goods include cement, paper, and wood products.

Transportation

Automobiles Last Updated: 12/30/2004 7:01 AM

All personnel are urged to bring a privately owned vehicle to post, as the Regional Security Officer has declared that public transportation is unsafe. The government of Nigeria will only permit diplomats to import automobiles duty-free that are less than eight years old (by manufacture date, not model date). Older vehicles should not be shipped. Traffic flows on the right and left-hand drive vehicles are used.

"Go-slows" (traffic jams) are common, especially in Lagos. City streets in Lagos are congested and in serious disrepair, and poor driving skills and numerous potholes make driving hazardous. This is particularly so during the rainy season, when occasional two-or three-foot floods obscure even the largest potholes and increase driving delays. Road conditions are better in Abuja, but with few exceptions most highways in the country have potholes. As a result, some embassy personnel prefer four-wheel drive vehicles. Given the road conditions, frequent accidents, and the difficulty of finding spare parts, personnel should consider bringing sturdy (not necessarily new) air-conditioned vehicles in good mechanical and operating condition. Air bags are recommended.

Armed carjacking is a growing problem in Abuja and throughout Nigeria. Most carjackers prefer high-end SUVs manufactured in Europe or Japan. Arriving Mission personnel should evaluate their actual transportation needs against the much higher probability of being a victim of carjacking if considering the use of such a vehicle in Nigeria. Personnel posted to Abuja should also consider that they might have little need to drive outside of Abuja at night because flights to other Nigerian cities from Abuja are relatively frequent and relatively inexpensive.

One can buy a car after arriving at post, but car prices in Nigeria are much higher than in the West. Prices of up to 50% above blue book values are not uncommon. Nevertheless, cheap used cars are available on the open market, and there is a limited diplomatic used car trade. Cars can also be ordered from the U.S., Japan or Europe once you have arrived at post, but the vehicles are shipped by sea and it can take several months before the vehicle arrives at post.

Repair services are readily available but not always up to American standards. Parts for American cars may be difficult to find, but parts for Mercedes, Hondas, Toyotas, Hyundais, and Peugeots are generally available. Parts can be shipped by pouch from the U.S., provided they are within pouch size and weight limits. Motor oil and fluids that cannot be pouched should be considered for shipment with HHE.

Nigerian gasoline is relatively inexpensive but its availability at times is limited. Mission personnel and their families can purchase fuel at the Embassy or Consulate General. Unleaded fuel is not available, so personnel should remove vehicles' catalytic converters before shipping vehicles. If left on the vehicle, the leaded fuel will destroy them. Diesel fuel is slightly cheaper than regular gasoline. The Embassy and Consulate General carry diesel fuel, but otherwise it can be difficult to obtain.

All drivers must be licensed. Applicants with valid U.S. or international drivers licenses must obtain a Nigerian drivers license but do not have to take a driving test. Mandatory third-party liability insurance is available through the Mission from local carriers. The basic policy carries an annual premium of less than $50. First-party insurance (comprehensive and collision), if desired, should be purchased in the U.S.

Transportation

Local Transportation Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:24 AM

Safe and reliable public transportation is not available. Taxis, (green and white in Abuja, and yellow in Lagos) and buses dominate the local transport. These are generally in disrepair and overcrowded. The other popular form of transportation used by Nigerians is the motorcycle taxi, or "okada" as the locals call it. For security reasons, the mission discourages American employees from using public transportation.

Parking is available for free at the Embassy for American employees. The Embassy motorpool operates during business hours and is primarily intended for official use. Drivers are available on a space available, reimbursable basis ($0.40 per kilometer), between 0630 and 2230, seven days a week, for personal transportation. A duty driver is available at night for official business and emergencies. The Embassy runs a home-to-work shuttle service at a flat fee of $0.75 per person per trip. Finally, after hours self-drive vehicles are available, on a space available basis, for employees who have shipped, or are intending to purchase, vehicles. Self-drive is also available for employees whose private vehicles are in the shop. Currently, a charge of 41 cents per kilometer is levied for all personal use of vehicles.

The Consulate General in Lagos operates a 24-hour motor pool for official travel and runs daily "home to work" shuttles between residences and the Consulate. Motor pool also provides boat shuttles between the Guest Quarters and the Consulate and allows employees to use the boats for occasional trips to the beach. Shuttles are free for 120 days after personnel arrive or until they receive their personal vehicles. In Lagos, post policy requires trips to and from the airport and to other mainland destinations to be made in armored vehicles. Police escorts are required for some destinations, particularly after nightfall.

Transportation

Regional Transportation Last Updated: 12/30/2004 7:03 AM

Nigeria's roads and air services reach most areas of the country, but service is often inefficient. There are approximately 30 domestic airlines, but only a few maintain adequate safety standards. Flight schedules are occasionally disrupted by maintenance problems, inclement weather or overbooking. Service between Abuja, Lagos and many other cities is available daily, and the country's international airports are served by several international airlines. Currently KLM, British Airways, and Lufthansa have direct flights from Abuja to Amsterdam, London and Frankfurt, respectively. Lagos has even more international flights to other parts of Africa and to Europe.

The roads outside of Abuja and Lagos, particularly in the south, are poor at best; some can be impassable. Road crime is common. The Regional Security Office strongly recommends that employees driving outside Abuja and Lagos travel in caravans and carry water, first aid kits, and basic automobile parts on long journeys. Medical care is seldom available, so attention to road safety is critical. There is no functioning rail system in Nigeria.

All official and personal travel outside of Abuja and Lagos must be approved at least 48 hours in advance. Night travel outside of Abuja or off the Lagos islands is prohibited.

Communications

Telephones and Telecommunications Last Updated: 12/30/2004 7:05 AM

Local telephone service is notoriously unreliable. Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), Nigeria's national operator, has an installed capacity of only 700,000 landlines. Of these, only 500,000 are functional. Infrastructure is poorly maintained, and service is troubled by frequent interruptions and breakdowns. Landline telephone lines in Abuja are erratic and can make carrying out official business difficult or time consuming. Heavy rainstorms during the rainy season in Abuja also at times affect the capital's telecommunications network.

International calls may be made by direct dial or via satellite to the U.S. and Europe at approximately N37 ($0.27) per minute, but making connections can be difficult at times. Many employees choose to use calling cards purchased in the U.S. or Internet services to make calls via the Embassy's International Voice Gateway (IVG).

The introduction of GSM services in August 2001 greatly improved Nigeria's telecommunications infrastructure. The country's largest mobile service providers already have millions of subscribers and are expanding rapidly. Some providers have experienced over-subscription problems, however. Each Mission American employee will be issued a cell phone. Official or emergency calls are not reimbursable to the government, but personal calls are charged to the individual. Cell-phone networks in Nigeria also are unreliable at times.

Communications

Internet Last Updated: 12/30/2004 7:05 AM

Numerous Internet service providers (ISPs) provide dial-up connections, but these are generally established through NITEL's poorly maintained and unreliable network. Fees range from $24 to $100 per month plus local phone charges from $3 to $12/hour. Alternatives using fixed wireless, satellite internet, DSL, and satellite TV are gradually emerging but still extremely expensive. Residential internet services are employees' responsibility.

Both the Embassy and the Consulate General have computers with internet access available for use by family members.

The British Council in Abuja has some 20 computers with internet access available to members only. Annual membership costs N10,000 (US$75) and also includes a modest lending library.

Communications

Mail and Pouch Last Updated: 12/30/2004 7:07 AM

Letters and packages from the U.S. arrive by air via the Department of State pouch. Bring a good supply of U.S. postage stamps with you. Letters normally take 10 to 12 days; packages take two to four weeks. Mission personnel may use the U.S.-bound pouch for regular outgoing flat mail. Packages can be sent without charge only when apparel, shoes or other goods are being returned to stores or manufacturers for exchange. Other packages can be sent to the U.S. via pouch through a service that the American Employees Recreation Association (AERA) offers, called Homeward Bound Mail. The cost is U.S. postage from Washington, D. C. to the U.S. destination, plus $2.90 per pound to pay for pouching from Abuja or Lagos, plus US $1.00 per package for an AERA handling charge. Usual pouch rules apply. AERA will bill the employee each month for the dollar weight and handling costs.

The Abuja pouch address is:

NAME 8320 Abuja Place Dulles, VA 20189-8320

The Lagos pouch address is:

NAME 8300 Lagos Place Dulles, VA 20189-8300

Letters and packages may be sent to the U.S. via UPS, DHL, or FedEx but such services are expensive. Mission personnel typically use courier services for items sent to Nigerian or foreign addresses, particularly since local postal services are virtually non-existent. Financial communications, including bill payments, banking information, and credit card transactions, should be sent through the pouch or hand carried by Americans traveling to the States.

International airmail from the U.S. takes 6 to 10 days; surface mail takes two to three months. International airmail to the U.S. costs N40 ($0.30) per half ounce. Parcel post is slow, handling is unreliable, and customs duties may be levied on those without duty-free privileges. Although international airmail is quicker than the pouch, there is no guarantee that letters and packages will reach their destinations. Most personnel do not utilize international airmail services.

Communications

Radio and TV Last Updated: 12/30/2004 7:08 AM

Most Nigerian television stations are government-owned. The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) oversees the operation of the federal television network, which comprises the Administrative Headquarters in Abuja, the National Production Center in Lagos, and NTA stations in each of the 36 states and Abuja. Eight state government and five private TV stations supplement the network. Africa Independent Television (AIT) broadcasts on Channel 29 (UHF) in Abuja, providing variety programming and balanced reporting on local and international issues. Most on-air programs are produced locally, but American and British programming is broadcast frequently. Newscasts are shown several times nightly on the national networks.

Nigerian television broadcasts use the 625-line PAL color system. American televisions will not receive Nigerian programs, but they are necessary if employees bring American standard (NTSC) VCRs for viewing American videotapes. Many employees have found it advantageous to bring a multi-system TV/VCD/DVD. Multi-system VCRs and DVD players can be purchased locally but at very high prices, while multi-system TVs are available locally at 20-40% above American prices. If you do not wish to purchase a multi-system player, an American system with transformer is sufficient for viewing American movies.

Radio is the primary source of information for most Nigerians. Nigerians own an estimated 5 million radio receivers, most of them medium wave. Broadcasts are generally transmitted in English or one of several local languages over a national network operated by the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria or by state governments. Abuja and Lagos have many private and government-owned radio stations. Music broadcast over Nigerian radios stations is usually hip-hop, high life, or juju, but pop/rock and jazz programs are also broadcast. The Nigerian Government recently banned direct broadcasting of all foreign stations on FM and AM radio, including the BBC, but it does permit the re-broadcasting of recorded or re-edited foreign news and programs including VOA's "Africa Journal."

Short-wave reception is usually good, particularly at night, and many personnel have short-wave receivers. Voice of America and BBC programs can be heard on several frequencies. For radio fans, a World Space Radio (satellite-based radio) is recommend because more than 20 stations from around the world, including National Public Radio (with a subscription), CNN, and the World Radio Network, can be picked up in Nigeria.

Post makes every effort to provide each residence with access to the American Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS), which offers ten TV channels and many other channels dedicated to various U.S. radio programs. AFRTS broadcasts use the American NTSC format, so either a multi-system or an NTSC (American) television may be used.

Many employees subscribe to South Africa's Digital Satellite Television (DSTV), a multi-channel satellite-based commercial broadcast system carrying 24-hour CNN, BBC, the History Channel, National Geographic, sports and movie channels, a cartoon channel, and other international programming. Monthly fees are approximately N8,500 ($65). A multi-system television is necessary for this.

Communications

Newspapers, Magazines, and Technical Journals Last Updated: 12/30/2004 12:04 AM

Nigeria's numerous newspapers and magazines are printed in English or one of several local languages. Many newspapers are partially owned by federal or state governments, but the press is lively and expressive. Most international stories are taken from wire services. USA Today, The International Herald Tribune, The London Times, and The Wall Street Journal Europe are available, as are Time, Newsweek, and The Economist at the major hotels, but international publications are usually delayed by several days.

Abuja has a number of bookstores, but these are small with very limited selections. Most employees buy books online or borrow them from the Community Liaison Office's lending book and video library. The British Council has a lending library that Mission personnel can use after purchasing an annual membership for N10,000 ($75).

In Lagos, British, French, German, and American magazines are available at selected locations on Victoria and Ikoyi Islands. Lagos has few bookstores. Most employees buy books online or borrow them from the community liaison office, the American Women's Club Library, or the British Council Library.

Health and Medicine

Medical Facilities Last Updated: 12/30/2004 7:10 AM

The Embassy in Abuja maintains a Health Unit and laboratory staffed by a Foreign Service Health Practitioner, a Nigerian nurse, a Nigerian lab technician and a medical secretary. Additionally, there are two local physicians contracted by the Embassy to provide coverage on a part time basis at the Health Unit, as well as provide medical consultations and emergency response. The Health Unit is equipped with a state-of-the-art laboratory, an emergency medical/trauma room, a conference/training room and a pharmacy. The Embassy also maintains an ambulance for emergency medical transportation.

The Regional Medical Officer (RMO) is based at the Consulate General in Lagos. The RMO covers eight countries in Western Africa. He visits Abuja approximately once every three months and will see Abuja patients on these visits.

The Regional Medical Officer/Psychiatrist (RMO/P) who covers Nigeria is based in Nairobi and visits post at least three times a year.

The Embassy Health Unit provides all routine health care including lab work and coordinates all emergency medical services. Radiological studies, including x-rays, ultrasounds and CT scans are available at local area hospitals/clinics. The Health Units maintain a list of qualified local specialists and will provide referrals, if necessary. Patients will be expected to pay a fee (in Nigerian naira) to see a local medical specialist.

The Consulate General in Lagos maintains a large, well equipped Health Unit and laboratory staffed by the regional medical officer (RMO), two full-time nurses, and a Foreign Service medical technologist. The Health Unit provides all routine health care, coordinates all emergency medical services, and performs routine lab work.

Patients in either Abuja or Lagos with emergencies beyond the Health Unit's scope (as in cases of multiple trauma or severe head injuries) are referred to local hospitals or evacuated to London or Pretoria via commercial carriers or emergency evacuation aircraft. X-rays are conducted in local hospitals. The Health Units maintain a list of qualified local specialists and will provide referrals if necessary.

The Health Units provide malaria prophylaxis, and immunizations and maintain a pharmacy of prescription medications for treatment of acute injury/illness, including emergency drugs. Employees will be expected to maintain an adequate supply of over-the-counter medications and any prescription medications used to treat routine/chronic medical problems such as hypertension, diabetes, and menopausal or thyroid disease. It is strongly recommended that the employee set up an on-line pharmacy account with a U.S.-based pharmacy to order medications including refills on prescriptions as well as over-the-counter medications. The RMO or Foreign Service Health Practitioner can write new prescriptions for medications and these prescriptions can be faxed to your pharmacy. These medications can be mailed via pouch and may take up to four weeks to arrive at post. Liquid medications must be clearly marked as such on the outside of the package. Preplanning for ordering prescription refills is essential to assure that you do not run out of routine medications.

The Office of Medical Services recommends that all babies be delivered in the U.S. and that expectant mothers leave post during the seventh month of pregnancy. Mothers and newborns cannot return to post until 45 days after delivery.

Dental check-ups should be done while on home leave prior to arrival at post. Limited routine/emergency dental care is available locally, but employees should consider concluding special dental work before departing for post.

Patients with health problems or emergencies beyond the Health Unit's scope, as determined by the Foreign Service Health Practitioner and Regional Medical Officer, are stabilized at a local hospital and medevac'd (evacuated) to London or Pretoria via commercial carriers or emergency medical aircraft (SOS). When the decision to medevac is made, the employee may elect to travel to alternate sites (typically in the U.S.) for medical care on a cost-constructive basis. Contractors and other Americans working in the country who are not eligible for Embassy Health Unit services (not a member of ICASS) are strongly encouraged to have private medical evacuation insurance.

Health and Medicine

Community Health Last Updated: 12/30/2004 7:11 AM

Parasitic intestinal infections like amoebic dysentery, giardia, and shigella are common among the local population, but they remain relatively rare among Mission staff. In any case, treatment is relatively straightforward and well tolerated. Viral flu, colds, bronchitis, sinusitis, gastrointestinal upsets, and common skin infections comprise the majority of medical problems at post. Individuals (especially children) who suffer from asthma, allergies, sinus or skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis may find these problems more pronounced in Abuja, particularly during the harmattan. Some people in Abuja take Claritin or similar hay fever medications year-round to combat the pollen produced by heavy rains and the dust produced by the harmattan. Flu shots are made available by the Health Unit each year and all Mission personnel and their families are encouraged to take advantage of this.

Water shortages are common, and sanitation is poor throughout Nigeria. Outbreaks of water, food, and mosquito-borne illnesses are occasionally identified even within the Mission community. Employees should use drinking and cooking water from the post-supplied water distillers and use a product available locally called Milton Sterilizing Fluid or other safe decontaminants to clean fruits and vegetables. Imported products are generally safe, but refrigeration is not always reliable. Established restaurants within the city limits are safe, but food prepared by street vendors should be avoided.

The prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS infections, is increasing at an alarming rate in Nigeria. Accurate estimates are difficult, largely because screening is rarely done, and families of AIDS victims often refuse to report the virus as a cause of death to avoid family shame. As in many developing countries, the virus is most commonly transmitted through heterosexual activity. There is a significant possibility that any local sexual partner may be infected with HIV. If abstinence cannot be achieved, the proper and consistent use of latex condoms when engaging in sexual intercourse is essential. This does not provide 100 percent protection against infection, however.

Travelers visiting rural areas should carry first-aid kits. Snakebites are relatively common among the indigenous population in some parts of Nigeria, but they are rare among Mission personnel. If you do encounter a snake, assume it is venomous.

Health and Medicine

Preventive Measures Last Updated: 12/30/2004 7:11 AM

Malaria is endemic throughout Nigeria. Falciparum malaria makes up 95 percent of the malaria seen locally. Unfortunately, the strain is resistant to many drugs and can (if not treated promptly or if treated incorrectly) lead to cerebral malaria, which results in death in 20 percent of patients.

It is imperative that all Mission employees, including children, take malaria prophylaxis. Mefloquine is the drug of choice, but alternatives are available if employees cannot tolerate the medication. Daily Doxycycline, Primaquine or combinations of Chloroquine and Paludrine (Malarone) may be used, but neither is as effective as Mefloquine. Children should take either mefloquine, primaquine or malarone, and dosage will be based upon the weight of the child. All anti-malarials should be started one to two weeks before arrival and continued for four weeks after departure. Even with good prophylaxis, outbreaks of malaria are possible and require prompt treatment with appropriate follow-up.

Anti-malarial drug regimens alone cannot offer total protection. Employees should protect themselves and their children against mosquito bites by remaining in screened or air-conditioned areas, using mosquito repellant when going out, and wearing long sleeves or pants and closed-toed shoes, especially in the evenings when malaria-spreading mosquitoes feed. Mosquito bed nets are also recommended.

Nigeria requires all persons over the age of one year to be immunized against yellow fever. Employees should make every effort to complete immunizations for themselves and their family members before departing for post. Other adult immunizations required for Nigeria include meningitis, rabies, typhoid, diphtheria/tetanus, MMR, Polio (IPV), Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. Immunizations for children include all of the above, plus chicken pox and pneumococcal vaccination (Prevnar).

Regularly updated health information handbooks for Abuja are given to all new arrivals. These booklets contain helpful recommendations regarding self-care and preventative health measures, and provides emergency medical information. They may be reviewed in the Overseas Family Liaison Office at FSI or at the State Department's Office of Medical Services before departing for post.

Employment for Spouses and Dependents Last Updated: 12/30/2004 7:12 AM

Abuja is a rapidly growing post not only for the U.S. Government but for other foreign missions as well. Family members who wish to work either in Abuja or in Lagos can usually find employment within the Mission if they are flexible. Due to a recent change in State Department regulations, all post vacancies are open to eligible family members (EFMs).

Consular Assistant and Consular Associate positions are important employment options. Others include positions in the General Services Office as contracting and procurement supervisor, maintenance supervisor, or warehouse supervisor. The Community Liaison Office (CLO) also has positions in both posts. The Family Liaison Office produces an annual Overseas Family Member Employment Report listing currently funded positions. The report is usually available in the CLO or Human Resources Office and should be consulted for additional information.

Post strongly suggests that personnel seeking employment in the Consular Section, the General Services Office, the Budget and Finance section, the Public Affairs section, or Human Resources office try to get appropriate training at the National Foreign Affairs Training Center. To register for training, interested spouses should contact the employment officer at the Family Liaison Office in Room 1212 A, Main State.

Those interested in working should contact the Human Resources Officer and the CLO at post to find out what positions are available. Post urges spouses who want to work to join M/FLO's (Family Liaison Office) Skills Bank Program to provide post with early notification of skills, experience, and training. (hrweb.hr.state.gov/flo/employment/goinglobal.html)

Teaching positions are sometimes available at the American International Schools in Abuja and Lagos. Opportunities to tutor or teach English as a second language (ESL) also exist.

A Bi-lateral Work Agreement has been approved by the Department of State and has been presented to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for signature. Several spouses and family members have found employment with international organizations with work permit quotas for expatriates. Others have performed contract project work for local businesses.

Both posts offer a summer-hire program for eligible family member students between the ages of 16 and 24. Positions vary with the availability of funds.

American Embassy - Abuja

Post City Last Updated: 12/30/2004 7:15 AM

Abuja is the new capital of Nigeria located in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria, occupying a spectacular site in the middle of the country. The city is located on a pre-Cambrian basement rock complex of distinctive domes and hills. The territory is also in a region where Christianity and Islam meet. Abuja is 505 kilometers northeast of Lagos-a one-hour flight or an eight to ten hour car ride. Lagos, the commercial and financial hub of Nigeria, is the former capital.

In 1976, the Government of Nigeria decided to move the Federal Capital from Lagos to Abuja. The reasons given for the move were to escape the overcrowded conditions of Lagos and to have a capital in a central location, not identified with any particular ethnic group, in order to create a sense of national unity. Abuja was officially declared the new federal capital on December 12, 1993. The Federal Capital Territory, still expanding, was designed by American city planners and engineers.

Aso Rock, Abuja's predominant natural feature, is increasingly referred to as a symbol of the government and national unity. In the Bgagyi (or Gwari) language the word "Aso" means "success" or "victory." According to legend, the original inhabitants of the region lived at the base of the rock for centuries without ever being conquered by others. For them, the rock served as a place of refuge as well as a mystical source of strength.

Abuja is a pleasant city. As a planned capital, it has lots of open spaces with well-maintained roads and sidewalks. Abuja, which has over 1 million people, is growing and construction cranes are a common sight. There are three major hotels of international standards, more and more good restaurants opening regularly, and a few nightclubs. Abuja has several well-equipped gyms and fitness centers and a Brunswick bowling alley. There is a zoo and nice park that are popular with families. Abuja does not have any movie theaters.

Security Last Updated: 12/30/2004 9:30 AM

Road travel outside of Abuja and Lagos can be hazardous. The police do not patrol most Nigerian roads. Excessive speed and unpredictable driving habits are serious problems throughout Nigeria. There are few traffic controls and little enforcement. Local motorists do not yield the right of way or give consideration to other vehicles and pedestrians. Most local motor vehicles lack basic maintenance and safety equipment. All persons are strongly advised to avoid night driving because the streets are poorly lit and the criminal threat is higher at night.

All employees are advised to make adequate preparations when traveling outside of Nigeria's major urban centers. Telephones, hospitals and fuel stations are few and far between. All Mission personnel are encouraged to take their US Mission-issued telephones whenever traveling outside of the Abuja Ring Road. A vehicle breakdown or accident in a rural area can be a serious problem as timely police response cannot be assured. Traffic gridlock or "go slows" are a common problem in Lagos. Motorists may also occasionally find themselves caught up in a disturbance, demonstration, riot or other civil unrest.

All Mission personnel are required to notify the Regional Security Officer two working days in advance of all official travel and personal travel to receive approval regarding any cross-country travel. They must provide a brief itinerary including where they will be staying overnight with telephone numbers and other contact information if any. Mission personnel are also encouraged to check-in with the embassy each day to report on their status, and to receive any updated information while traveling outside Abuja.

The Post and Its Administration Last Updated: 12/30/2004 7:16 AM

The U.S. Embassy was officially moved from Lagos to Abuja in August 2000, although a large Consulate General remains in Lagos. The Embassy is temporarily located at 9 Mambilla Street, off Aso Drive, Asokoro, Abuja; telephone (234) (9) 523-0916/0960/5857; fax (234) (9) 523-0353. This compound is not large enough to house all the employees in this growing mission, so a separate office for the large U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) mission is in an office building downtown. The health unit is also in a separate facility in another part of the city. Embassy office hours are 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Thursday and 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM on Friday. A new Embassy building is being built at a separate site closer to the center of the city and is due to be completed in June 2005. This large compound will eventually have work space for all embassy employees. USAID has plans to build its own facility on the compound in the near future.

The Embassy comprises more than 80 American employees. The Department of State staff work in the following sections: Executive Office, Political, Economic, Public Affairs (including Cultural Affairs and Information), Consular, Regional Affairs, Regional Security Office, and Management (including General Services, Budget and Finance, Information Resource Management, Medical, Human Resources, Travel, and Facilities Maintenance). In addition, American employees working for other agencies in the Embassy include employees of USAID, the Center for Disease Control, the Defense Attache Office, and the Office of Defense Cooperation. A Marine Security Guard detachment is being created in 2005 to coincide with the move to the new embassy building.

Housing

Temporary Quarters Last Updated: 12/30/2004 7:18 AM

Post makes every attempt to provide personnel with permanent housing upon arrival. In some rare cases, however, employees may have to reside in temporary housing (either a hotel or a furnished apartment) until their quarters are ready.

Housing

Permanent Housing Last Updated: 12/30/2004 7:19 AM

Mission personnel are housed in comfortable and attractive government-leased houses, townhouses, and apartments. The Post's Intra-Agency Housing Board assigns quarters to new arrivals according to availability, position grade, and family size. USAID maintains its own housing pool. Most housing is in compounds consisting of two or more residences. Several of the compounds have swimming pools that are available to all Mission personnel, regardless of where they reside. Most of the housing is located within a 10 to 15 minute drive from the current Embassy, the American International School of Abuja, and most popular shopping areas and restaurants.

Housing is air conditioned and generally comfortable. All compounds have guards on patrol 24 hours a day and separate designated housing areas for domestic staff. Post has a gardening contract and serves all housing compounds of three or more residences (post-financed gardening contracts are prohibited by regulations for compounds with two or less residences).

The Ambassador's residence is a four-bedroom house located at the top of one of Abuja's many hills. It enjoys a commanding view, wonderful sunsets and sunrises, and benefits greatly from the year-round breezes. The house is well designed for large receptions and other social functions. The residence has a swimming pool and unisex changing rooms available to all cleared Mission Americans.

Housing

Furnishings Last Updated: 12/30/2004 7:19 AM

New arrivals receive welcome kits containing dishes, cutlery, glassware, kitchen utensils, towels, linens, small appliances, an iron and ironing board, and other basic necessities. Post also has a limited number of televisions for loan. Employees are expected to return welcome kits as soon as they receive their HHE.

The Embassy supplies all basic furniture and appliances including washer and dryer, stove, microwave, refrigerator, freezer, water distiller, vacuum cleaner, fire extinguisher, smoke detectors, and burglar alarm. Housing comes with complete bedroom sets (queen for the master bedroom and twin for all remaining bedrooms), full living and dining room sets (with seating for eight), two bookshelves, patio furniture (if available), and room-size area rugs. Furnishings tend to be in a light neutral color or green. Extra refrigerators or freezers may be supplied if employees' family size or representational responsibilities require them and they are available.

Electrical power is 220V, 50Hz. Post provides three transformers. These are locally purchased and do not have voltage regulators. Employees may wish to ship surge suppressors as well as transformers with voltage regulators. Employees may also wish to ship a UPS but should be aware that UPSs should not be used in line with transformers and surge suppressors. (This often causes fires.)

Limited 220V appliances are available locally but they are relatively expensive. 220 V appliances, surge suppressors and other electrical items are also generally available over the Internet and from AAFES online.

Employees should bring all linens including bed sheets and bedspreads, pillows, towels, shower curtains and liners (averaging 4 baths per residence) and hooks, and bath rugs. Employees should also bring dishware, cutlery, glassware, kitchen utensils, pots and pans, plastic pitchers and storage containers, small appliances, an iron and ironing board, and battery-operated clocks. Some employees bring air purifiers and filters, humidifiers, ice cream makers, bread machines and barbecue grills.

Employees should bring all needed baby furniture, equipment and supplies. Supplies are available but expensive and of limited selection.

Pianos may be brought to post, but personnel should be aware that the climate is not friendly to expensive pianos. The one known Lagos piano tuner makes regular trips to Abuja. While there are several excellent gyms, many staff bring exercise equipment. Electrical gym equipment does not tolerate the voltage fluctuations well.

Post discourages personnel from bringing expensive or irreplaceable items or items extremely sensitive to high temperatures or humidity, such as antiques or fine paintings. Apart from this, employees should bring anything that makes them feel comfortable and at home. Those assigned to residences with private gardens may wish to bring gardening equipment and play equipment for children. The Embassy's Harvard compound of 14 houses has decent playground equipment.

Employees should ship urgently needed items and basic supplies in their unaccompanied baggage (airfreight). Airfreight generally takes up to two weeks to arrive, while sea freight can take longer.

Housing

Utilities and Equipment Last Updated: 12/30/2004 7:24 AM

All compounds and single-family homes have permanently installed generators due to frequent power failures. Power supplies are unpredictable, so employees should bring flashlights. Employees should be prepared to purchase locally available 220 V light bulbs. Employees should not bring 110V light bulbs, as the lamps supplied by post are 220V. Residences also contain local light fixtures, which use a type of bulb that must be procured locally.

Transformers must be used for all 110V equipment and can be bought locally. Transformers convert voltage, but they do not convert cycles (from 60Hz to 50Hz). American-made sewing machines, blenders, and other small appliances can usually operate on 50 cycles, but will not last as long. This is also true for VCRs. Note: AC to DC converters, such as found on many electric hand tools, will only work if they are labeled 50Hz/60 Hz. Check the converter before you ship it.

Food Last Updated: 12/30/2004 7:25 AM

Generally you can buy locally produced food inexpensively. You can also find most things you like, as long as you are not attached to a specific American brand, and as long as you are willing to pay the higher price for imported goods (often 2-4 times more than in the U.S). Locally grown fruits include bananas, plantains, pineapples, watermelons, cantaloupes, lemons, oranges, grapefruits, papayas, passion fruits, and guavas. Locally grown vegetables include avocados, eggplants, zucchinis, potatoes, cabbages, carrots tomatoes, peppers, cauliflowers, lettuce, and green herbs such as basil, parsley, rosemary, mint, cilantro, dill weed, celery leaves. Many Embassy residences have lemon grass growing wild in the yard.

There are grocery stores where many items, including frozen vegetables, chicken and fish, can be found. The varieties and quantities tend to be limited and the goods are quite expensive. Certain items may be unavailable for weeks at a time. U.S.-produced items are rare; most items are imported from Europe, the Middle East or South Africa. Beef, chicken, pork, mutton, and goat meat are available locally (despite import bans), as is a variety of fresh and frozen seafood. Fresh milk and yogurt are produced locally and available, though stores sometimes run out before deliveries arrive. Imported powdered milk, long-life (UHT) milk, whipping cream, butter, margarine and cheese are usually available. Ice cream is imported and inordinately expensive. If you wish to have ice cream regularly, it is recommended that you bring an ice cream maker to post. Imported yogurt is expensive, and many people make their own yogurt at home.

Locally produced goods may be cheaper than U.S. products, but items like fruit juice, coffee, canned goods, margarine, and yogurt are not always up to U.S. standards. Locally bottled soft drinks (Coke, Pepsi, 7-Up, Sprite, Fanta, and Schweppes) and beer are relatively inexpensive. Canned soft drinks produced outside of Nigeria and then imported are considerably more expensive than in the U.S. Good bread and rolls, while somewhat more costly, may be found in bakeries and supermarkets.

Most produce in Abuja comes from the Jos Plateau. There are several growers who will take weekly orders by e-mail, fax or telephone and deliver it to your doorstep weekly. There is also a meat producer who will do the same. However, this is more expensive.

Many employees purchase food items through online grocery stores, like NetGrocer, Walgreens.com, and American Shopper International, and have them sent to post by pouch. Pouch restrictions concerning size, weight, glass containers, and liquids apply.

Abuja is a designated consumables post. It is cheaper and easier to ship from the United States almost all packaged goods, rather than to purchase them locally. Please note that since liquids cannot be pouched, you should include as many of those as possible in your HHE/consumables shipment.

The Embassy is currently establishing a small commissary in Abuja. There is also a well-established commissary at the AERA Guest Quarters compound in Lagos. Post personnel can purchase items from Lagos in person or by e-mail and have non-perishable items sent to Abuja when an Embassy truck is making the trip (about twice a month). For more details, consult the food section for U.S. Consulate General Lagos.

Clothing Last Updated: 12/30/2004 7:26 AM

Lightweight summer clothing is appropriate year round. Cotton and cotton blends are recommended. Fabrics that must be dry-cleaned are not, although dry cleaning is available. For the occasional cool evening, a light jacket or shawl will suffice. An umbrella is essential. A few people find light raincoats useful, but they are not necessary. Swimsuits are a must. Sun hats are also useful. Many Americans shop by mail order. The Community Liaison Office has a large supply of catalogs.

Clothing

Men Last Updated: 12/30/2004 7:27 AM

Bring a two-year wardrobe that includes work and casual attire, undergarments, swimwear, lightweight raincoat, and shoes (dress, casual, sneakers, sandals). Men may want to consider bringing short-sleeved dress shirts to wear beneath their suit coats, because many Nigerian Government offices are not air-conditioned. Clothing should be suited to hot weather with just a few articles of warm clothing for occasional trips to colder climates. Business attire is generally appropriate for cocktail parties and dinners. Outdoor receptions are popular, so lightweight clothing suited to warm evenings is ideal. Limited shoe repair is available. While there are clothing stores in Abuja, prices are high. When making official calls, officers wear suits and ties. Employees and spouses should consider bringing formal wear for the few events (i.e. Marine Ball in Lagos, British High Commission events, and others) that are suited to this.

Nigerian professional men wear both western suits and Nigerian caftans (long flowing pullover cotton shirts worn over matching pants). Casual clothes are generally jeans, slacks and tee shirts or caftans. It is acceptable for men to wear shorts but Nigerians do so infrequently. Sandals are commonly worn, especially with caftans.

Clothing

Women Last Updated: 12/30/2004 7:28 AM

Clothing should be suited to hot weather. Lightweight modest cotton dresses are suggested for daytime wear. Normal office wear is worn inside air-conditioned offices. Business attire is generally appropriate for cocktail parties and dinners. Outdoor receptions are popular, so lightweight clothing suited to warm evenings is ideal. Bring a few articles of warm clothing for occasional trips to colder climates. Bring needed undergarments, sports clothes including swimwear, and shoes to include sandals and sneakers. Employees and spouses should consider bringing formal wear for the few events (i.e. Marine Ball in Lagos, British High Commission events, and others) that are suited to this.

Nigerian woman may wear pants and never shorts. Dresses and skirts are the norm. Most are of Nigerian tie-dye or batik fabric and are ankle length. Western wear is also widely accepted.

Clothing

Children Last Updated: 12/30/2004 7:28 AM

Bring a good supply of lightweight washable clothing and shoes, especially sneakers and sandals. The American International School does not require a uniform except for Physical Education, which is held two times a week for Grades K -9. Red shorts and a plain white tee shirt are required with sneakers. A gym uniform can be purchased at the school if preferred. The Regent School does require a uniform, which includes shoes, all of which can be purchased at the school. Otherwise, attire ranges from dresses, shorts and jeans for girls to shorts, jeans and slacks for boys. Since the weather is generally quite hot, shorts (of a modest length) for boys and girls are acceptable. Junior high students may attend dances that require dresses for girls and slacks for boys so parents should plan accordingly.

Clothing

Office Attire Last Updated: 12/30/2004 9:29 AM

At work, dress is generally business casual. Employees with frequent outside meetings should bring normal business attire, i.e., suits and ties for men and pants or skirt suits for women. Business attire is generally appropriate for cocktail parties and dinners. Outdoor receptions are popular, so lightweight clothing suited to warm and humid evenings is ideal.

Supplies and Services Last Updated: 12/30/2004 7:31 AM

Supplies and Services

Supplies Last Updated: 12/30/2004 7:30 AM

Some essential nonfood items (such as cleaning and personal care products) are available on the local market and in stores, but their availability is limited and prices are high. Most Americans ship a supply of such items to post or order them periodically from the U.S.

Employees should also consider shipping children's toys, games, pool and sports equipment, ice chests, barbecues, tool kits, greeting cards, stationery, computer supplies, and car parts, to include tires. Many find it convenient to bring gifts for birthdays, weddings, and other special events. Many ship artificial Christmas trees and holiday decorations and supplies.

Supplies and Services

Basic Services Last Updated: 12/30/2004 7:31 AM

Dry cleaning is available at the two major hotels, though results are variable. It is recommended that staff bring several home dry-cleaning kits, which are available for purchase in most U.S. grocery stores.

Local tailors and dressmakers can make everyday clothes reasonably well and at good prices. Western-style fabric selections are fair, but African style prints (including batik and tie dye) are plentiful.

Shoe repair services are available on the street and in the market, but results are mixed.

There are a number of hairdressers and barbers available. They generally cost less than in the U.S.

There are several video clubs that stock PAL and NTSC videotapes and DVDs. The Community Liaison Officer has a modest video lending library, free of charge, for Mission personnel.

Supplies and Services

Domestic Help Last Updated: 12/30/2004 7:32 AM

Domestics of all categories are available, and most personnel have domestic help. Many employ domestics to clean, shop, do the laundry, iron and cook. Families with small children often hire nannies. Domestics are usually hired on referrals from employees or other domestics. The Community Liaison Office can assist with this. Average monthly salaries range from $100 to $250 depending on hours, responsibilities, and previous work experience. Many domestics work five or six days a week, with a few hours off each afternoon. Housing compounds will have separate quarters (bedroom, shared bathroom and kitchen) for domestic help. A limited number of residences have domestic quarter in the basement.

Careful training and close supervision of all domestics are essential. Petty theft is a problem. The Regional Security Office offers voluntary background checks of all domestics. The Health Unit recommends that domestics who prepare food receive a medical checkup, which can be obtained through community medical resources recommended by the Health Unit. More information regarding community resources and cost is located in the Health Unit Handbook. The Health Unit also offers occasional food safety and first-aid courses for domestics.

Religious Activities Last Updated: 12/30/2004 7:40 AM

There are local Catholic, Anglican, Methodist and evangelical churches in Abuja. Most of the services are in English, but the times and lengths are irregular. There is also the nondenominational International Church that offers a more Western-style service in English. For Muslims, there are a number of mosques. There is a large Israeli Jewish community in Abuja that jointly celebrates the major Jewish holidays. There is no synagogue.

Education

Dependent Education

At Post Last Updated: 12/30/2004 7:41 AM The American International School (AISA), supported by the Department of State, was founded in 1993. AISA is accredited by the U.S. Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The school offers nursery (2-year-olds), preschool (3-year-olds), pre-kindergarten (4-year-olds), grades K (must be age five by September 30th) through nine, and the Nebraska Self-Study program for grades 10 through 12. Subjects include Language Arts, Science, Math, Social Studies, Computer, Library, French, Music, Art, Physical Education and Health.

Although its facilities are modest, the AISA offers a 6,000-volume library, a science lab, and a computer lab with e-mail and full Internet access. AISA has a soccer field, a volleyball/badminton court, a small basketball court, and playground equipment for younger children. There are several after-school activities/clubs that include soccer, art, computer, dance, taekwondo, cooking, bridge, swimming, and Girl Scouts. Club offerings often vary based on the talents of the parents and teachers. AISA is planning to construct a new school campus in the next few years. The design has already been made and AISA is currently raising funds for the new facility.

The school year is from late August to early June and is divided into three terms. There is a three-week break at Christmas and a one-week break over Easter. School hours are from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM for Grades K through five and 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM for Grades six and above. For more information, visit the AISA website at: www.aisabuja.com or e-mail the director, Amy Uzoewulu, at: aisabuja@hotmail.com. Employees with students entering grades 10-12 can contact Dr. Joseph Carney at the Office of Overseas Schools for specific program questions. His telephone number is 703-875-7800.

Abuja offers three other schooling options for grades K-6 only: the French School, a German School and the Regent School. The Regent School is Nigerian owned and follows a British curriculum. For more information you can visit its website at: www.regentschoolabuja.com.

AERA operates a school bus for all Mission children between AISA, the Regent School and the French School.

Education

Dependent Education

Away From Post Last Updated: 12/30/2004 7:42 AM Most students in grades 10 through 12 attend U.S. or European boarding schools. Away-from-post education allowances cover tuition, room and board, books and supplies, related fees, and travel below the total dollar ceiling.

For information on boarding schools in the U.S. or overseas, employees should contact the State Department's Family Liaison Office (M/FLO) or the Office of Overseas Schools (A/OS).

For students in grades 10 through 12, the Hillcrest School, a missionary school in Jos (three hours from Abuja) is an option. Hillcrest is an American curriculum K-12 school accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. It is a private co-educational school with dormitories run by separate private families. It is sponsored by 10 missionary-sending organizations. The primary focus of the school is to provide a Christian education to missionary children, but it is open to Nigerian and expatriate children. Three hours per week are devoted to mandatory Bible study.

The campus is a sprawling green space with a soccer pitch, tennis courts, playground, classrooms and break areas, science and computer labs, music rooms, gym, health unit, dormitory, etc. There are 275 students from 23 countries. Twelve of the 37 teachers on staff hold advanced degrees beyond a Bachelor of Arts or Science. Some 50-70 percent of the staff are American. The focus of students is academics, sports, and social activities (parties, theatrical rehearsals and productions, musicals, campouts, etc. AP (Advanced Placement) courses offered are: Advanced Biology, African literature, World literature, Calculus, Computer II, French IV, and Psychology. Extra curricular activities offered include: student government, National Honor Society, intramural sports, varsity basketball, volleyball, soccer, tennis, track and field, etc. The school has no pool.

The school can be contacted directly by phone at 011-234-73-465410 or e-mail at hillcrestschool@yahoo.com. Its website is: www.hillcrestschool.net.

Education

Special Needs Education Last Updated: 12/30/2004 7:42 AM

There are no special education facilities at post.

Recreation and Social Life Last Updated: 12/30/2004 7:56 AM

Golf is a popular sport among expatriates. The IBB Golf Club, not far from the current Embassy building, offers a beautiful, well-maintained 18-hole golf course for members only. Membership is inexpensive. Nigerian golf pros offer lessons for approximately $8.00/hour. Equipment is available locally, but quite expensive. Post recommends that you purchase clubs, balls, etc., in the U.S. and ship them to post or bring with you. Most accessories can also be ordered over the Internet, but golf clubs generally exceed pouch size restrictions.

The Hilton and the Sheraton Hotels both have fitness centers and pools. The Hilton gives Embassy personnel a reduced corporate rate. The corporate membership fees for the Hilton Fitness Club and Pool are N145,000 ($1,100) per year for a family with two children, N98,000 ($725) per year for a couple, and N60,000 ($500) per year for single persons. Six- and three-month memberships are also available. Membership fees at the Sheraton are slightly less. Both clubs feature facilities including tennis courts, swimming pools, squash courts and fitness centers. There are several other smaller hotels and fitness centers that offer memberships for use of their facilities.

The Dome has a well-equipped fitness center with both sauna and steam rooms that is popular. Its facilities also include a pool, several restaurants, a nightclub, a bowling alley and more. US Mission employees are eligible for membership at two for the price of one.

There are currently six Embassy compounds that have swimming pools, one with a children's pool. These pools are open to all Mission members. One compound has a tennis court and another one has a volleyball court.

The Embassy has a fledging soccer team that practices every Saturday morning at the American International School of Abuja. Some Mission personnel participate in the popular bi-weekly Hash House Harriers run. There is also a Mission bowling team that plays at the new Brunswick bowling facilities at the Dome. The Dome offers a bowling package with reduced rates for US Mission members.

Recreation and Social Life

Sports Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:01 AM

Golf is a popular sport among expatriates. The IBB Golf Club, not far from the current Embassy building, offers a beautiful, well-maintained 18-hole golf course for members only. Membership is inexpensive. Nigerian golf pros offer lessons for approximately $8.00/hour. Equipment is available locally, but quite expensive. Post recommends that you purchase clubs, balls, etc., in the U.S. and ship them to post or bring with you. Most accessories can also be ordered over the Internet, but golf clubs generally exceed pouch size restrictions.

The Hilton and the Sheraton Hotels both have fitness centers and pools. The Hilton gives Embassy personnel a reduced corporate rate. The corporate membership fees for the Hilton Fitness Club and Pool are N145,000 ($1,100) per year for a family with two children, N98,000 ($725) per year for a couple, and N60,000 ($500) per year for single persons. Six- and three-month memberships are also available. Membership fees at the Sheraton are slightly less. Both clubs feature facilities including tennis courts, swimming pools, squash courts and fitness centers. There are several other smaller hotels and fitness centers that offer memberships for use of their facilities.

The Dome has a well-equipped fitness center with both sauna and steam rooms that is popular. Its facilities also include a pool, several restaurants, a nightclub, a bowling alley and more. US Mission employees are eligible for membership at two for the price of one.

There are currently six Embassy compounds that have swimming pools, one with a children's pool. These pools are open to all Mission members. One compound has a tennis court and another one has a volleyball court.

The Embassy has a fledging soccer team that practices every Saturday morning at the American International School of Abuja. Some Mission personnel participate in the popular bi-weekly Hash House Harriers run. There is also a Mission bowling team that plays at the new Brunswick bowling facilities at the Dome. The Dome offers a bowling package with reduced rates for US Mission members.

Recreation and Social Life

Touring and Outdoor Activities Last Updated: 12/30/2004 7:57 AM

Outdoor activities in Abuja include visiting the Abuja Zoo. Situated at the base of Aso Rock, it is a wonderful setting with well cared for animals and a nice playground to include a one-of-a-kind rope climbing apparatus built by the German-owned Berger Construction Co. On the weekends, there are various kiosks selling snacks and a small canteen open next to a scenic lake with a resident crocodile. It is a good place for walks, picnics and outdoor birthday parties for children.

The newly constructed Millennium Park provides limited walking opportunities. The park is still under construction and there are no real facilities yet.

The IBB Golf Club has a perimeter road, which is a great place for walking and jogging. Dogs are allowed if kept on leash at all times. This is also a good place for children with bicycles. This is also a great place for birdwatchers as there are several lakes and small streams. A membership is not needed to use this path but a nominal fee is sometimes requested for admittance.

Touring in Nigeria is for the adventurous. Roads are poor at best, overnight and rest facilities are limited, fuel can be in short supply, road crime is common, and automobile accidents are frequent. Some major cities do have adequate accommodations with interesting local markets and occasional cultural events.

Several local airlines also offer daily flights to and from Lagos and to some other cities. Air schedules, however, are unreliable, and long delays are common.

The areas listed below are points of interest in or near Abuja for day trips:

Aso Rock -- The largest granite rock in the vicinity of Abuja, its appearance has an imposing and impressive effect on first time visitors to Abuja.

Gurara Falls -- On the Gurara River about 100 kilometers from Abuja, it is quite a spectacular scene during the rainy season. It is a nice place for picnics.

Zuma Rock -- An enormous granite rock, it rises out of the countryside on the way to Gurara Falls and Kaduna.

Usuma Dam and Jabi Dam -- Manmade reservoirs supplying drinking water and irrigation water for Abuja and the surrounding agricultural land. Both dams provide beautiful scenery and are good spots for fishing.

Pottery Centers -- Abuja is well known for its traditional African pottery. There are several pottery centers just outside Abuja. The Bwari and Ushafa Pottery Centers offer modern pottery and ceramics as well as traditional products; the Gari Pottery Center, past the airport, has the largest selection of traditional pottery.

There are several interesting places to visit for long weekends:

Trappco Ranch and Resort - In nearby Kaduna, this is a nice getaway for singles and families. The resort has a pool; horseback, camel and donkey riding; a bike riding course, children's playground; polo and soccer fields, fishing (they will supply poles); small lake with paddle boats; a restaurant and bar. For a minimal fee there are four-wheelers available to rent. The ranch can arrange visits to Lords Lugards Footbridge, the Kaduna Museum, a Fulani settlement, a cultural dance, the Maraba pottery factory, the NOK caves, and the local market.

Kano -- The commercial center and largest city in northern Nigeria, Kano is approximately five hours by car or one hour by air from Abuja. Relatively good accommodations are available at the Prince Hotel. With a large foreign business community and an international airport, the city has several good restaurants and the largest market in the North.

On Muslim holidays and special occasions, older cities such as Kano, Katsina, and Zaria hold durbars (colorful parades of horse mounted warriors, clowns, jugglers, and dancers), which provide a medieval flavor not seen elsewhere in the country.

Jos -- The city of Jos, on a 4,000-foot plateau, is about 31/2 hours by road from Abuja and offers a change of scenery and a cooler climate. The city is host to the largest American community in northern Nigeria and is home to the Hillcrest School, an American curriculum based school catering to the missionary community.

Yankari National Park - Located in Bauchi state, Yankari is three hours beyond Jos. The park covers 2,200 square km and is home to elephants, baboons, waterbucks, bushbucks, duikers, western hartebeests, roan antelopes, hippopotami, monkeys and crocodiles. Lions are occasionally sighted. There is also a wide variety of birds. Lodging is very basic, meals are adequate. Safari drives go out at 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM. There are nice natural warm springs nearby for swimming.

The Ranch Resort (formerly called Obudu Cattle Ranch) - In Cross River State, the resort is situated on a flat plateau at an elevation of about 4,000 feet. The temperature is cool year round and is a nice place to relax. The resort offers three tennis courts, a squash court, horseback riding, organized hiking, bird watching, putt-putt mini golf, disco, table tennis and board games. There is a nice natural swimming pool nearby. Trips to the nearby Drill breeding station can be arranged. While the ranch is nine hours by car from Abuja, there are several weekly one-hour flights out of Abuja.

Sokoto -- About eight hours away, Sokoto is the center of the emirate system and the seat of the Sultan of Sokoto. Major points of interest are the sultan's palace, two recently built mosques, and the tomb of first sultan, Usana Dan Fodio, whose Fulani warriors conquered most of northern Nigeria early in the 19th century.

See also the section under Lagos for other touring possibilities.

Recreation and Social Life

Entertainment Last Updated: 12/30/2004 12:08 AM

Home entertaining is popular, and employees frequently host cocktail parties, dinners, and afternoon barbecues.

The CLO organizes holiday parties for children, art and craft sales, and produces a biweekly newsletter, A View From the Rock, which advertises events and activities occurring in Abuja. The British High Commission's residential Village offers Associate Memberships which permit use of its bar and canteen. The Village is also host to occasional events open to the diplomatic community.

Embassies occasionally sponsor musical performances and other cultural events. The French Cultural Center shows weekly French films with English subtitles, sponsors lectures, hold occasional musical performances. The German-owned Berger Life Camp holds occasional arts and craft exhibitions and an annual Christmas Bazaar. The British Council also holds periodic cultural events and exhibitions.

There are a few Western-style nightclubs in Abuja. There are no cinemas, performing arts theaters, or professional sports (in spite of a new 60,000 capacity stadium built for the 2003 All-African Games) in Abuja.

Official Functions

Nature of Functions Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:03 AM

As in most developing African countries, protocol is informal in Nigeria. Entertainment is usually small informal cocktails or dinner parties. The dress for these occasions is usually coat and tie for men and cocktail dress for women.

Official Functions

Standards of Social Conduct Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:04 AM

The Ambassador is expected to pay formal calls on diplomatic corps colleagues and senior officials on arrival. The diplomatic community in Abuja and Lagos is quite active and many employees at both posts can expect to get invitations to social events. Business cards are used extensively in Nigeria. All employees should have business cards on hand when they first meet a contact. Business cards can be printed locally.

Special Information Last Updated: 12/30/2004 9:51 AM

Upon arrival, newcomers receive a Welcome Pack containing information on Nigeria. Employees and their adult dependents also attend a formal Welcome Orientation Program that provides them health, administrative and security briefings on post procedures and policies. All new arrivals are assigned a social sponsor to help ease adjustment to post. The sponsor will meet the newcomer at the airport, assist with shopping and other needs, arrange some social activities, and help make introductions to the community.

Related Internet Sites Last Updated: 12/30/2004 9:07 AM

http://nigeria.usembassy.gov

www.usaid.gov/ng

www.aisabuja.com

www.regentschoolabuja.com

www.hillcrestschool.net

www.abujacity.com

www.thedome-ng.com

www.nigerianfield.org

http://allafrica.com

Consulate General - Lagos

Post City Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:08 AM

Lagos is a sprawling metropolitan area with an estimated population of 15 to 20 million. The former capital of Nigeria, it remains the commercial and cultural center of the country and has the most sophisticated shops, restaurants, and nightlife in Nigeria. The bustling, noisy, and congested city covers two islands - Lagos/Ikoyi and Victoria - and the mainland areas of Yaba, Surulere, Apapa, and Ikeja. Business activity is centered on the relatively upscale islands, where many corporations and foreign governments have their offices, and is carried onto the mainland, where the city's port complex and airports are located.

Security Last Updated: 12/30/2004 9:33 AM

Road travel outside of Abuja and Lagos can be hazardous. The police do not patrol most Nigerian roads. Excessive speed and unpredictable driving habits are serious problems throughout Nigeria. There are few traffic controls and little enforcement. Local motorists do not yield the right of way or give consideration to other vehicles and pedestrians. Most local motor vehicles lack basic maintenance and safety equipment. All persons are strongly advised to avoid night driving because the streets are poorly lit and the criminal threat is higher at night.

All employees are advised to make adequate preparations when traveling outside of Nigeria's major urban centers. Telephones, hospitals and fuel stations are few and far between. A vehicle breakdown or accident in a rural area can be a serious problem as timely police response cannot be assured. Traffic gridlock or "go slows" are a common problem in Lagos. Motorists may also occasionally find themselves caught up in a disturbance, demonstration, riot or other civil unrest.

All Mission personnel are required to notify the Regional Security Officer two working days in advance of all official travel and personal travel to receive approval regarding any cross-country travel. They must provide a brief itinerary including where they will be staying overnight with telephone numbers and other contact information if any. Mission personnel are also encouraged to check-in with the Embassy or Consulate each day to report on their status, and to receive any updated information while traveling outside Lagos.

The Post and Its Administration Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:09 AM

The Consulate General is in the building that housed the U.S. Embassy until 2000, when the Embassy officially moved to Abuja. The Consulate General is located in Lagos on Victoria Island and is open from 0730 to 1600 Monday through Friday. It houses representatives of the Departments of State, Agriculture, Commerce, Defense (the U.S. Army and Air Force), and Justice (the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Agency). The main Consular Section for Nigeria (the largest consular operation in Africa) is in Lagos. The Consulate General also has a Marine Security Guard detachment. The Public Affairs Section is located on Lagos Island, and the Guest Quarters and commissary are located on nearby Ikoyi.

The American Employees Recreation Association (AERA) operates a Guest Quarters with several hotel rooms, a bar, and a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. Tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts are available, along with a swimming pool, kiddie pool, fitness center, video club, craft shop, and business center. AERA also operates a beach house located 45 minutes from the Consulate. Mission personnel and their dependents are automatically members of AERA. Some foreign diplomats and employees of American businesses are also members.

In addition to the Guest Quarters, AERA operates the commissary and the Consulate's Crescent Café. The café serves affordable breakfasts and lunches daily. The Consulate General has an active community liaison office (CLO) staffed by a full-time coordinator. The CLO arranges office and community sponsors for new arrivals and assists with post orientation; publicizes entertainment opportunities and special events; maintains information on local customs; and coordinates Consulate-sponsored events, travel, and shopping trips

Housing

Temporary Quarters Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:10 AM

See the relevant section under U.S. Embassy Abuja.

Housing

Permanent Housing Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:11 AM

Mission personnel are housed in government-leased houses, townhouses, and apartments. The Post's Intra-Agency Housing Board assigns quarters to new arrivals according to availability, rank, and family size. All housing is in compounds with two or more residential units.

Several of the housing compounds have swimming pools, fitness centers, tennis, and squash courts that are available to all Mission personnel regardless of where they reside. All housing is on Ikoyi and Victoria Islands and is 10 minutes away from the Consulate General by road (under good driving conditions) or 15 minutes away by boat.

Housing is air conditioned and generally comfortable. All compounds have guards on patrol 24 hours a day and separate designated housing areas for domestic staff. Post will provide one gardener and the needed equipment (lawn mower, etc.) per housing compound.

Housing

Furnishings Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:11 AM

See the relevant section under U.S. Embassy Abuja.

Housing

Utilities and Equipment Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:12 AM

See the relevant section under U.S. Embassy Abuja.

Food Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:13 AM

Many employees purchase favorite food items at the commissary or online. Goods purchased at the commissary or local supermarkets usually cost more than they would at home, particularly since the vast majority are imported from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, South Africa, or the U.S. Availability of items in local supermarkets is sporadic.

Locally produced goods may be cheaper than U.S. products, but items like fruit juice, coffee, canned goods, margarine, and yogurt are not always up to U.S. standards. Locally bottled soft drinks (Coke, Pepsi, 7-Up, Sprite, Fanta, and Schweppes) and beer are relatively inexpensive. Good bread and rolls, while somewhat more costly, may be found in bakeries and supermarkets.

Outdoor markets and vegetable stalls are good sources of fresh eggs, fruits and vegetables, and seafood. Bananas, pineapples, papayas, and citrus fruits are almost always available, and mangoes and guavas appear seasonally. Locally produced lettuce, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, and beans are readily available, as are cucumbers, carrots, green beans, avocados, eggplants, parsley, peppers, spinach, cabbage, and cauliflower. All prices are subject to bargaining.

Beef, chicken, pork, mutton, and goat meat are available locally (despite import bans), as is a variety of seafood. Fresh and powdered milk, reconstituted long-life (UHT) milk, butter, margarine, and cheese are also available locally. American ice cream products can be found in a number of stores, but these are often inordinately expensive.

The commissary is open after work hours and on Saturdays. It carries liquor, beer, soft drinks, fruit juices, canned and packaged goods, cereals, herbs and spices, and baking supplies. The frozen section stocks meat, vegetables, microwave dinners, juices, margarine, butter, and cheese. The commissary also carries limited supplies of paper products, toiletries, cleaning supplies, cigarettes, and cat and dog food.

Commissary frozen and dry goods orders are placed every 2 to 3 months, but frequent clearance delays lead to fluctuations in the variety and quantity of goods. Transportation and handling costs are added to prices, so most items are significantly more expensive than they would be in the U.S. Employees should consider shipping non-perishable and specialty food items, paper products, toiletries, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, home dry cleaning kits, and other bulk items in their household effects shipments.

Baby food, formula, disposable diapers, and other baby supplies are not available in the commissary. Employees should consider shipping these things in their personal effects or by pouch, particularly since local supplies are limited, expensive, and of poor quality.

Employees should also consider shipping children's toys, games, beach and sports equipment, ice chests, tool kits, greeting cards, and stationery. Many find it convenient to bring gifts for birthdays, weddings, and other special events, and many ship artificial Christmas trees and holiday decorations and supplies.

Clothing Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:17 AM

Clothing should be suited to hot and humid weather. Many employees prefer washable clothes of lightweight fabrics, particularly since local dry cleaning services are unreliable. Ready-made clothing and shoes are available, but variety and supply are limited and often relatively expensive. Many personnel order clothing online or through catalogs or hire local tailors. The latter are readily available, and many are capable of copying photos, using existing items as models, or designing clothes for special occasions. Good- quality local and imported fabrics are plentiful.

Lightweight raincoats, umbrellas, and a few articles of warm clothing for occasional trips to colder climates are useful, as are bathing suits, beachwear, and sportswear. Employees and spouses should consider bringing formal clothing for the Mission's annual Marine Corps ball and Nigerian formal dress events.

Clothing

Men Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:15 AM

Bring a two-year wardrobe that includes work and casual attire, undergarments, swimwear, lightweight raincoat, and shoes (dress, casual, sneakers, sandals). Clothing should be suited to hot weather with just a few articles of warm clothing for occasional trips to colder climates. Business attire is generally appropriate for cocktail parties and dinners. Outdoor receptions are popular, so lightweight clothing suited to warm evenings is ideal. Limited shoe repair is available. While there are clothing stores in Lagos, prices are high. Work attire at the Embassy is informal. When making official calls, officers wear suits and ties. Employees and spouses should consider bringing formal wear for the few events (i.e. Marine Ball in Lagos, British High Commission events, and others) that are suited to this.

Nigerian professional men wear both Western suits and Nigerian caftans (long flowing pullover cotton shirts worn over matching pants). Casual clothes are generally jeans, slacks and tee shirts or caftans. It is acceptable for men to wear shorts, but Nigerians do so infrequently. Sandals are commonly worn, especially with caftans.

Clothing

Women Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:15 AM

Clothing should be suited to hot weather. Lightweight modest cotton dresses are suggested for daytime wear. Normal office wear is worn inside air-conditioned offices. Business attire is generally appropriate for cocktail parties and dinners. Outdoor receptions are popular, so lightweight clothing suited to warm evenings is ideal. Bring a lightweight raincoat and a few articles of warm clothing for occasional trips to colder climates. Bring needed undergarments, sports clothes including swim wear, and shoes to include sandals and sneakers. Employees and spouses should consider bringing formal wear for the few events (i.e. Marine Ball in Lagos, British High Commission events, and others) that are suited to this.

Nigerian woman seldom wear pants and never shorts. Dresses and skirts are the norm. Most are of Nigerian tie dye or batik fabric and are ankle length. Western wear is also accepted.

Clothing

Children Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:16 AM

Parents should bring all necessary baby wear and a good supply of children's shoes. Clothing at the American International School ranges from dresses, shorts, and jeans for girls to shorts, jeans, and slacks for boys. Shorts are worn more often than jeans or slacks, but children should bring both. Junior high students may attend dances that require dresses for girls and slacks for boys, so parents should plan accordingly.

Clothing

Office Attire Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:17 AM

At work, dress is generally business casual. Employees with frequent outside meetings should bring normal business attire, i.e., suits and ties for men and pants or skirt suits for women. Business attire is generally appropriate for cocktail parties and dinners. Outdoor receptions are popular, so lightweight clothing suited to warm and humid evenings is ideal.

Supplies and Services

Supplies Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:18 AM

Some essential nonfood items (such as cleaning and personal care products) are available on the local market and in stores but availability is limited and prices are high. Most Americans ship a supply of such items to post or order them periodically from the U.S.

Employees should also consider shipping children's toys, games, pool and sports equipment, ice chests, barbecues, tool kits, greeting cards, stationery, computer supplies, and car parts to include tires. Many find it convenient to bring gifts for birthdays, weddings, and other special events, wrapping paper, and many ship artificial Christmas trees and holiday decorations and supplies.

Supplies and Services

Basic Services Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:19 AM

Dry cleaning is available at the two major hotels and other locations in Lagos though results are variable. It is recommended that staff bring several home dry-cleaning kits, which are available for purchase in most U.S. grocery stores.

Local tailors and dressmakers can make everyday clothes reasonably well and at good prices. Western-style fabric selections are fair, but African-style prints (including batik and tie dye) are plentiful.

Shoe-repair services are available on the street and in the market but results are mixed.

There are a number of hairdressers and barbers available.

There are several video clubs that stock PAL and NTSC video-tapes and DVDs. Most of these are pirated from subscription satellites and other sources and are often of poor quality. The Community Liaison Officer has a modest video lending library, free of charge, for Mission personnel.

Supplies and Services

Domestic Help Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:19 AM

Domestics of all categories are available and most personnel have domestic help. Many employ domestics to clean, shop, do the laundry, iron and cook. Families with small children often hire nannies. Some employees hire drivers to either drive their vehicle or the driver's own vehicle. Domestics are usually hired on referrals from employees or other domestics. The Community Liaison Office can assist with this. Average monthly salaries range from $60 to $200 depending on hours, responsibilities, and previous work experience. Many domestics work five or six days a week, with a few hours off each afternoon. Housing compounds will have separate quarters (bedroom, shared bathroom and kitchen) for domestic help.

Careful training and close supervision of all domestics are essential. Petty theft is a pervasive problem. The Regional Security Office offers voluntary background checks of all domestics. The Health Unit recommends that domestics who prepare food receive a medical checkup, which can be obtained through community medical resources recommended by the Health Unit. More information regarding community resources and cost is located in the Health Unit Handbook. The Health Unit also offers occasional food safety and first aid courses for domestics. All housing compounds will have separate quarters (bedroom, shared bathroom and kitchen) for domestic help.

Religious Activities Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:25 AM

Anglican, Baptist, Lutheran, Catholic, and nondenominational services are conducted in English. Lagos has no synagogues, but it does have at least one Orthodox church and several mosques that serve the community in English.

Education

Dependent Education

At Post Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:26 AM The American International School of Lagos (AISL), located on Victoria Island, is a coeducational school for students in kindergarten through grade 9 with space for 556 students. It follows an American curriculum. AISL has partnerships with the Tacoma Public Schools in Tacoma, Washington (since 1965) and the Klein Independent School District north of Houston, Texas. Many of the school's teachers are on leave from partner schools, but the staff includes other Americans and American-trained teachers of other nationalities living in Nigeria. Testing, placement, and counseling services are provided, and U.S.-recognized standardized tests are given.

The school year lasts from late August to early June with a three-week break at Christmas and a ten-day break at Easter. The school day begins at 0730 and ends at 1330 for students in kindergarten through grade 2 and at 1410 for students in grades 3 through 9. AERA provides transportation for children of all American employees.

Annual tuition is $10,300 for kindergarten through grade 6 and $13,350 for grades 7 through 9. Students enrolling at AISL for the first time are charged a one-time building fund assessment of $5,000. The fee is covered by the at-post education allowance.

Advance registration is advisable. The CLO attempts to pre-register all school-age dependents if Post is notified prior to students' arrival. AISL does not have a program for students with special learning needs, but it does maintain an Enrichment Center for instructional support. For more information on admissions policies and requirements, curriculum, or course descriptions, employees should contact AISL at:

Superintendent American International School of Lagos 8300 Lagos Place Dulles, VA 20189-8300

Telephone: +234-1-262-0775 or +234-1-261-7793

Fax: +234-1-261-7794

AISL has an attractive library with over 20,000 volumes. The school employs a full-time nurse and has two well-equipped science labs, audiovisual equipment, and related teaching aids. Students have access to Internet-connected classroom computers, one of two computer labs, wireless-connected laptops on carts, and the library's mini-lab. All students receive computer instruction. The arts program includes vocal music for elementary school students and instrumental music beginning at grade 5, art instruction in a well-appointed art room, and drama. The program includes both school day instruction and after-school activities.

Regular daily physical education programs are supplemented by an after-school activities program. The sports and recreational facilities include three lighted tennis courts, an outdoor basketball court, a 100m x 55m sports field with a 100m sprint track and long jump pit, aerobics and weight training rooms, and an extensive Big Toy play apparatus. A multipurpose gymnasium/auditorium and a six-lane 25-meter swimming pool are also onsite.

French and British elementary schools in Lagos and on the mainland are open to American children on a space-available basis. Preschool is not covered by the education allowance, but several day nurseries and preschools are available. A preschool called the American Parents Cooperative Playcenter offers an American enrichment program for two-and-a-half to four-year-olds several mornings per week. AISL offers a preschool program for four-year-olds, but like the Playcenter, it usually has a waiting list. Early enrollment is recommended. The fees at AISL are higher than those at other Lagos preschools.

Lagos offers few formal educational opportunities for children or adults, but private instruction is available in several fields. The Alliance Francaise, the Goethe Institute, and the Italian Cultural Center offer French, German, and Italian courses, respectively. Several private institutions teach indigenous languages and culture, and local instructors offer tennis, swimming, and music lessons.

Education

Dependent Education

Away From Post Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:27 AM See the relevant section for the Embassy in Abuja.

Education

Special Needs Education Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:27 AM

There are no special education facilities in Lagos.

Education

Higher Education Opportunities Last Updated: 9/4/2004 9:07 AM

Lagos offers few formal educational opportunities for children or adults, but private instruction is available in several fields. The Alliance Francaise, the Goethe Institute, and the Italian Cultural Center offer French, German, and Italian courses, respectively. Several private institutions teach indigenous languages and culture, and local instructors offer tennis, swimming, and music lessons.

Recreation and Social Life

Sports Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:44 AM

Softball, volleyball, soccer, golf, tennis, squash, swimming, and running are popular. Many employees participate in softball tournaments or join the Hash House Harriers' weekly runs.

The water affords many opportunities for deep-sea fishing, sailing, and motor boating. The Consulate General has several boats available to employees for organized recreational activities. In the past, some employees have imported boats or bought them locally.

Mission personnel occasionally join private clubs, but waiting lists can be long. The Ikoyi Club has mainly expatriate members and offers golf, tennis, squash, badminton, and swimming. The Lagos Lawn and Tennis Club offers tennis and squash to a mostly Nigerian membership.

Two boat clubs, the Lagos Yacht Club and the Lagos Motor Boat Club, offer sailing and motor boating activities to members. The Polo Club affords members the chance to ride and board horses, and the Salikile Club in Ikeja offers riding opportunities.

Recreation and Social Life

Touring and Outdoor Activities Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:46 AM

Many employees join the Nigerian Field Society, an excursion group offering frequent trips to Nigerian cities and cultural sites and occasional trips to neighboring countries. The society has low membership fees, is open to anyone, and produces a monthly newsletter.

Employees occasionally visit Badagry, Epe, Oshogbo, and Abeokuta or spend long weekends in the Republic of Benin. The country's former capital, Cotonou, is a popular destination, as are the beach resorts near Ouidah, a village widely known as the birthplace of voodoo. Mission personnel also drive to Lome, Togo and occasionally travel to Accra, Ghana.

Lagos has no playgrounds or parks. The University of Ibadan has a small zoo and botanical garden, but the animals are often in poor physical condition.

Several local airlines also offer daily flights to and from Lagos and to some other cities. Air schedules, however, are unreliable, and long delays are common.

There are several interesting places to visit for long weekends:

International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) - Located in Ibadan, IITA is a world-renowned research institute, founded in 1967 with the Mission to enhance the food security, income, and well being of resource-poor people in sub-Saharan Africa. Its facilities make this a very comfortable place to relax. The very large, secure campus has a pool; courts for tennis, volleyball, and badminton; fishing, rod only; golf course; nature walks, including a 2.5-hour hike through the forest; bird watching; jogging; a playground for children; and a poolside Cappa Bar and restaurant. Guests would stay on its campus in the International House which has air-conditioned rooms and suites with satellite TV. Ibadan is two hours from Lagos.

Many Consulate employees join the Nigerian Field Society, an excursion group based out of Lagos, which offers frequent trips to Nigerian cities and cultural sites and occasional trips to neighboring countries. The society has low membership fees, is open to anyone, and produces a monthly newsletter.

Regional vacation travel includes the Republic of Benin. The country's former capital, Cotonou, is a popular destination, as are the beach resorts near Ouidah, a village widely known as the birthplace of voodoo. Lagos personnel also drive to Lome, Togo and occasionally travel to Accra, Ghana.

Refer also to the section under the Embassy in Abuja for other touring opportunities.

Recreation and Social Life

Entertainment Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:46 AM

Lagos has a variety of restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. Live music can occasionally be heard on weekends. Lagos now has a modern movie theater that shows first-run U.S. and foreign films.

Recreation and Social Life

Social Activities

Among Americans Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:47 AM Home entertaining is popular, and employees frequently host cocktail parties, dinners, and afternoon barbecues. AERA sponsors holiday and other special events, and the Marines sponsor periodic happy hours and movie nights.

AERA operates a Guest Quarters with several hotel rooms, a bar, and a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts are available, along with a swimming pool, a children's pool, fitness center, video club, craft shop and business center. AERA also operates a beach house located 45 minutes from the Consulate. Mission personnel and their dependents are automatically members of AERA. Some foreign diplomats and employees of American businesses are also members.

Recreation and Social Life

Social Activities

International Contacts Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:48 AM Embassies, women's groups, and business associations occasionally sponsor plays, musical performances, and other cultural events. The British Council, the Alliance Francaise, the Goethe Institute, and the Italian Cultural Center sponsor films, lectures, and art exhibits, and the Nigerian Institute for International Affairs (NIIA) and the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) sponsor lectures and musical events.

The American Women's Club, the International Women's Society, and the Nigerian-American Women's Forum sponsor social activities and community development projects. Members of the diplomatic expatriate community occasionally host social events, and Consulate personnel are invited to both formal and informal functions.

Official Functions

Nature of Functions Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:49 AM

See the applicable section under Embassy Abuja.

Official Functions

Standards of Social Conduct Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:50 AM

See the applicable section under Embassy Abuja.

Special Information Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:50 AM

See the relevant section under U.S. Embassy Abuja.

Related Internet Sites Last Updated: 12/30/2004 9:08 AM

See the relevant section under U.S. Embassy Abuja.

Notes For Travelers

Getting to the Post Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:51 AM

Travelers should notify post by telegram of their travel plans so that they can be met upon arrival. An expediter from the Embassy or Consulate General will assist official travelers through Nigerian immigration and customs and to make any flight connections. Travelers should ask to see the expediter's identification before turning over passports or other documents to someone claiming to be an expediter. Official travelers will also be transported from and to the airports in government vehicles. They should not, under any circumstances, take public transportation (such as taxis) to or from the airports.

U.S. Government employees generally travel from the U.S. to Abuja via direct flights from Amsterdam, Frankfurt or London. Alternative routings through Lagos are available but require additional time for transfer from the international terminal to the domestic terminal in Lagos. U.S. Government employees generally travel from the U.S. to Lagos via direct flights from Amsterdam, Frankfurt or London, or via Air France through Paris.

Customs, Duties, and Passage

Customs and Duties Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:52 AM

All diplomatic personnel may import all classes of goods duty-free for the full length of their tours. Administrative and support personnel are permitted duty-free entry of personal effects up to three months after their arrival. Questions should be directed to post. For special restrictions on importing automobiles, please refer back to the relevant section under Transportation in Part 1 of this report. All HHE shipments, as well as consumables shipments, are shipped by air from ELSO Antwerp. Do not ship any items, such as aerosol sprays, that are inappropriate for air cargo.

Customs and related clearance procedures are cumbersome and subject to change and cannot be started until employees arrive at post. Personnel will receive specific instructions in the welcome cable, but employees may contact post well in advance of shipping dates for information and advice.

In order to register your personal vehicle and secure license plates you must bring with you to Nigeria the import permit and vehicle title or copy. If the car was purchased in Nigeria, only the vehicle title is necessary.

Employees should follow shipping instructions carefully. American vehicles or vehicles ordered directly from European manufacturers should be forwarded via ELSO Antwerp. All automobiles must be containerized. Before shipping any vehicle, employees should remove anything easily stolen, including hubcaps, cigarette lighters, windshield wipers, and radio antennas, and send them with their household effects. The trunk should contain only a wheel jack and lug wrench. Employees should give one set of keys to the shipper and bring extra sets of keys to post. All vehicles arrive in Lagos. If an employee is assigned to Abuja, the vehicle is transported in the still-sealed container overland to Abuja by truck.

Customs, Duties, and Passage

Passage Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:53 AM

All U.S. citizens must have valid visas to enter Nigeria. These are issued at Nigerian embassies and consulates worldwide. Airport visas are not available. Post will obtain multiple-entry visas for employees after they arrive if the original visa is valid for a single entry only.

Travel to neighboring West African countries requires appropriate visas. The travel staff assists in obtaining these. Employees should bring 30 passport-sized photos for visa applications and other documentation. Drivers must have Nigerian automobile registrations, proof of insurance, and international driver's licenses before driving into neighboring countries.

Customs, Duties, and Passage

Pets Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:53 AM

An import permit is required to bring a pet into Nigeria. If you are bringing a pet, the animal will need proof of rabies vaccination and a certificate of good health from a veterinarian. In addition, the USDA office located in Maryland must certify the U.S. certificate of health. If coming from abroad, contact post for guidance. The originals of these documents should travel with the pet, but be sure to have copies with you. It is the owner's responsibility to contact the post to apply for the permit. The local permit takes at least two weeks to obtain and the following information is needed: breed, age, sex, color, pet's country of origin, owner's name, method of transportation, port of entry into Nigeria, and the estimated date(s) of arrival.

While there are veterinarians in Abuja and Lagos, they do not always practice to the same standards as those in the U.S. Their offices are rudimentary and medicines and vaccines are not always available. Bring pet food and other supplies in your shipments. While available locally, these are extremely expensive.

Bringing pets to post is considered a privilege and not a right. Housing assignments are based on availability, rank and family size. Post cannot always accommodate a pet's needs.

Firearms and Ammunition Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:54 AM

The Chief of Mission has ordered that, for all employees and family members under his direct authority, no firearms may be imported into Nigeria.

Currency, Banking, and Weights and Measures Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:54 AM

The basic unit of Nigerian currency is the naira. Nigeria allows the value of the naira to fluctuate with market forces.

Nigeria uses the metric system of weights and measures.

Taxes, Exchange, and Sale of Property Last Updated: 12/30/2004 8:56 AM

Restrictions

Employees are exempt from local taxes and registration and licensing fees.

Upon departure at the end of a tour, employees can sell their vehicles to other persons with diplomatic status or sell on the open market. Sales to non-diplomatic personnel will require the purchaser to pay import duties. Contact post for information on required length of stay in Nigeria to sell on the open market.

Facilities

Several well-known European and U.S. banks have local offices, but employees do not use local accounts. While the hotels in Abuja, including the NICON Hilton and the Sheraton, accept credit cards, personnel are urged to not use them. Credit card fraud is rampant. Debit cards and ATM cards cannot be used.

Mission personnel should use only cash (in the form of naira) while in Nigeria. The Embassy's cashier is open three days a week. Employees can cash personal checks against U.S. bank accounts or exchange U.S. dollars up to $500 per week for naira. Mission personnel may obtain U.S. dollars by the same method when traveling outside Nigeria.

Recommended Reading Last Updated: 12/30/2004 9:06 AM

The following titles are provided for information purposes only. The Department of State does not endorse unofficial publications.

Non Fiction

Awolowo, Obafemi. The Autobiography of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Cambridge University Press: London, 1960.

Awolowo, Obafemi. The People's Republic. Oxford University Press: London, 1968.

Azikiwe, Nnamdi. My Odyssey. C. Hurst & Company: London, 1970.

Bovill, E. W. and Robin Hallett. The Golden Trade of the Moors: West African Kingdoms in the Fourteenth Century. Oxford University Press: London, 1958.

De St. Jorre, John. The Nigerian Civil War. Hodder & Stoughton: London, 1972.

Dudley, B. J. Parties and Politics in Northern Nigeria. Frank Cass & Co., Ltd.: London, 1968.

Enahoro, Peter. You Gotta Cry to Laugh: How to Be a Nigerian. Caxton Press: Ibadan.

Foreign Area Studies, The American University. Nigeria: A Country Study. 3rd edition. U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, D.C., 1979.

Hodgkin, Thomas. Nigerian Perspectives: An Historical Anthology. 2nd edition. Oxford University Press: London, 1975.

Kirk-Greene, A. H. M. Crisis and Conflict in Nigeria: A Documentary Sourcebook. Oxford University Press: London, 1971.

Maier, Karl. This House Has Fallen, Midnight in Nigeria. Perseus Books Group, 2000.

Olajide, Aluko. Essays on Nigerian Foreign Policy. London, 1981.

Oyediran, Oyeleye, ed. Nigerian Government and Politics Under Military Rule, 1966-79. Macmillan: London, 1979.

Panter-Brick, S. Keith, ed. Soldiers and Oil: The Political Transformation of Nigeria. N. J. Class: London, 1978.

Stremlau, John J. The International Politics of the Nigerian Civil War, 1967-70. Princeton University Press: Princeton, 1977.

Williams, David. President and Power in Nigeria: The Life of Shehu Shagari. N. J. Class: London and Ottawa, 1982.

Fiction

Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart.

Achebe, Chinua. No Longer at Ease.

Aluko, T. M. One Man, One Wife.

Amadi, Elechi. The Concubine.

Amadi, Elechi. The Slave.

Amadi, Elechi. The Great Ponds.

Ekwensi, Cyprian. Burning Grass.

Ekwensi, Cyprian. Jagua Nana.

Elene Smith Bowey, Return to Laughter

Cyprian Ekwensi, Burning Grass

Cyprian Ekwensi, Jagua Nana

Iroh, Eddie. 48 Guns for the General.

Iroh, Eddie. Toads of War.

Munyonye, John. The Only Son.

Munyonye, John. Oil Man of Obange.

Okri, Ben. The Famished Road.

Ndibi, Okey. Arrows of Rain.

Smith Bowey, Elene. Return to Laughter.

Soyinka, Wole. The Brother Jero Plays.

Other

In 2003 Consulate employees made a CD about life in Lagos. The CD is available at FSI's Overseas Briefing Center.

Local Holidays Last Updated: 12/30/2004 9:09 AM

New Year's Day, January 1

Eid El Adha, varies

Good Friday, varies

Easter Monday, varies

Workers' Day, varies

Democracy Day, varies

Eid El Maulud, varies

Independence Day, October 1

Eid El Fitr, varies

Eid El Kabir, varies

Christmas Day, December 25

Boxing Day, December 26