Nigeria Getting Around

Getting Around by Air

Virgin Nigeria (website: www.virginnigeria.com) operates domestic flights to Abuja and Port Harcourt. Charter facilities are available in Lagos from Aero Contractors (website: www.acn.aero). It is advisable to book internal flights well in advance. There is often considerable delay in internal air services. Lack of fuel sometimes disrupts internal commercial air travel and flights may be cancelled at short notice.

Getting Around by Water

Ferry services operate along the south coast and along the Niger and Benue rivers. For timetables and prices, enquire locally.

Getting Around by Rail

The two main routes are from Lagos to Kano (via Ibadan–Oyo–Ogbombosho–Kaduna–Zaria); and from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri (via Aba–Enugu–Makurdi–Jos). These two lines link up Kaduna and Kafanchan. There is also a branch line from Zaria to Gusau and Kaura Namoda. A daily service runs on both main routes. Sleeping cars are available, which must be booked in advance. There are three classes and some trains have restaurant cars and air conditioning. Trains are generally slower and less reliable than buses, but cheaper.

Getting Around by Road

Traffic drives on the right. The national road system links all the main centres, although in some areas secondary roads become impassable during the rains. Reports of armed robberies in broad daylight on rural roads in the northern half of Nigeria have been reported and appear to be increasing.

Buses/taxis: Buses and taxis (or ‘bush taxis’ in the shape of Ford Transit vans) run between the main towns.

Car hire: This is not difficult to obtain in Lagos and Abuja, but it is best to go through hotels. Chauffeur-driven cars are advised.

Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required, accompanied by two passport-size photos.

Getting Around Towns and Cities

Public transport in Lagos operates in rather chaotic conditions. The city suffers from chronic traffic congestion, which makes it impossible for buses and taxis to operate efficiently, especially during the rush hours. There are many private bus companies and several thousand private minibuses. Taxis in Lagos are yellow and both fares and tip should be agreed in advance. A ferry service runs to Lagos Island.

Getting There

Climate

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