Airport
The Lagos airport lies northwest of the city. Also known as the Murtala Muhammed Airport, it is also a major hub for flights within West Africa and between the sub-region and Europe.
Originally known as Lagos International Airport, it was renamed in the mid 1970s, during construction of the new international terminal, after a former Nigerian military head of state Murtala Muhammed. The international terminal was modelled after Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The new terminal opened officially on 15 March 1979. It is the main base for Nigeria’s largest airline, Arik Air.
Murtala Muhammed International Airport consists of an international and a domestic terminal, located about one kilometre from each other. Both terminals share the same runways. This domestic terminal used to be the old Ikeja Airport. International operations moved to the new international airport when it was ready while domestic operations moved to the Ikeja Airport, which became the domestic airport. The domestic operations were relocated to the old Lagos domestic terminal in 2000 after a fire. A new domestic privately funded terminal known as MMA2 has been constructed and was commissioned on 7 April 2007
Airport Transfers
There are several ways to go to and from the airport.
Public Lagos BRT (Bus Rapid Transportation)
BRT buses covers the whole Lagos State region including Lagos Airport Ikeja region. Routes aren’t clear and fares are charged according to the destination, as Lagos city is really big.
It is not recommended to take the bus at certain hours nor to some destinations unless going with a local or having some knowledge of the area.
The most recommended way to leave Lagos Airport is by taxi.
Taxi
Yellow and blue taxis are available outside both passenger Terminals. It is always better to negotiate a fee before departure, normal taxi fare from the airport to the city center costs between NGN 5,000 to NGN 8,000.
Lagos count with several ridesharing companies that offer their services through apps like Uber or BOLT(formerly Taxify). For passengers that want to use these services, just order a taxi through their applications your smartphone.
It is not recommended to take a taxi at night. For your own safety, ask your hotel or accommodation to arrange you a taxi.
Banks
Major banking institutions with international branches and their ATMs in and around Lagos are plentiful and easy to access. Banks are open to the public Monday through Thursday 08:00 to 17:00 and Fridays 08:00 to 16:00, except on public holidays.
Foreign currency may be exchanged for Naira at most Nigerian banks and at exchange bureaus located at the Lagos International Airport. Bring your passport when exchanging money as you will need it for the transaction.
Credit cards issued by major companies are also widely recognized and accepted as a means of purchasing items in major outlets in Lagos but mostly Cash in hand is the way to go.
Climate
Lagos experiences a tropical savanna climate (Aw) according to the Köppen climate classification, as there’s a significant precipitation difference between the wet season and the dry season. The wet season starts in April and ends in October, while the dry season starts in November and ends in March. The wettest month is June with precipitation total 315.5 millimeters (12.42 in), while the driest month is January with precipitation total 13.2 millimeters (0.52 in).
Located near the equator, Lagos has only a slight seasonal temperature variation, with high temperatures ranging 28.3–32.9 °C (82.9–91.2 °F). Lagos shares the seasons of the Southern Hemisphere, with summer highs in March, daily range 32.9–24.1 °C (91.2–75.4 °F), and warm winters in August, ranging 28.3–21.8 °C (82.9–71.2 °F) as the daily average.
Culture
Lagos has become an important location for African and “black” cultural identity. Lots of festivals are held in Lagos; festivals vary in off erings each year and may be held in different months. Some of the festivals are Festac Food Fair held in Festac Town Annually, Eyo Festival, Lagos Black Heritage Carnival, Lagos Carnival, Eko International Film Festival, Lagos Seafood Festac Festival, Lagos Photo Festival and the Lagos Jazz Series, which is a unique franchise for high-quality live music in all genres with a focus on jazz. Established in 2010, the popular event takes place over a 3–5 day period at selected high quality outdoor venues. The music is as varied as the audience itself and features a diverse mix of musical genres from rhythm and blues to soul, Afrobeat, hip hop, bebop, and traditional jazz. The festivals provide entertainment of dance and song to add excitement to travelers during a stay in Lagos.
Currency
Nigeria’s currency is the naira (N) which is divided into 100 kobo. Currency notes are issued in denominations of N5, N10, N20, N50, N100, N500 and N1000.
Coins are issued in 10K, 25K, and N1. Except for hotel bills in some hotels, foreigners can do their shopping and other business in the local currency.
There are a number of Bureau De Change and banks at each International Airport where the visitor can convert from local to foreign currency, and vice versa.
Major banks with international branches operate electronic money transfer services, and it is safe to use your credit cards. It is safe to use your credit cards for your hotel bills and at other recognized outlets.
All major credit cards are widely accepted in Nigeria.
Electricity
Electric current is 230V AC (50Hz). Appliances from North America need a transformer and those from England need an adaptor.
Emergency Numbers
• Emergency Management (LASEMA): 08060907333, 08023127654
• Distress Call: 767, 112
• Fire Emergency: 08033234943, 08023321770
• Ambulance: 08022887777, 08022883678, 08022887788, 01-7413744
• Rapid Response Squad (RRS): 08056250710, 08033482380, 08023127350
• Traffic Control: 08075005411, 08023111742, 08077551000
• Nigeria’s international calling code is +234.
Language
English is the official language of Nigeria and it’s used at all levels of administration, law, commerce and education. It is spoken with varying degrees of fluency by more than 50% of the population, making Nigeria the largest English speaking country in Africa.
However, there are three major ethnic languages: Hausa/Fulani – mainly spoken in the North; Yoruba – spoken in the West; and Igbo – spoken in the East.
Another widely spoken language in Nigeria is the Pidgin English (though with varying regional influences on dialect and slang). Other Languages include Kanuri, Edo etc.
Mobile phones
Mobile phones automatically connect to Nigerian networks. You can also manually connect by choosing the option “network selection” on your mobile to get manually connected. Your roaming mobile phone operator will inform you about charges for local and international calls. Otherwise, you can always get a Nigerian mobile telephone number upon your arrival that you can use during your stay. You can buy a SIM card at any mobile phone shop and top up cards from the kiosks on the streets.
Passports, Visas and Letters of Invitation
Foreign Travelers who wish to visit Nigeria for the purpose of Meeting, Conference, Seminar, Contract Negotiation, Marketing, Sales, Purchase distribution of Nigerian Goods, Trade Fairs, Job Interviews, Training of Nigerians (Humanitarian Services), Emergency/Relief work, Crew members, Staff of NGOs, Staff of INGOs, Researchers, Musical Concerts require a Business Visa.
What documents do you need when submitting a Business visa application?
1. Travel document:
• passport valid at least six months after your planned departure from Nigeria;
• with at least 2 blank pages;
2. Completed and signed visa application form.
3. Two (2) recent passport sized (35/40mm) photograph.
4. Visa fee.
5. Supplementary documents, confirming:
• the purpose of the visit,
• possession of accommodation;
• possession of sufficient funds to cover the cost of entry, stay and departure from Nigeria;
For more information visit the Nigeria Immigration Service website: www.immigration.gov.ng/visas/
Shopping
Lagos is renowned as much for row after row of shops as for its irrepressible street vendors. From dwellings through workshops to road shoulders and space between vehicles in “go slow,” hardly a square yard of space knowingly goes to waste without being put to some commercial use.
The Jànkara market offers new or second-hand clothing, jewelry, musical instruments, and hardware; the Ìsàlè Èkó market is known for food items while the Balógun market specializes in imported and African clothing material. The Bar Beach market on Ahmadu Bello Road offers food products and handi-craft, such as baskets, leather, and batik. Other markets in the city include the Ògógóró market, named after local gin, the main commodity on offer, and the Èbúté Èrò, Ìta Fãjì, and Sandgrouse markets. The Fálomo shopping center in Ìkòyí is on Awolowo Road. On the mainland the Téjúosó market in Surulere offers a variety of goods, as do other markets in Àpápá and Mushin, among others. In all cases, traders are eager to cut deals on prices; a consumer can buy cheap or dear depending on the state of business, the trader’s mood, or time of day.
Timezone
Nigeria Standard Time is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1). Nigeria is in West Africa Time Zone (WAT). Nigeria does not operate Daylight Saving Time.
Tourist Information
Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation
Old Federal Secretariat, Area 1, Garki,
Abuja, Nigeria.
Tel.: +234 704 496 0999
www.tournigeria.gov.ng
Vaccination
Health authorities recommend vaccination against cholera and yellow fever from all visitors. Antimalarial prophylactic is also recommended.