--- title: Moving to Nigeria: Visas, Costs & Immigrant Guide description: Moving to Nigeria can be a good option for families looking to explore work, study, or family reunion opportunities. The country has a active culture and variou image: https://migrantiq.com/og/default.png --- Skip to content Advertisement728 × 90AdSense zone Nigeria flag [/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fflagcdn.com%2Fw80%2Fng.png&w=3840&q=75] MOVING TO NIGERIA: VISAS, COST OF LIVING & IMMIGRANT GUIDE Nigeria flag [/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fflagcdn.com%2Fw320%2Fng.png&w=3840&q=75] Moving to Nigeria: this free immigrant guide covers cost of living, visa options, banking, healthcare, laws, and settlement steps for living in Nigeria. Always confirm rules on the official immigration portal. Immigration rules and fees change frequently. Confirm current requirements on official government or embassy websites. Moving to Nigeria can be a good option for families looking to explore work, study, or family reunion opportunities. The country has a active culture and various possibilities, especially in major cities like Abuja, the capital. If you're relocating for business, education, or to join family, it's important to understand the local environment and regulations within your first 90 days. This guide covers navigate the early stages of your move and ease your transition into Nigerian life.\n\nIn your first three months, focus on settling in, understanding the local culture, building your network, and ensuring all necessary documentation is in order. Take time to explore your new surroundings, connect with local communities, and adapt to the lifestyle. With a mixed healthcare system and limited access for immigrants, prioritize your health coverage and learn about the local healthcare landscape. This guide offers practical tips to help you get started in Nigeria. Last updated 2026-05-17Official immigration portal ↗ [https://immigration.gov.ng/] Review due soon MigrantIQ research desk [/about/editorial/]3 min readData confidence: 82/100 12 published visa guides · 1 editorially reviewed in Q4 2026 Save to planner Verify before you move MigrantIQ provides general migration information, not legal advice. Always verify critical steps with official government sources or a licensed advisor before paying fees or submitting documents. Terms [/terms/]Privacy [/privacy/]Report an issue [/contact/] AT A GLANCE: LIVING IN NIGERIA Quick signals for cost of living, salary, healthcare, and safety before you dig into visas and settlement. Capital Abuja Region Africa (Western Africa) Currency NGN Cost of Living Index 27.7 Net Monthly Salary 481 Healthcare Mixed Safety Index N/A Rent Index 22.8 Quality Index N/A COST OF LIVING IN NIGERIA The cost of living in Nigeria is relatively low, with a cost of living index of 27.7 and a rent index of 22.8, indicating that housing and daily expenses can be manageable compared to many other countries. However, the typical net monthly salary is around 481 NGN, suggesting that income levels may vary significantly by sector and region. Costs can differ widely between urban and rural areas, so researching specific cities will give you a clearer picture of your financial needs. NIGERIA COUNTRY PROFILE In-depth facts & data for living in Nigeria on this page· Updated 2026-06-02 8 sections Nigeria's 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. Lagos is loc… Demographics & populationPopulation size, age structure, migration, ethnicity, language, education, and health indicatorsEconomyGDP, employment, industries, public finance, and currencyGovernment & politicsGovernment structure, legal system, citizenship, and international relationsGeography & environmentLocation, land area, terrain, climate, and natural resourcesTradeImports, exports, and trading partnersTravel & safetySafety, crime, medical care, and travel conditions for visitors and newcomersInfrastructureTransport, communications, and energyNational symbolsAnthem and national symbols For planning only. Always verify immigration and legal rules on official government sites. DEMOGRAPHICS & POPULATION IN NIGERIA: PLANNING NOTES 236 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Nigeria. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Demographics & population in Nigeria for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Nigeria-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Nigeria sits in Western Africa, Africa, with Abuja as the capital. Common working and school languages in the dataset include English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo), Fulani and over 500 additional indigenous languages. English proficiency is listed as high. Population and age figures on this page are planning signals, not a substitute for census releases or visa eligibility rules. Nigeria's 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 Early practical steps people actually use in Nigeria include: Confirm visa status and entry conditions before booking travel; Prepare temporary housing and proof of address where required; Set up local phone, banking, tax, and health coverage steps; Save emergency numbers, official portals, and scam-reporting channels. Treat the list as a reminder, not a filing checklist. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://immigration.gov.ng/ (Nigeria Immigration Service) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Population overview; Age & family; Migration; Ethnicity & language; Education; Health & living conditions. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: DEMOGRAPHICS & POPULATION POPULATION OVERVIEW Show 6 6 facts — expand for details. Population 236,747,130 Population Growth Rate 2.52% Population Distribution largest population of any African nation significant population clusters are scattered throughout the country, with the highest density areas being in the south and southwest Urban Population * population: 54.3% of total population rate of * urbanization: 3.92% annual rate of change Population in Major Urban Areas 15.946 million Lagos, 4.348 million Kano, 3.875 million Ibadan, 3.840 million ABUJA (capital), 3.480 million Port Harcourt, 1.905 million Benin City Population: Male/Female * male: 119,514,449 * female: 117,232,681 AGE & FAMILY Show 13 13 facts — expand for details. Age Structure * years: 40.4% (male 48,856,606/female 46,770,810) 15-64 [tel:8101564] * years: 56.2% (male 66,897,900/female 66,187,584) 65 years and * over: 3.4% (male 3,759,943/female 4,274,287) Median Age * total: 19.3 years * male: 19.1 years * female: 19.6 years Birth Rate - births/1,000 population 34 Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population 8.4 Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman 4.52 Gross reproduction rate 2 Child Marriage women married by age 15: 12.3% women married by age 18: 30.3% men married by age 18: 1.6% note: due to prolonged insecurity concerns, some parts of states, including Borno state, were not sampled Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49 16.6% Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49 16.6% Currently married women (ages 15-49) 66.2% Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49) 20.4 Mother's mean age at first birth 20.4 Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female * birth: 1.06 male(s)/female 0-14 * years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 * years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and * over: 0.88 male(s)/female total * population: 1.02 male(s)/female MIGRATION Show 2 2 facts — expand for details. Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population -0.2 Demographic profile Nigeria’s population is projected to grow from more than 186 million people in 2016 to 392 million in 2050, becoming the world’s fourth most populous country. Nigeria’s sustained high population growth rate will continue for the foreseeable future because of population momentum and its high birth rate. Abuja has not successfully implemented family planning programs to reduce and space births because of a lack of political will, government financing, and the availability and affordability of services and products, as well as a cultural preference for large families. Increased educational attainment, especially among women, and improvements in health care are needed to encourage and to better enable parents to opt for smaller families. Nigeria needs to harness the potential of its burgeoning youth population in order to boost economic development, reduce widespread poverty, and channel large numbers of unemployed youth into productive activities and away from ongoing religious and ethnic violence. While most movement of Nigerians is internal, significant emigration regionally and to the West provides an outlet for Nigerians looking for economic opportunities, seeking asylum, and increasingly pursuing higher education. Immigration largely of West Africans continues to be insufficient to offset emigration and the loss of highly skilled workers. Nigeria also is a major source, transit, and destination country for forced labor and sex trafficking. ETHNICITY & LANGUAGE Hide Ethnic Groups Hausa 30%, Yoruba 15.5%, Igbo (Ibo) 15.2%, Fulani 6%, Tiv 2.4%, Kanuri/Beriberi 2.4%, Ibibio 1.8%, Ijaw/Izon 1.8%, other 24.9% Language Note English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo), Fulani, over 500 additional indigenous languages Nationality Noun * noun: Nigerian(s) * adjective: Nigerian EDUCATION Show 5 5 facts — expand for details. Literacy - total population 62% Literacy - male 71.3% Literacy - female 52.7% Literacy Definition age 15 and over can read and write Education Expenditures - percent of GDP 0.5% HEALTH & LIVING CONDITIONS Show 14 14 facts — expand for details. Life Expectancy at Birth * population: 62.2 years * male: 60.4 years * female: 64.2 years Infant Mortality Rate * total: 53.7 deaths/1,000 live births * male: 58.9 deaths/1,000 live births * female: 48.2 deaths/1,000 live births Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births * total: 53.7 deaths/1,000 live births * male: 58.9 deaths/1,000 live births * female: 48.2 deaths/1,000 live births Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births 1,047 Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population .38 Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population .53 Health Expenditures - percent of GDP 3.4% Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk * risk: very high food or waterborne * diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne * diseases: malaria, dengue fever, and sexually transmitted * diseases: hepatitis B water contact * diseases: schistosomiasis animal contact * diseases: rabies respiratory * diseases: meningococcal meningitis aerosolized dust or soil contact * diseases: Lassa fever note 1: on 4 May 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Travel Health Notice for a Yellow Fever outbreak in Nigeria; a large, ongoing outbreak of yellow fever in Nigeria began in September 2017; the outbreak is now spread throughout the country with the Nigerian Ministry of Health reporting cases of the disease in multiple states (Bauchi, Benue, Delta, Ebonyi, and Enugu); the CDC recommends travelers going to Nigeria should receive vaccination against yellow fever at least 10 days before travel and should take steps to prevent mosquito bites while there; those never vaccinated against yellow fever should avoid travel to Nigeria during the outbreak note 2: on 31 August 2023, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Africa; Nigeria is currently considered a high risk to travelers for circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPV); vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) is a strain of the weakened poliovirus that was initially included in oral polio vaccine (OPV) and that has changed over time and behaves more like the wild or naturally occurring virus; this means it can be spread more easily to people who are unvaccinated against polio and who come in contact with the stool or respiratory secretions, such as from a sneeze, of an “infected” person who received oral polio vaccine; the CDC recommends that before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; before travel to any high-risk destination, the CDC recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine note 3: on 20 September 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated a Travel Health Alert for a diphtheria outbreak in several states in Nigeria; vaccination against diphtheria is essential to protect against disease; if you are traveling to an affected area, you should be up to date with your diphtheria vaccines; before travel, discuss the need for a booster dose with your healthcare professional; diphtheria is a serious infection caused by strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria that make a toxin from which people get very sick; diphtheria bacteria spread from person to person through respiratory droplets like from coughing or sneezing; people can also get sick from touching open sores or ulcers of people sick with diphtheria note 1: The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is reporting yellow fever outbreaks in multiple states (Bauchi, Benue, Delta, Ebonyi, and Enugu). Unless vaccinated, travelers should not visit these areas. Yellow fever is caused by a virus transmitted through bites of infected mosquitoes. Travelers to Nigeria should take steps to prevent yellow fever by getting vaccinated at least 10 days before travel and taking steps to prevent mosquito bites. note 3: There is an outbreak of diphtheria in several states in Nigeria. Vaccination against diphtheria is essential to protect against disease. If you are traveling to an affected area, you should be up to date with your diphtheria vaccines. Obesity - adult prevalence rate 8.9% Tobacco Use * total: 3.7% * male: 6.9% * female: 0.5% Alcohol consumption per capita * total: 4.49 liters of pure alcohol * beer: 0.73 liters of pure alcohol * wine: 0.09 liters of pure alcohol * spirits: 0.4 liters of pure alcohol other * alcohols: 3.27 liters of pure alcohol Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved * improved: urban: 95.3% of population * rural: 68.8% of population * total: 82.6% of population * unimproved: urban: 4.7% of population * rural: 31.2% of population * total: 17.4% of population Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved * improved: urban: 81.6% of population * rural: 41.4% of population * total: 62.3% of population * unimproved: urban: 18.4% of population * rural: 58.6% of population * total: 37.7% of population Underweight - percent of children under five years 18.4% ECONOMY IN NIGERIA: PLANNING NOTES 215 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Nigeria. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Economy in Nigeria for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Nigeria-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. People comparing Nigeria with other destinations usually start with wages, rent, and tax, not headline GDP. GDP per capita in the planning dataset is about 6,400. Recent growth is listed at 4 percent. Unemployment is listed at 4.9 percent. A typical net monthly salary signal is 481. The cost-of-living index is 28. The rent index is 23. A city-centre 1-bed rent signal is 730. A monthly groceries signal is 157. Purchasing-power index: 8. Local currency code: NGN. City prices vary, and these indexes do not replace a job offer or a proof-of-funds check. Nigeria's 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 When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://immigration.gov.ng/ (Nigeria Immigration Service) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Economic overview; GDP & growth; Prices & money; Employment & labor; Labor by occupation; Public finance. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: ECONOMY ECONOMIC OVERVIEW Show 4 4 facts — expand for details. Economic Overview * Composition: Nigeria's economy is classified as mixed and emerging, combining market and command elements. It is diverse, with sectors such as agriculture, oil and gas, telecommunications, manufacturing, and services contributing to its GDP. However, the oil sector has historically been the dominant force in Nigeria's economy, accounting for a significant portion of government revenue and export earnings. Oil * Dependency: Nigeria heavily relies on its oil sector, which accounts for a substantial portion of government revenue and foreign exchange earnings. Fluctuations in global oil prices can significantly impact Nigeria's economy, affecting government spending, investment levels, and overall economic performance. * Agriculture: Agriculture is a crucial sector in Nigeria, employing a large portion of the population and contributing significantly to GDP. However, the sector faces challenges such as low productivity, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to finance and technology. Efforts to modernize and improve the agricultural industry are ongoing, with initiatives to increase productivity, promote value addition, and enhance food security. * Infrastructure: Nigeria faces significant infrastructure challenges, including inadequate transportation networks, power shortages, and limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Addressing these infrastructure deficits is critical for supporting economic growth, attracting investment, and improving Nigerians' overall quality of life. Foreign * Investment: Nigeria has attracted foreign investment across various sectors, including telecommunications, banking, and manufacturing. However, corruption, security concerns, and bureaucratic hurdles have sometimes deterred investors. Efforts to improve the business environment, enhance transparency, and strengthen institutions are essential for attracting foreign investment and promoting sustainable economic growth. * Youth Unemployment: Nigeria has a large and youthful population, but youth unemployment remains a significant challenge. Limited job opportunities, skills mismatches, and underemployment contribute to social and economic pressures. Addressing youth unemployment requires comprehensive education and skills development strategies, entrepreneurship support, and job creation initiatives. Government Policies and * Reforms: The Nigerian government has implemented various economic policies and reforms to promote growth, diversification, and financial stability. These include initiatives to improve the ease of doing business, enhance fiscal management, and attract investment in key sectors. However, the success of these policies often depends on practical implementation and addressing underlying structural challenges. * Challenges: Nigeria faces several challenges that hinder its economic development, including corruption, insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, weak institutions, and policy inconsistencies. Addressing these challenges requires sustained efforts from the government, private sector, civil society, and international partners. Industries crude oil, coal, tin, columbite, palm oil, peanuts, cotton, rubber, wood, hides and skins, textiles, cement and other construction materials, food products, footwear, chemicals, fertilizer, printing, ceramics, steel GDP - per capita (PPP) $6,400.00 (USD) GDP - real growth rate 4% GDP & GROWTH Show 9 9 facts — expand for details. GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP) $1,013,530,000,000 (USD) GDP Per Capita $6,400.00 (USD) GDP - real growth rate 4% GDP - official exchange rate $493,000,000,000 (USD) GDP - composition, by end use * consumption: 74.1% government * consumption: 7.7% investment in fixed * capital: 16.8% investment in * inventories: 0% exports of goods and * services: 13% imports of goods and * services: -11.6% GDP by Sector- agriculture 20.3% GDP by Sector- Industry 23.6% GDP by Sector- services 56.1% Industrial Growth Rate 4% PRICES & MONEY Show 5 5 facts — expand for details. Inflation Rate 13.9% Exchange Rate per US Dollar naira (NGN) Currency Name and Code Nigerian Naira (NGN) Fiscal Year calendar year Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate 15.5% EMPLOYMENT & LABOR Show 7 7 facts — expand for details. Labor Force 48,330,000 Unemployment Rate 4.9% Major Industries crude oil, coal, tin, columbite, palm oil, peanuts, cotton, rubber, wood, hides and skins, textiles, cement and other construction materials, food products, footwear, chemicals, fertilizer, printing, ceramics, steel Agriculture Products * cocoa, peanuts, palm oil, corn, rice, sorghum, millet, cassava (tapioca), yams, rubber * cattle, sheep, goats, pigs * timber * fish Population Below Poverty Line 70% Child Labor - # of children ages 5-14 11,396,823 Child Labor - % of children ages 5-14 29% LABOR BY OCCUPATION Show 3 3 facts — expand for details. Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture 70% Labor Force By Occupation- industry 10% Labor Force By Occupation- services 20% PUBLIC FINANCE Show 4 4 facts — expand for details. Annual Budget $18,160,000,000 (USD) Public Debt (% of GDP) 11.2% Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP -1.5% Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP 4.8% GOVERNMENT & POLITICS IN NIGERIA: PLANNING NOTES 224 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Nigeria. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Government & politics in Nigeria for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Nigeria-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Nigeria's government and legal structure matters for visas, ID, tax residence, and later naturalization. The immigration authority in our records is Nigeria Immigration Service. Confirm current forms and fees on https://immigration.gov.ng/. In the planning dataset, permanent residence is listed at 5 years of qualifying stay; dual citizenship is listed as allowed. Nigeria's 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 Early practical steps people actually use in Nigeria include: Confirm visa status and entry conditions before booking travel; Prepare temporary housing and proof of address where required; Set up local phone, banking, tax, and health coverage steps; Save emergency numbers, official portals, and scam-reporting channels. Treat the list as a reminder, not a filing checklist. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://immigration.gov.ng/ (Nigeria Immigration Service) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Identity & names; Political system; Capital & time; International role. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: GOVERNMENT & POLITICS IDENTITY & NAMES Show 5 5 facts — expand for details. Full Country Name Federal Republic of Nigeria Country Name Nigeria Etymology- history of name named for the Niger River that flows through the west of the country to the Atlantic Ocean; from a native term "Ni Gir" meaning "River Gir" Independence 1 October 1960 (from the UK) National Holiday Independence Day (National Day), 1 October (1960) POLITICAL SYSTEM Show 10 10 facts — expand for details. Government Type federal presidential republic Constitution * history: several previous; latest adopted 5 May 1999, effective 29 May 1999 * amendments: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of both houses and approval by the Houses of Assembly of at least two thirds of the states; amendments to constitutional articles on the creation of a new state, fundamental constitutional rights, or constitution-amending procedures requires at least four-fifths majority vote by both houses of the National Assembly and approval by the Houses of Assembly in at least two thirds of the states; passage of amendments limited to the creation of a new state require at least two-thirds majority vote by the proposing National Assembly house and approval by the Houses of Assembly in two thirds of the states; amended several times, last in 2018 Legal System: mixed legal system of English common law, Islamic law (in 12 northern states), and traditional law Executive Branch: * chief of state: President Bola Ahmed Adekunle TINUBU (since 29 May 2023); Vice President Kashim SHETTIMA (since 29 May 2023); note - the president is chief of state, head of government, and commander-in-chief of the armed forces * head of government: President Bola Ahmed Adekunle TINUBU (since 29 May 2023); Vice President Kashim SHETTIMA (since 29 May 2023) * cabinet: Federal Executive Council appointed by the president but constrained constitutionally to include at least one member from each of the 36 states * elections/appointments: president directly elected by qualified majority popular vote and at least 25% of the votes cast in 24 of Nigeria's 36 states; president elected for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 25 February 2023 (next to be held on 27 February 2027) * election results: 2023: Bola Ahmed Adekunle TINUBU elected president; percent of vote - Bola Ahmed Adekunle TINUBU (APC) 36.6%, Atiku ABUBAKAR (PDP) 29.1%, Peter OBI (LP) 25.4%, Rabiu KWANKWASO (NNPP) 6.4%, other 2.5% 2019: Muhammadu BUHARI elected president; percent of vote - Muhammadu BUHARI (APC) 53%, Atiku ABUBAKAR (PDP) 39%, other 8% Legislative Branch: * Description: bicameral National Assembly consists of: Senate (109 seats - 3 each for the 36 states and 1 for Abuja-Federal Capital Territory; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 4-year terms) House of Representatives (360 seats statutory, 258 current; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 4-year terms) * Elections: - Senate - last held on 25 February 2023 (next to be held on 25 February 2027) House of Representatives - last held on 25 February 2023 (next to be held on 25 February 2027) * Election Results: - Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - APC 59, PDP 36, LP 8, NNPP 2, SDP 2, YPP 1, APGA 1; * Composition: men 106, women 3, percent of women 2.8% House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - APC 178, PDP 114, LP 35, NNPP 19, APGA 5, other 7, vacant 2; * Composition: men 344, women 14, percent of women 3.8%; * Note: total National Assembly percent of women 3.6% Judicial Branch: * office: judges appointed by the president upon the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, a 23-member independent body of federal and state judicial officials; judge appointments confirmed by the Senate; judges serve until age 70 * subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; Federal High Court; High Court of the Federal Capital Territory; Sharia Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory; Customary Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory; state court system similar in structure to federal system Regions or States: * Summary: 36 states * and 1 territory* * Abia * Adamawa * Akwa Ibom * Anambra * Bauchi * Bayelsa * Benue * Borno * Cross River * Delta * Ebonyi * Edo * Ekiti * Enugu * Federal Capital Territory* * Gombe * Imo * Jigawa * Kaduna * Kano * Katsina * Kebbi * Kogi * Kwara * Lagos * Nasarawa * Niger * Ogun * Ondo * Osun * Oyo * Plateau * Rivers * Sokoto * Taraba * Yobe * Zamfara Political Parties and Leaders: * Accord Party or ACC [Christopher IMUMOLEN] * Africa Democratic Congress or ADC [Dumebi KACHIKWU] * All Progressives Congress or APC [Bola Ahmed TINUBU] * All Progressives Grand Alliance or APGA [Peter UMEADI] * Labor Party or LP [Peter OBI] * New Nigeria People’s Party or NNPP [Rabiu KWANKWASO] * Peoples Democratic Party or PDP [Atiku ABUBAKAR] * Young Progressive Party or YPP [Prince Malik ADO-IBRAHIM] Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Citizenship Criteria: * birth: no citizenship by descent * only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Nigeria dual citizenship * recognized: yes residency requirement for * naturalization: 15 years CAPITAL & TIME Hide Capital Name Abuja Capital - geographic coordinate 9 05 N, 7 32 E Capital Time Difference UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) INTERNATIONAL ROLE Show 4 4 facts — expand for details. International Organization Participation: * ACP * AfDB * ATMIS * AU * CD * D-8 * ECOWAS * EITI (compliant country) * FAO * G-15 * G-24 * G-77 * IAEA * IBRD * ICAO * ICC (national committees) * ICCt * ICRM * IDA * IDB * IFAD * IFC * IFRCS * IHO * ILO * IMF * IMO * IMSO * Interpol * IOC * IOM * IPU * ISO * ITSO * ITU * ITUC (NGOs) * LCBC * MIGA * MINURSO * MNJTF * MONUSCO * NAM * OAS (observer) * OIC * OPCW * OPEC * PCA * UN * UNAMID * UNCTAD * UNESCO * UNHCR * UNIDO * UNIFIL * UNISFA * UNITAR * UNMIL * UNMISS * UNOCI * UNOOSA * UNWTO * UPU * WCO * WFTU (NGOs) * WHO * WIPO * WMO * WTO International Law Organization Participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Diplomatic Representation from US: * Chief of Mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires ad interim David GREENE (since 31 March 2023) * Embassy: Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central District Area, Abuja * Mailing Address: 8320 Abuja Place, Washington DC 20521-8320 [tel:205218320] * Telephone: [234] (9) 461-4000 [tel:94614000] * FAX: [234] (9) 461-4036 [tel:94614036] * Email: AbujaACS@state.gov * Website: https://ng.usembassy.gov/ [https://ng.usembassy.gov/] * Consulate(s) General: Lagos Diplomatic Representation in the US: * Chief of Mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Mobolaji Sakirat OGUNDERO (since 1 November 2023) * Chancery: 3519 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008 * Telephone: [1] (202) 800-7201 [tel:2028007201] (ext. 100) * FAX: [1] (202) 362-6541 [tel:2023626541] * Email: info@nigeriaembassyusa.org * Website: https://www.nigeriaembassyusa.org/ [https://www.nigeriaembassyusa.org/] * Consulate(s) General: Atlanta, New York GEOGRAPHY & ENVIRONMENT IN NIGERIA: PLANNING NOTES 152 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Nigeria. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Geography & environment in Nigeria for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Nigeria-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Nigeria's capital is Abuja in Western Africa, Africa. Traffic keeps to the right. Geography here is for settlement planning: climate, distance to work, and which city you can actually afford, not a travel brochure. Nigeria's 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 When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://immigration.gov.ng/ (Nigeria Immigration Service) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Location & size; Physical geography; Climate & time; Climate; Environment. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: GEOGRAPHY & ENVIRONMENT LOCATION & SIZE Show 8 8 facts — expand for details. Geographic Location Africa Geographic Coordinates 10 00 N, 8 00 E Total Area 356,667 Square Miles 923,768 Square Kilometers Land Area 351,648 Square Miles 910,768 Square Kilometers Water Area 5,019 Square Miles 13,000 Square Kilometers Land Boundaries 2,515 Miles 4,047 Kilometers Border Countries Benin 773 km, Cameroon 1,690 km, Chad 87 km, Niger 1,497 km Coastline 530 Miles 853 Kilometers PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY Show 6 6 facts — expand for details. Terrain southern lowlands merge into central hills and plateaus; mountains in southeast, plains in north Highest Point 2,419 Meters Highest Point Location Chappal Waddi 2,419 m Lowest Point Location Atlantic Ocean 0 m Natural Resources natural gas, petroleum, tin, columbite, iron ore, coal, limestone, lead, zinc, arable land Irrigated Land 1,132 Square Miles 2,932 Square Kilometers CLIMATE & TIME Hide Time Zone UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) CLIMATE Show 5 5 facts — expand for details. Climate 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. Terrain southern lowlands merge into central hills and plateaus; mountains in southeast, plains in north Location Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin and Cameroon Total Area 356,667 Square Miles 923,768 Square Kilometers Border Countries Benin 773 km, Cameroon 1,690 km, Chad 87 km, Niger 1,497 km ENVIRONMENT Hide Environment - Current Issues * soil degradation * rapid deforestation * urban air and water pollution * desertification * oil pollution - water, air, and soil * has suffered serious damage from oil spills * loss of arable land * rapid urbanization Environment - International Agreements party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements TRADE IN NIGERIA: PLANNING NOTES 155 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Nigeria. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Trade in Nigeria for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Nigeria-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Trade figures for Nigeria help explain which industries hire, which ports matter, and how imported goods show up in grocery prices. Settlements and contracts usually run in NGN. They are not a visa pathway. Work permission still depends on the destination's immigration rules. Nigeria's 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 When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://immigration.gov.ng/ (Nigeria Immigration Service) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Trade overview; Trading partners; Partners (summary). Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: TRADE TRADE OVERVIEW Show 4 4 facts — expand for details. Exports $76,330,000,000 (USD) Imports $34,180,000,000 (USD) Major Exports petroleum and petroleum products 95%, cocoa, rubber Major Imports machinery, chemicals, transport equipment, manufactured goods, food and live animals TRADING PARTNERS Hide Top Export Partners US 33.2%, Spain 7.4%, Brazil 6.4%, Indonesia 6%, France 5.7%, India 4.8%, Japan 4% Top Import Partners UK 9.5%, US 9.4%, China 9.3%, France 8.7%, Germany 6.5%, South Korea 6.1%, Netherlands 5.2%, Italy 4.7%, Brazil 4.5% PARTNERS (SUMMARY) Hide Export Partners US 33.2%, Spain 7.4%, Brazil 6.4%, Indonesia 6%, France 5.7%, India 4.8%, Japan 4% Import Partners UK 9.5%, US 9.4%, China 9.3%, France 8.7%, Germany 6.5%, South Korea 6.1%, Netherlands 5.2%, Italy 4.7%, Brazil 4.5% TRAVEL & SAFETY IN NIGERIA: PLANNING NOTES 232 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Nigeria. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Travel & safety in Nigeria for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Nigeria-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Safety in Nigeria is local. Neighbourhood, night transport, and documentation checks matter more than a single country score. Tap water is not listed as generally safe; check local advice after arrival. Healthcare system type: Mixed. Immigrant health access note: Limited. Health coverage waiting period in the dataset: 180 days. Read current travel advice from your origin government before you book. Nigeria's 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 Early practical steps people actually use in Nigeria include: Confirm visa status and entry conditions before booking travel; Prepare temporary housing and proof of address where required; Set up local phone, banking, tax, and health coverage steps; Save emergency numbers, official portals, and scam-reporting channels. Treat the list as a reminder, not a filing checklist. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://immigration.gov.ng/ (Nigeria Immigration Service) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Before you travel; Crime & law; Health & roads. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: TRAVEL & SAFETY BEFORE YOU TRAVEL Show 2 2 facts — expand for details. Country Description Nigeria is a developing country in western Africa that has experienced periods of political and communal violence. It has the largest population on the continent, estimated at over 170 million people, and its infrastructure is not fully developed or well-maintained. Safety & Security The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Nigeria, and continues to recommend that U.S. citizens avoid all but essential travel to the following states because of the risk of kidnappings, robberies, and other armed attacks: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, and Zamfara states. The Department of State also recommends that U.S. citizens avoid all travel to Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states because of the proclamation on May 14, 2013, by the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria of a State of Emergency in those three states. The Department also warns against travel to the Gulf of Guinea because of the threat of maritime crime including piracy. (Please also see the Crime Section below.) Based on safety and security risk assessments, travel by U.S. officials to all northern Nigerian states (in addition to those listed above) must receive advance clearance from the U.S. Mission as mission-essential. In light of the continuing violence, extremists may expand their operations beyond northern Nigeria to other areas of the country. The U.S. Mission advises all U.S. citizens to be particularly vigilant around churches, mosques, and other places of worship; locations where large crowds may gather; hotels; clubs; restaurants; markets; shopping malls; and other areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers. Security measures in Nigeria remain heightened due to threats posed by extremist groups, and U.S. citizens may encounter additional police and military checkpoints, additional security, and possible road blocks throughout the country. In 2012, an extremist group based in northeast Nigeria known as Boko Haram (BH) claimed responsibility for many attacks, mainly in northern Nigeria. Boko Haram members have killed or wounded thousands of people during the past three years. Multiple Suicide Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (SVBIED) targeted churches, government installations, educational institutions, and entertainment venues in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Plateau, Taraba, and Yobe states. In December 2011, the President of Nigeria declared a state of emergency in 15 local government areas in the states of Borno, Niger, Plateau, and Yobe. This State of Emergency remains in effect, although with modification in some areas. According to the Government of Nigeria, the declaration of a state of emergency gives the government sweeping powers to search and arrest without warrants. Several states in the North are under various curfews, which change frequently. All U.S. citizens should remain aware of current situations including curfews, travel restrictions, and states of emergency in the areas they are in or plan to visit. This information is commonly announced via the news media, but at times it can change with very little notice. Please take the time to find out this information for your area. In May 2013, when the State of Emergency was established in three northeastern states, cell phone service was cut off in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. Service was temporarily restored in some of those areas but again cut off in July 2013, after attacks by BH resumed. Cell phone service has has been partially restored in Yobe and Adamawa states, particularly in the respective state capitals of Damaturu and Yola. Beginning in September 2012, extremists attacked cellular telephone towers in Northern Nigeria, damaging over 50 towers and degrading cellular telephone and internet communications nationwide. Additional attacks could further weaken the ability of citizens to communicate through cellular telephones and the internet. Land line telephone communications in Nigeria remain extremely limited. U.S. citizens should attempt to arrange for multiple means of communication in case of emergencies. In addition to the threat posed by BH, an offshoot of BH, the Ansaru group, has carried out several kidn CRIME & LAW Show 2 2 facts — expand for details. Crime Violent crimes committed by individual criminals and gangs, as well as by some persons wearing police and military uniforms, occur throughout the country, especially at night. Visitors and residents have experienced armed muggings, assaults, burglaries, car-jackings, rapes, kidnappings, and extortions, often involving violence. Home invasions remain a serious threat, with armed robbers accessing even guarded compounds by scaling perimeter walls; following or tailgating residents or visitors arriving by car into a compound; or subduing guards to gain entry into homes or apartments. Armed robbers in Lagos also access waterfront compounds by boat. U.S. citizens, as well as Nigerians and other expatriates, have become victims of armed robbery at banks, grocery stores, and on airport roads during both daylight and evening hours. Law enforcement authorities usually respond slowly or not at all, and provide little or no investigative support to victims. U.S. citizens, other expatriates, and Nigerians have experienced harassment and shakedowns at checkpoints and during encounters with Nigerian law enforcement officials. Traveling outside of major cities after dark is not recommended due to crime and road safety concerns. Maritime crime including piracy, continues off the coast of Nigeria in the Gulf of Guinea, with armed gangs boarding commercial and private vessels to rob travelers and occasionally take hostages for ransom. The Nigerian Navy has limited capacity to respond to criminal acts at sea. Nigerian-operated fraud schemes, known locally as "419" scams, are noted for their cleverness and ingenuity. These scams target foreigners worldwide, posing risks of financial loss and personal danger to their victims. Scams are often initiated through internet postings or from internet cafes by unsolicited emails, faxes, and letters, or can involve credit card use. As anywhere else, no one should provide personal or financial information to unknown parties or via Nigerian telephone lines. The expansion of bilateral law enforcement cooperation has resulted in numerous raids on commercial fraud premises and the limited return of some assets to fraud victims. New types of even more sophisticated scams seem to appear almost daily. U.S. citizens frequently become victims of Nigerian confidence artists offering companionship through internet dating web sites and social networks. These confidence artists almost always pose as U.S. citizens visiting or living in Nigeria who unexpectedly experience a medical, legal, financial, or other type of “emergency” requiring immediate financial assistance. We strongly urge you to be very cautious about sending money to any unknown person or traveling to Nigeria to meet someone with whom your sole communications have occurred via the internet and telephone. Other common scams involve a promise of an inheritance windfall, work contracts in Nigeria, or an overpayment for goods purchased on-line. For additional information on these types of scams, see the Department of State's publication, International Financial Scams. Commercial scams that target foreigners, including many U.S. citizens, are common. You should remain alert regarding scams that may involve you in illegal activity that could result in arrest, extortion, or bodily harm. These scams generally involve phony offers of money transfers, lucrative sales, contracts with promises of large commissions or up-front payments. They may improperly invoke the authority of one or more ministries or offices of the Nigerian government and may cite, by name, the involvement of a Nigerian government or a U.S. embassy official. In some scams, criminals use government stationery and seals to advance the scam. The ability of U.S. consular officers to extricate U.S. citizens from unlawful business deals or scams and their subsequent consequences is extremely limited. U.S. citizens have been arrested by police officials and held for varying periods on charges of involvem Criminal Penalties While you are traveling in Nigeria, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you or if you take pictures of certain buildings. In some places, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Nigeria, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not wherever you go. Languages English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo), Fulani, over 500 additional indigenous languages HEALTH & ROADS Show 2 2 facts — expand for details. Medical Facilities Nigeria has a number of well-trained doctors, yet medical facilities in Nigeria are in poor condition, with inadequately trained nursing staff. Diagnostic and treatment equipment is often poorly maintained, and many medicines are unavailable. Caution should be taken when purchasing medicines locally as counterfeit pharmaceuticals are a common problem and may be difficult to distinguish from genuine medications. This is particularly true of generic medicines purchased at local pharmacies or in street markets. Hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease. Plasmodium falciparum malaria, the type that predominates in Nigeria, is resistant to the anti-malarial drug chloroquine. Because travelers to Nigeria are at high risk for contracting malaria, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that travelers take one of the following anti-malarial drugs: mefloquine (Lariam™), doxycycline, or atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone™). If you become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling in a malaria-risk area, and up to one year after returning home, you should seek prompt medical attention and tell the physician your travel history and what anti-malarials you have been taking. T Traffic Safety While in Nigeria, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Roads in many areas of Nigeria are generally in poor condition, causing damage to vehicles and contributing to hazardous traffic conditions. There are few working traffic lights or stop signs, and few traffic control officers to manage the flow of traffic during power outages. Additionally, some traffic control officers may occasionally seek bribes when citing drivers for traffic violations. The rainy season, generally from May to October, is especially dangerous because of flooded roads and water-concealed potholes. Excessive speed, unpredictable driving habits, lack of basic maintenance and safety equipment on many vehicles, and the absence of any official vehicle inspection for roadworthiness all present additional hazards. Motorists seldom yield the right-of-way and give little consideration to pedestrians and cyclists. Accidents on inter-city highways with high casualties are common. Gridlock is common in urban areas. Chronic fuel shortages have led to long lines at service stations, which disrupt or block traffic for extended periods. Public transportation vehicles, such as buses and motorbikes, are unsafe due to poor maintenance, high speeds, and overcrowding. Motorbike taxis, known in Nigeria as "okadas," offer a common form of public transportation in many cities and pose serious danger to other motorists, their own passengers, and pedestrians. Motorbike drivers frequently weave in and out of traffic at high speeds and observe no traffic rules. Motorbikes are banned within Abuja's city limits and many major thoroughfares in Lagos. Okada drivers and passengers are required to wear helmets in a number of cities in the country; police can fine violators on the spot. Passengers in local taxis have been driven to secluded locations where they were attacked and robbed. Several of the victims required hospitalization. The U.S. Mission recommends avoiding public transportation throughout Nigeria. Short-term visitors should not drive in Nigeria. A Nigerian driver's license can take months to obtain, and international driving permits are not recognized. Major hotels and the customer service centers at the airports in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano offer reliable car-hire services complete with drivers. Inter-city roadside assistance is extremely scarce, and medical facilities and emergency care are poor. Persons involved in a traffic incident might encounter the lack of available medicalfacilities to treat either minor or life-threatening injuries. All drivers and passengers should wear seat belts, lock doors, and keep windows closed. It is important to secure appropriate automobile insurance. Drivers and passengers of vehicles involved in accidents resulting in injury or death have experienced extra-judicial actions, i.e., mob attacks, official consequences such as fines and incarceration, and/or confrontations with the victim's family. Driving between 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. should be done with extreme caution, as bandits and police roadblocks are more numerous at night. Automobiles, trucks, or "okadas" often drive on the wrong side of the road or on sidewalks. These vehicles are difficult to see at night because streets are very poorly lit, and many vehicles are missing one or both headlights, tail lights, and reflectors. INFRASTRUCTURE IN NIGERIA: PLANNING NOTES 156 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Nigeria. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Infrastructure in Nigeria for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Nigeria-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Infrastructure in Nigeria affects commute time, remote work, and whether a city is livable in the first 90 days. Typical internet speed in the dataset is 15 Mbps. Airports, rail, and roads on this page are inventory, not a promise that your neighbourhood is well served. Nigeria's 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 When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://immigration.gov.ng/ (Nigeria Immigration Service) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Transportation; Pipelines; Communications; Energy. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: INFRASTRUCTURE TRANSPORTATION Show 8 8 facts — expand for details. Airports - total 54 Airports with Paved Runways 40 Heliports 5 Railways 2,178 Miles 3,505 Kilometers Roadways- total 120,049 Miles 193,200 Kilometers Roadways- paved 18,007 Miles 28,980 Kilometers Waterways 5,344 Miles 8,600 Kilometers Ports and Terminals Calabar, Lagos, Onne, Port Harcourt, Sapele, Warri PIPELINES Show 5 5 facts — expand for details. Pipelines: Condensate 77 Miles 124 Kilometers Pipelines: Gas 2,513 Miles 4,045 Kilometers Pipelines: Liquid Petroleum Gas 102 Miles 164 Kilometers Pipelines: Oil 2,760 Miles 4,441 Kilometers Pipelines: Refined Products 2,448 Miles 3,940 Kilometers COMMUNICATIONS Show 7 7 facts — expand for details. Telephones 1,419,000 Cell Phones 40,395,000 Internet Users 10,000,000 Internet Country Code .ng Internet Hosts 1,378 Broadcast Media * nearly 70 federal government-controlled national and regional TV stations * all 36 states operate TV stations * several private TV stations operational * cable and satellite TV subscription services are available * network of federal government-controlled national, regional, and state radio stations * roughly 40 state government-owned radio stations typically carry their own programs except for news broadcasts * about 20 private radio stations * transmissions of international broadcasters are available Telephone System * assessment: further expansion and modernization of the fixed-line telephone network is needed; network quality remains a problem * domestic: the addition of a second fixed-line provider in 2002 resulted in faster growth but subscribership remains only about 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular services growing rapidly, in part responding to the shortcomings of the fixed-line network; multiple cellular providers operate nationally with subscribership base approaching 60 per 100 persons * international: country code - 234; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and Asia; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) ENERGY Show 10 10 facts — expand for details. Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh) 19,210,000,000 Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh) 21,920,000,000 Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh) 5,030,000,000 Natural Gas Exports- Cubic Meters (cu m) 25,960,000,000 Natural Gas Production- Cubic Meters (cu m) 31,360,000,000 Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m) 5,153,000,000,000 Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day) 271,600 Oil Exports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day) 2,341,000 Oil Production- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day) 2,451,000 Oil Reserves- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day) 37,200,000,000 NATIONAL SYMBOLS IN NIGERIA: PLANNING NOTES 138 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Nigeria. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. National symbols in Nigeria for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Nigeria-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. National symbols for Nigeria are background for civic life and ceremonies. They do not change visa rules. Use the government and visa pages for status, work, and stay conditions. Nigeria's 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 When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://immigration.gov.ng/ (Nigeria Immigration Service) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: National anthem. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: NATIONAL SYMBOLS NATIONAL ANTHEM Hide Anthem History adopted 1978; lyrics are a mixture of the five top entries in a national contest Anthem Lyrics English 1. Arise, O compatriots, Nigeria's call obey To serve our fatherland With love and strength and faith The labor of our heroes past Shall never be in vain To serve with heart and might One nation bound in freedom, peace and unity. Oh God of creation, direct our noble cause Guide our leaders right Help our youth the truth to know In love and honesty to grow And living just and true Great lofty heights attain To build a nation where peace and justice shall reign. Verified immigration updates for Nigeria → [/countries/nigeria/immigration-updates/] GOVERNMENT JOBS IN NIGERIA * Nigeria Government Jobs [/government-jobs/government-careers-ng/] · Federal Civil Service Commission (Nigeria) All government jobs for Nigeria → [/government-jobs/?country=nigeria] OFFICIAL LANGUAGES IN NIGERIA English (official)HausaYorubaIgbo (Ibo)Fulaniover 500 additional indigenous languages OFFICIAL LINKS FOR NIGERIA * Nigeria Immigration Service [https://immigration.gov.ng/] Official immigration portal for visas, entry rules, and residency steps. The official portal of the Nigeria Immigration Service is important for accessing accurate information regarding visa applications and immigration procedures. Be cautious of lookalike sites that may charge for forms available for free on official platforms. NEWCOMER CHECKLIST FOR NIGERIA * •Prepare temporary housing and proof of address where required. * •Set up local phone, banking, tax, and health coverage steps. * •Save emergency numbers, official portals, and scam-reporting channels. * •Learn about local customs and cultural practices. * •Register with the Nigeria Immigration Service upon arrival. * •Open a local bank account to manage your finances effectively. * •Explore local healthcare options and register for health coverage. LOCAL SERVICES & SETUP IN NIGERIA Healthcare access: Limited Health waiting period: 180 day(s) SETTLEMENT FUNDS & FINANCIAL NOTES FOR NIGERIA When settling in Nigeria, understand your proof-of-funds requirements and local banking setup. Ensure you have enough financial resources for your initial expenses and a reliable local bank account for transactions. Learn about the local currency (NGN) and consider banking options available to expatriates for a smoother financial transition. COST OF LIVING IN NIGERIA City-level cost rows are incomplete for Nigeria, so this is a national planning snapshot in NGN (reference city: Abuja). Net monthly salaryNGN 481 1BR city centerNGN 730 Groceries / monthNGN 157 Transport / monthNGN 36 Cost-of-living index: 27.7 TAKE-HOME PAY IN NIGERIA (2026) Educational wage-tax examples from the MigrantIQ tax calculator in NGN. Not filing software — confirm with official rules and a licensed adviser. Entry / mid offer Gross NGN 5,000,000 NGN 3,608,000net / year ~NGN 300,667 / month · effective 27.8% Solid mid career Gross NGN 12,000,000 NGN 8,368,000net / year ~NGN 697,333 / month · effective 30.3% High earner Gross NGN 50,000,000 NGN 34,208,000net / year ~NGN 2,850,667 / month · effective 31.6% Open Nigeria tax calculator → [/tools/tax-calculator/nigeria/] · compare take-home vs other destinations [/tools/tax-compare/] Country hub: /countries/nigeria/ · Tax year 2026. State or provincial tax may apply on top of federal models. WHO QUALIFIES BEST FOR NIGERIA * work Professionals seeking job opportunities in various sectors. * study Students looking to pursue education in Nigerian institutions. * family Individuals aiming to reunite with family members already in Nigeria. WHAT PEOPLE GET WRONG ABOUT MOVING TO NIGERIA OVERLOOKING VISA REQUIREMENTS Many newcomers underestimate the importance of understanding visa requirements. Ensure you have the correct visa type for your stay, as failing to comply can lead to complications or delays. NEGLECTING LOCAL CUSTOMS It's easy to overlook local customs when moving to a new country. Take time to learn about Nigerian cultural practices to avoid misunderstandings and build positive relationships with locals. INSUFFICIENT HEALTH COVERAGE With limited healthcare access for immigrants, neglecting to secure adequate health coverage can be a costly mistake. Research local healthcare options and ensure you have the necessary coverage to protect your health. SOURCES & REFERENCES FOR NIGERIA Country data is a planning aid. Official government sources override MigrantIQ summaries for immigration, legal, tax, health, and emergency rules. * Nigeria Immigration Service [https://immigration.gov.ng/] Primary portal for visas, entry rules, and residency. * World Bank Open Data [https://data.worldbank.org/] GDP, growth, and macro indicators where shown on this profile. * Numbeo cost of living [https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/] Cost-of-living indices and rent signals where available. * MigrantIQ country profile Editorial summary. Last updated 2026-05-28. * World Bank and public data sources Used for economic and country-level indicators where available. * Numbeo and public cost datasets Used for cost-of-living signals for Nigeria where available. FOREIGN EMBASSIES IN NIGERIA 146 active diplomatic missions in our directory. Sample listings below. * Consulate of Centralafricanrepublic in Abuja, Nigeria [/embassies/mission/central-african-republic-in-nigeria-abuja-consulate/] — 🇨🇫 Central African Republic, Abuja * Consulate of Colombia in Abuja, Nigeria [/embassies/mission/colombia-in-nigeria-abuja-consulate/] — 🇨🇴 Colombia, Abuja * Consulate of Croatia in Abuja, Nigeria [/embassies/mission/croatia-in-nigeria-abuja-consulate/] — 🇭🇷 Croatia, Abuja * Embassy of Algeria in Abuja, Nigeria [/embassies/mission/algeria-in-nigeria-abuja-embassy/] — 🇩🇿 Algeria, Abuja * Embassy of Angola in Abuja, Nigeria [/embassies/mission/angola-in-nigeria-abuja-embassy/] — 🇦🇴 Angola, Abuja Browse all embassies in Nigeria → [/embassies/in/nigeria/] Important — not legal or government advice MigrantIQ lists diplomatic missions for planning reference only. We are not a government service. Contact details may be incomplete or outdated — always confirm appointments, fees, and requirements on the official mission website or your destination government portal before you travel or apply. Terms [/terms/]Privacy [/privacy/]Report inaccurate data [/contact/] Feedback Was this guide helpful? Your answer helps us improve guides and update priority. YesNo Summarize this page with AI Opens your assistant with a pre-filled prompt (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude). Gemini uses Google AI Mode. Ask AI ↗ Not affiliated with any AI platform. Always verify immigration rules on official government sites. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MOVING TO NIGERIA WHAT TYPE OF VISA DO I NEED TO MOVE TO NIGERIA? The type of visa you need depends on your purpose for moving to Nigeria. Common options include Business Visas, Family/Spouse Visas, and Student Visas. Always check the Nigeria Immigration Service for specific requirements. HOW CAN I ACCESS HEALTHCARE IN NIGERIA? Healthcare access for immigrants can be limited. Research local healthcare facilities and secure health coverage that meets your needs before arriving in Nigeria. WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT THE COST OF LIVING IN NIGERIA? The cost of living in Nigeria is relatively low, but it varies by region. Major cities like Abuja may have higher expenses compared to rural areas. Understanding local costs will help you budget effectively. RELATED NIGERIA GUIDES Visa Nigeria Visa Hub Read guide → [/visas/nigeria/]Legal Nigeria Laws Read guide → [/laws/nigeria/]Safety Nigeria Scam Alerts Read guide → [/scam-alerts/nigeria/]Checklist Nigeria Arrival Checklist Read guide → [/checklist/nigeria/]Blog Migration blog Read guide → [/blog/] Advertisement300 × 250AdSense zone VISA OPTIONS 12 published * Business / Investor Visa [/visas/nigeria/business-investor/]business * Family / Spouse Visa [/visas/nigeria/family-spouse/]family * Business Visa [/visas/nigeria/business-visa/]migration * Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) [/visas/nigeria/combined-expatriate-residence-permit-and-aliens-card-cerpac/]migration * ECOWAS Residence Card [/visas/nigeria/ecowas-residence-card/]migration * Investor Visa / Business Residence [/visas/nigeria/investor-visa-business-residence/]migration * Subject to Regularization (STR) Visa [/visas/nigeria/subject-to-regularization-str-visa/]migration * Temporary Work Permit [/visas/nigeria/temporary-work-permit/]migration * Permanent Residency / Settlement [/visas/nigeria/permanent-residency/]residency * Student Visa [/visas/nigeria/student/]student * Tourist / Visitor Visa [/visas/nigeria/tourist-visitor/]tourist * Work / Employment Visa [/visas/nigeria/work-employment/]work Open visa hub → [/visas/nigeria/] KEY LAWS * Work Authorisation Rules [/laws/nigeria/work-authorisation-rules/]critical * Immigration Status and Overstay Rules [/laws/nigeria/immigration-status-and-overstay-rules/]critical * Tax Residency and Income Reporting [/laws/nigeria/tax-residency-and-income-reporting/]high * Housing Contract and Deposit Rules [/laws/nigeria/housing-contract-and-deposit-rules/]medium ACTIVE SCAM ALERTS * Document Translation, Notary, or Apostille Overcharge [/scam-alerts/nigeria/document-translation-notary-overcharge/]medium * Fake Border, Airport, or Fast-Track Assistance Fee [/scam-alerts/nigeria/fake-border-airport-assistance-fee/]medium * Fake University or Scholarship Letter [/scam-alerts/nigeria/fake-university-or-scholarship-letter/]medium Plan smarter Save countries, compare destinations, track visa checklists, and sync your migration plan across devices. Open My Plan [/plan/]Account Dashboard [/account/] Free resources TOOLS & GUIDES Full sitemap → [/sitemap/] PLAN YOUR MOVE * Eligibility quiz [/tools/eligibility/] * Tax calculator [/tools/tax-calculator/] * Tax compare [/tools/tax-compare/] * Tax guides [/tools/tax-guides/] * Points calculator [/tools/points-calculator/] * Cost calculator [/calculator/] * Move planner [/tools/planner/] * Best country [/tools/best-country/] * Pathway finder [/tools/pathway-finder/] * Corridor fit [/tools/corridor-fit/] * Compare 3 countries [/tools/compare-three/] * Job → visa matcher [/tools/job-visa-match/] * Scam checker [/tools/scam-check/] * All tools [/tools/] GUIDES & SAFETY * Visa guides [/visas/] * Scholarships [/scholarships/] * Government jobs [/government-jobs/] * Immigration updates [/countries/canada/immigration-updates/] * Embassies [/embassies/] * Laws [/laws/] * Scam alerts [/scam-alerts/] * Checklists [/checklist/] * Country profiles [/countries/] ARRIVAL HUBS * Settle [/settle/] * Driving [/driving/] * Sponsors [/sponsors/] * Ancestry [/ancestry/] * Housing [/housing/] * Money [/money/] * Family [/family/] * Pets [/pets/] * Shipping [/shipping/] * Investment [/investment/] * Retire [/retire/] * Return [/return/] * Safe migration [/safe-migration/] COMMUNITY * Q&A [/qa/] * People stories [/stories/] * Blog [/blog/] * Android app (Google Play) [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.migrantiq.app&hl=en] * Write for us [/write-for-us/] * Experts [/experts/] * Apply for expert listing [/experts/apply/] * Documentation [/documentation/] * Employers (HR) [/employers/] ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#organization","name":"MigrantIQ","url":"https://migrantiq.com","logo":"https://migrantiq.com/logo.png","description":"MigrantIQ publishes free migration guides covering visas, laws, costs, culture, banking, healthcare, scam alerts, and moving checklists for 220 countries.","knowsAbout":["immigration","visa requirements","moving abroad","cost of living","immigrant laws","scam protection","arrival checklists"],"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/migrantiq/","https://x.com/MigrantIQ","https://www.instagram.com/migrantiqorg/","https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.migrantiq.app&hl=en"],"contactPoint":[{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"customer support","email":"Info@MigrantIQ.com","url":"https://migrantiq.com/contact/","availableLanguage":["English"]}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#website","name":"MigrantIQ","url":"https://migrantiq.com","publisher":{"@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#organization"},"inLanguage":"en","potentialAction":{"@type":"SearchAction","target":"https://migrantiq.com/search/?q={search_term_string}","query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}}]} {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://migrantiq.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Countries","item":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Nigeria","item":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/nigeria/"}]} {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/nigeria/#webpage","name":"Moving to Nigeria: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide","description":"Moving to Nigeria can be a good option for families looking to explore work, study, or family reunion opportunities. 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