Nigeria offers a wide variety of tourist attractions such as extended and roomy river and ocean beaches ideal for swimming and other water sports, unique wildlife, vast tracts of unspoiled nature ranging from tropical forest, magnificent waterfalls, some new rapidly growing cities and climatic conditions in some parts particularly conducive to holidaying.

Other attractions include traditional ways of life preserved in local customs; rich and varied handicrafts and other colourful products depicting or illustrative of native arts and lifestyle, and the authentic unsophisticated but friendly attitude of many in the Nigerian population.

Notes are in denominations of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of 1 and kobo 25, 10, 5 and 1.

Medical insurance is essential. There is no reciprocal health agreement with the UK. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

The government-provided health care facilities are of a poor standard and are subject to shortages of drugs, equipment, materials and even electricity.

It is advisable to take a sufficient supply of drugs or medication to meet personal needs.

There are however some adequate private facilities where the standards approach those of Europe.

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised.

Buses and taxis (or 'bush taxis' in the shape of Ford Transit vans) run between the main towns. 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 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.

The two main rail routes are from Lagos to Kano and from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri. 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.

A ferry service runs to Lagos Island.

Mon 0800-1500, Tue-Fri 0800-1330