World Country Guide

Social Profile

Food & Drink
There are restaurants of all varieties in Lagos and the major towns. European and Oriental food is readily available. Although there are self-service cafes, mainly in department stores, most restaurants have table service. Nigerian food is typical of that found throughout West Africa, and meals will often include yam, sweet potatoes, plantain and pepper soup, with regional variations. In the north, meat is more popular than in other areas; specialities are suya (barbecued liver and beef on sticks) and kilishi (spiced dried meat), in the east egussi soup (stew of meat, dried fish and melon seeds), and in the south goat meat and bush meat, particularly antelope, which is considered a delicacy.
There are many brands of locally brewed and bottled beer which are very good. Spirits are expensive. Larger hotels and clubs have bars and cocktail lounges.

Nightlife
There are nightclubs in many of the hotels in Lagos and in the Surulere district. Some clubs have live entertainment, details of which are given in the local newspapers. North of Oyo in Ogbomosho, there is a lively market, particularly in the evenings. Local festivals which generally take place in the summer months provide a good opportunity to see dancing, music and traditional costumes.

Shopping
Markets are the most interesting places to shop. Special purchases include adire (patterned, indigo-dyed cloth), batiks and pottery from the southwest, leatherwork and kaduna cotton from the north and carvings from the east. Designs vary greatly, many towns having their own distinctive style. Other purchases include herbs, beadwork, basketry and ceremonial masks such as those of the Ekpo. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700, Sat 0800-1630.

Special Events
In the predominantly Muslim north, the most important festival is Sallah, celebrated three months after the feast of Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan), particularly in the towns of Kano, Katsina, Maiduguri and Zaria. Every family is required to slaughter a ram and festivities last for several days, with horseback processions, musicians and dancers. Featured also in northern communities are Durbars, long lines of horsemen led by a band, the horses in quilted armour with the riders wearing quilted coats and wielding ceremonial swords. In the south, there are masquerades and festivals marking events in local religions. In mid- to late- B>February, the Argungu Fishing and Cultural Festival is held on the banks of the Sokoto River. At Oshogbo, the Oshun festival is held at the end of the rainy season (August to September), attracting thousands of childless women who seek the help of the Yoruba goddess of fertility. Festivals in the western states include masquerades in June, the Oro festival in July and the Shango festival in August. In August, the Pategi Regatta takes place half-way between Ibadan and Kaduna. Other festivals are held in February, July and August in the northern town of Ogbomosho. For more information or exact dates, contact the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (see Contact Addresses section).

Social Conventions
Shaking hands with everyone is customary on meeting and departing. In Yorubaland, it is a sign of respect for women to curtsey when introduced and to enquire after relations, even if this is a first meeting. Unless the visitor knows someone well, it is unusual to be invited to a Nigerian’s home. Most entertaining, particularly in Lagos, takes place in clubs or restaurants. A small gift of appreciation is always welcome and business souvenirs bearing the company logo are also acceptable. Casual wear is suitable and a lightweight suit and tie are only necessary for businesspeople on formal meetings; on most other occasions men will not need to wear a jacket, although a tie might be expected. Women should dress modestly, and respect local customs regarding dress, particularly in the Muslim north. It is inadvisable for women to wear trousers. There are over 250 tribes in Nigeria, the principal groups being the Hausa in the north, the Ibo (or Igbo) in the southeast and the Yoruba in the southwest. The larger of the minor groups are the Fulani, Idoma, Igala, Igbirra, Kanuri, Tiv and Nupe in the north; the Efik, Ekoi, Ibibio and Ijaw in the east; and the Edo, Itsekiri, Ijaw and Urhobo in the west. A result of this ethnic variety is the diversity of art, dance forms, language, music, customs and crafts. Nigerians have a very strong sense of ethnic allegiance. Tipping: Unless a service charge has been included, 10 per cent is expected for most services. Note that for taxi drivers the fare including a tip should be agreed before the journey. Airport porters are usually tipped per case.