What To Expect When Visiting Nigeria

I have a top 10 list of what to expect when you go to Nigeria. This is by no means to scare you, more like to prepare you. I love my home country Nigeria and it is a country I invite everyone to come and visit, even if it's for a short period. It would be nice if the country directed a little attention to their tourist attractions to attract more people across the world into Nigeria because it is such a beautiful country bursting with a wealth of great history and diversity. It is also a lot bigger than you would have first presumed! But if you do go, soak in every moment, you will have an unforgettable experience!

That being said, here is my top 10 observations of what you can expect when you visit Nigeria. 

1. The heat! From the moment you touch down at the airport, you can't help but feel you are about to faint and in desperate need of cool crisp air. Nigeria is so hot and stuffy so always carry a bottle of cold water around with you so as to keep you hydrated always. There is no need topping up your tan. I would advise you desist from this habit because you will burn. Avoid staying long periods in the direct sunlight.

2. Language. Nigeria is such a diverse country and although English is our main language, we have over 300 languages in the country that we are proud of. When you visit, you will hear some of these. At least 3. Don't be bemused. 

3. Expect traffic. It's the way of life now. Plan each journey carefully and make allowances to prepare yourself to sit in traffic for at least 3 hours everyday. 

4. The good news is... While stuck in traffic, you can treat yourself to a variety of necessities. If you need to buy bread, yam, charger, mobile phone credit, pillows, watches or even some music. They bring the shops/market to you...So Convenient sometimes. 

5. Nepa aka electricity supply. The one thing Nigeria has always been consistent with is their "light situation". There is never any! "Nepa can take light" until you are blue in the face. So you will just have to get used to it. Also, like everyone else, you will need a noisy generator (because one just cannot possibly survive without their electricity supply) and an inverter which can carry your basic necessities like a fan (to cool you down) and the television etc. 

6. Food. Our food is always being reinvented and made to appeal the eyes as well as the taste buds. Be prepared to enjoy traditional and modern cuisine. I must add though, we love our spices. 

7. Mosquitoes, rats, cockroaches, dragonflies, lizards etc. They are everywhere. They can be avoided by simply keeping your house and environment CLEAN. There's no two ways about this one. 

8. Everyone to me seems dressed to impress all the time. It's Almost impossible to find someone having a really bad hair day or a dress down day. Everything from their Brazilian hair to their designer nails to their silicone behind to their eyebrows and their handbag. It's exhausting trying to keep up. My advise, ignore it and be you. If that is you, great. If not, it's not that serious. I must add here that the cost of doing your hair/nails etc is a lot cheaper than doing it abroad. This way, you can save money. 

9. Fuel scarcity. This is so unpredictable seeing how in Nigeria, fuel and diesel is a household priority in every home. You will need this for almost everything from the running of your car (to take you to work, kids to school), to running yor generator (you need this to cook, to have a warm shower, to see when it's dark etc). So when there is fuel scarcity in the giant of Africa where we have oil in abundance, the country literally grinds to a halt. But as Nigerians are very self sufficient, you will still find the diluted "black market" versions to buy on the street and "manage it".

10. Lastly, I will say, expect the unexpected. Keep safe, pray hard and trust God. It's a wonderful country to be in, but adjusting to the lifestyle change is key to your survival there. 

Be Inspired

xoxo