Wayzata World Factbook 1996/The World Factbook - 1996 Edition - Wayzata Technology (3079) (1996).iso/pc/text/tvltxt/nigeria.tvl

Text File | 1995-12-13 | 27KB | 500 lines

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Nigeria
============================================================
Nigeria - Travel Warning
 June 5, 1995

Warning:  The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the
dangers of travel to Nigeria.  Violent crime, practiced by persons
in police and military uniforms, as well as by ordinary criminals,
is an acute problem.  Harassment and shake-downs of foreigners and
Nigerians alike by uniformed personnel and others occur frequently
throughout the country.

Business, charity and other scams target foreigners worldwide and
pose dangers of financial loss and physical harm.  Persons
contemplating business deals are strongly urged to check with the
U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce before
providing any information, making any financial commitments or
traveling to Nigeria.  Under no circumstances should American
citizens travel to Nigeria without a valid visa.  Invitation to
enter Nigeria without a visa is normally indicative of illegal
activity.

 No. 95-018


Nigeria - Consular Information Sheet
 June 16, 1995

Warning:  The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the
dangers of travel to Nigeria.  Violent crime, practiced by persons
in police and military uniforms, as well as by ordinary criminals,
is an acute problem.  Harassment and shake-downs of foreigners and
Nigerians alike by uniformed personnel and others occur frequently
throughout the country.

Business, charity and other scams target foreigners worldwide and
pose dangers of financial loss and physical harm.  Persons
contemplating business deals are strongly urged to check with the
U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce before
providing any information, making any financial commitments or
traveling to Nigeria.  Under no circumstances should American
citizens travel to Nigeria without a valid visa.  Invitation to
enter Nigeria without a visa is normally indicative of illegal
activity.

Country Description:  Nigeria, with limited facilities for tourism,
poses considerable risks for travelers.  Violent crime is acute (see
paragraph on Crime and Criminal Violence).  Business scams that
target foreigners are a pervasive problem, and persons contemplating
business deals are strongly urged to check with the U.S. Department
of Commerce or the U.S. Embassy in Lagos before traveling to Nigeria
or making financial commitments (see paragraph on Commercial Fraud).

Entry Requirements:  A passport and a visa are required.  Evidence
of yellow fever and cholera vaccinations is also required.  Airport
visas are not available.  Promises of entry into Nigeria without a
visa are credible indicators of a fraudulent commercial scheme in
which the perpetrators seek to exploit the foreign traveler's
illegal presence in Nigeria with threats of extortion or bodily
harm.  Furthermore, U.S. citizens cannot legally depart Nigeria
unless they can prove, by presenting their entry visas, that they
entered Nigeria legally.  Payment of 35 U.S. dollars airport tax is
required upon departure.  Current information on entry requirements
may be obtained at the Embassy of the Republic of Nigeria, 2201 M
Street, N.W., in Washington, D.C. 20037, telephone [phone],
or at the Nigerian Consulate General in New York.

Information on Crime and Criminal Violence:  Violent crime
affecting foreigners is an extremely serious problem, especially in
Lagos and the southern half of the country.  Visitors, as well as
resident Americans, report widespread armed muggings, assault,
burglary, carjackings and extortion, often involving violence.
Carjackings, roadblock robberies and armed break-ins occur often,
with victims sometimes shot by assailants for no apparent reason.
Reports of armed robberies in broad daylight on rural roads in the
northern half of the country appear to be increasing.  Law
enforcement authorities usually respond to crimes slowly, if at all,
and provide little or no investigative support to victims.
Pickpockets and confidence artists, some posing as local immigration
and other government officials, are especially common at Murtala
Muhammad Airport.

In addition to harassment and shake-downs of American citizens by
officials at airports and throughout Nigeria, there have been
isolated but troubling reports of violent attacks by purported
government officials on Americans and other foreigners.  The
Nigerian government has not responded meaningfully to complaints by
the American Embassy in Lagos and the U.S. State Department in
Washington, D.C. concerning these abuses and attacks, nor is there
any indication that the officers involved have been disciplined.
Upon arrival in Nigeria, U.S. citizens are urged to register at the
U.S. Embassy in Lagos where they may obtain current information and
advice on minimizing risks.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported
immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or
consulate.  The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for
Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on
protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in
the region in general.  Both are available from the Superintendent
of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.
20402.

Commercial Fraud:  A major and continuing problem is the commercial
scam or sting that targets foreigners, including many U.S. citizens.
 Such scams could involve U.S. citizens in illegal activity,
resulting in extortion or bodily harm.  The scams generally involve
phony offers of either outright money transfers or lucrative sales
or contracts with promises of large commissions or up-front
payments.  Alleged deals frequently invoke the authority of one or
more ministries or offices of the Nigerian government and may even
cite by name the support of a Nigerian government official.  The
apparent use in some scams of actual government stationery, seals,
and offices is grounds for concern that some individual Nigerian
officials may be involved in these activities.  The ability of U.S.
Embassy officers to extricate Americans from unlawful business deals
is extremely limited.  Nigerian police do not always inform the U.S.
Embassy of an American citizen in distress.  The Department of
Commerce has issued advisories to the U.S. business community on
doing business in Nigeria.  Both the Department of Commerce and the
U.S. Embassy in Lagos can provide business travelers with further
details.

The Department of State has issued a brochure for business
travelers to Nigeria; single copies are available at no charge from
the Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management, Room
4811, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818.  Please
enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

Airport Safety:  Due to a lack of effective security measures, the
U.S. Secretary of Transportation has ordered that direct air
services between the U.S. and the Murtala Muhammad Airport in Lagos
be suspended.  U.S. travelers may wish to check with their travel
agents or the airlines for alternate routing.  The U.S. Embassy is
concerned by reports that maintenance and operational procedures for
Nigerian airlines may not be adequate to ensure passenger safety.
Periodic strikes may also affect flight scheduling and raise
additional concerns about the reliability and safety of Nigerian
aviation.  The section "Information on Crime and Criminal Violence"
provides information concerning crime at airports.

Areas of Instability:  Nigeria has experienced civil unrest,
violence and strikes.  The causes and locations vary.  Locations
where outbreaks of violence have occurred include the Lagos area,
southwestern Nigeria and parts of Delta, Rivers, Plateau and Kaduna
states.  There has been an increase in the number of unauthorized
automobile checkpoints.  These checkpoints are operated by bands of
police, soldiers, or bandits posing as or operating with police or
soldiers, whose personnel should be considered armed and dangerous.
Many incidents, including murder, illustrate the increasing risks of
road travel in Nigeria.  Reports of threats against firms and
foreign workers in the petroleum sector recur from time to time.
Chadian troop incursions have reportedly occurred at the border area
in the far northeast, near Lake Chad.

Despite labor unrest in various parts of the country and occasional
flare-ups in local markets, U.S. citizens have not been specifically
targetted in such disturbances.  However, they and their vehicles
could inadvertently become caught up in a demonstration or riot.
Heightened tensions resulting from the delayed process of transition
from military rule to an elected government could result in further
unrest and disturbances.  Early June (prior to and during the week
of the June 12 anniversary of the 1993 annulled presidential
election) is a time to be especially mindful of security concerns,
to exercise particular caution and to avoid public gatherings.

Medical Facilities:  A variety of diseases pose a serious health
threat.  The public is not always informed in a timely manner about
outbreaks of typhoid, cholera and yellow fever.  Hepatitis and
malaria, including potentially fatal cerebral malaria, are endemic.
Medical facilities are limited; not all medicines are available.
Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health
services.  U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the
United States.  Supplemental medical insurance with specific
overseas coverage has proven useful.  Information on health matters
can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international
travelers hotline, telephone [phone].

Photography Restrictions:  Permission is required to take
photographs of government buildings, airports, bridges or
official-looking buildings.  Permission may be obtained from
Nigerian security personnel.

Currency Regulations:  Credit cards are rarely accepted in Nigeria
and, because of the prevalence of credit card fraud in Nigeria, as
well as credit card fraud by Nigerians in the U.S., their use is
generally ill-advised.  It is often necessary to bring travelers
checks or currency in a sufficient amount to cover the period of a
planned visit.  Interbank transfers are often difficult, if not
impossible, to accomplish.  The government of Nigeria has fixed an
artificially high rate for the local currency, the naira (in terms
of its value in exchange for foreign currencies).  Persons seeking
to trade at lower rates on the "black market" could be arrested or
shaken down.  U.S. visitors are strongly urged to exchange dollars
for local currency only at the official rate and at approved
exchange facilities, usually including the major hotels.  For
further information, visitors may wish to contact the U.S. Embassy.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the
country in which they are traveling.  Penalties for possession, use
or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced.  Those
arrested routinely face prolonged detention before trial, and
convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in
Lagos may obtain updated information on travel and security in
Nigeria.

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy is located at 2 Eleke Crescent,
Victoria Island in Lagos.  The telephone number is (234) (1)
261-0050.

 No. 95-071

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 20, 1994,
to include the Travel Warning issued  June 5, 1995, and to add
information in the paragraphs on Airport Safety and Areas of
Instability.


----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
The "[e-mail]" mailing list is the official Internet and
BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and
Consular Information Sheets.  To unsubscribe, send a message containing the
word "unsubscribe" to:    [e-mail]

Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:
"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:
gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories

------------------------------------------------------------------------------


STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Nigeria
============================================================
Nigeria - Public Announcement
 June 9, 1995

 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
 Office of the Spokesman
 For Immediate Release

The U.S. Embassy in Lagos issued an announcement on June 9 advising
American citizens in Nigeria to exercise particular caution and
avoid public gatherings during the weekend before and the week of
the June 12 anniversary of the 1993 annulled presidential election.
The U.S. Embassy has no information suggesting a likelihood of civil
disturbances, but feels Americans should be especially mindful of
security concerns during this period.

For further information on travel to Nigeria you may consult the
Department's Travel Warning and Consular Information Sheet.


----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
The "[e-mail]" mailing list is the official Internet and
BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and
Consular Information Sheets.  To unsubscribe, send a message containing the
word "unsubscribe" to:    [e-mail]

Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:
"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:
gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories



-----


STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Nigeria
============================================================
Nigeria - Travel Warning
 June 5, 1995

Warning:  The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the
dangers of travel to Nigeria.  Violent crime, practiced by persons
in police and military uniforms, as well as by ordinary criminals,
is an acute problem.  Harassment and shake-downs of foreigners and
Nigerians alike by uniformed personnel and others occur frequently
throughout the country.

Business, charity and other scams target foreigners worldwide and
pose dangers of financial loss and physical harm.  Persons
contemplating business deals are strongly urged to check with the
U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce before
providing any information, making any financial commitments or
traveling to Nigeria.  Under no circumstances should American
citizens travel to Nigeria without a valid visa.  Invitation to
enter Nigeria without a visa is normally indicative of illegal
activity.

 No. 95-018


Nigeria - Consular Information Sheet
 June 16, 1995

Warning:  The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the
dangers of travel to Nigeria.  Violent crime, practiced by persons
in police and military uniforms, as well as by ordinary criminals,
is an acute problem.  Harassment and shake-downs of foreigners and
Nigerians alike by uniformed personnel and others occur frequently
throughout the country.

Business, charity and other scams target foreigners worldwide and
pose dangers of financial loss and physical harm.  Persons
contemplating business deals are strongly urged to check with the
U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce before
providing any information, making any financial commitments or
traveling to Nigeria.  Under no circumstances should American
citizens travel to Nigeria without a valid visa.  Invitation to
enter Nigeria without a visa is normally indicative of illegal
activity.

Country Description:  Nigeria, with limited facilities for tourism,
poses considerable risks for travelers.  Violent crime is acute (see
paragraph on Crime and Criminal Violence).  Business scams that
target foreigners are a pervasive problem, and persons contemplating
business deals are strongly urged to check with the U.S. Department
of Commerce or the U.S. Embassy in Lagos before traveling to Nigeria
or making financial commitments (see paragraph on Commercial Fraud).

Entry Requirements:  A passport and a visa are required.  Evidence
of yellow fever and cholera vaccinations is also required.  Airport
visas are not available.  Promises of entry into Nigeria without a
visa are credible indicators of a fraudulent commercial scheme in
which the perpetrators seek to exploit the foreign traveler's
illegal presence in Nigeria with threats of extortion or bodily
harm.  Furthermore, U.S. citizens cannot legally depart Nigeria
unless they can prove, by presenting their entry visas, that they
entered Nigeria legally.  Payment of 35 U.S. dollars airport tax is
required upon departure.  Current information on entry requirements
may be obtained at the Embassy of the Republic of Nigeria, 2201 M
Street, N.W., in Washington, D.C. 20037, telephone [phone],
or at the Nigerian Consulate General in New York.

Information on Crime and Criminal Violence:  Violent crime
affecting foreigners is an extremely serious problem, especially in
Lagos and the southern half of the country.  Visitors, as well as
resident Americans, report widespread armed muggings, assault,
burglary, carjackings and extortion, often involving violence.
Carjackings, roadblock robberies and armed break-ins occur often,
with victims sometimes shot by assailants for no apparent reason.
Reports of armed robberies in broad daylight on rural roads in the
northern half of the country appear to be increasing.  Law
enforcement authorities usually respond to crimes slowly, if at all,
and provide little or no investigative support to victims.
Pickpockets and confidence artists, some posing as local immigration
and other government officials, are especially common at Murtala
Muhammad Airport.

In addition to harassment and shake-downs of American citizens by
officials at airports and throughout Nigeria, there have been
isolated but troubling reports of violent attacks by purported
government officials on Americans and other foreigners.  The
Nigerian government has not responded meaningfully to complaints by
the American Embassy in Lagos and the U.S. State Department in
Washington, D.C. concerning these abuses and attacks, nor is there
any indication that the officers involved have been disciplined.
Upon arrival in Nigeria, U.S. citizens are urged to register at the
U.S. Embassy in Lagos where they may obtain current information and
advice on minimizing risks.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported
immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or
consulate.  The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for
Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on
protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in
the region in general.  Both are available from the Superintendent
of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.
20402.

Commercial Fraud:  A major and continuing problem is the commercial
scam or sting that targets foreigners, including many U.S. citizens.
 Such scams could involve U.S. citizens in illegal activity,
resulting in extortion or bodily harm.  The scams generally involve
phony offers of either outright money transfers or lucrative sales
or contracts with promises of large commissions or up-front
payments.  Alleged deals frequently invoke the authority of one or
more ministries or offices of the Nigerian government and may even
cite by name the support of a Nigerian government official.  The
apparent use in some scams of actual government stationery, seals,
and offices is grounds for concern that some individual Nigerian
officials may be involved in these activities.  The ability of U.S.
Embassy officers to extricate Americans from unlawful business deals
is extremely limited.  Nigerian police do not always inform the U.S.
Embassy of an American citizen in distress.  The Department of
Commerce has issued advisories to the U.S. business community on
doing business in Nigeria.  Both the Department of Commerce and the
U.S. Embassy in Lagos can provide business travelers with further
details.

The Department of State has issued a brochure for business
travelers to Nigeria; single copies are available at no charge from
the Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management, Room
4811, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818.  Please
enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

Airport Safety:  Due to a lack of effective security measures, the
U.S. Secretary of Transportation has ordered that direct air
services between the U.S. and the Murtala Muhammad Airport in Lagos
be suspended.  U.S. travelers may wish to check with their travel
agents or the airlines for alternate routing.  The U.S. Embassy is
concerned by reports that maintenance and operational procedures for
Nigerian airlines may not be adequate to ensure passenger safety.
Periodic strikes may also affect flight scheduling and raise
additional concerns about the reliability and safety of Nigerian
aviation.  The section "Information on Crime and Criminal Violence"
provides information concerning crime at airports.

Areas of Instability:  Nigeria has experienced civil unrest,
violence and strikes.  The causes and locations vary.  Locations
where outbreaks of violence have occurred include the Lagos area,
southwestern Nigeria and parts of Delta, Rivers, Plateau and Kaduna
states.  There has been an increase in the number of unauthorized
automobile checkpoints.  These checkpoints are operated by bands of
police, soldiers, or bandits posing as or operating with police or
soldiers, whose personnel should be considered armed and dangerous.
Many incidents, including murder, illustrate the increasing risks of
road travel in Nigeria.  Reports of threats against firms and
foreign workers in the petroleum sector recur from time to time.
Chadian troop incursions have reportedly occurred at the border area
in the far northeast, near Lake Chad.

Despite labor unrest in various parts of the country and occasional
flare-ups in local markets, U.S. citizens have not been specifically
targetted in such disturbances.  However, they and their vehicles
could inadvertently become caught up in a demonstration or riot.
Heightened tensions resulting from the delayed process of transition
from military rule to an elected government could result in further
unrest and disturbances.  Early June (prior to and during the week
of the June 12 anniversary of the 1993 annulled presidential
election) is a time to be especially mindful of security concerns,
to exercise particular caution and to avoid public gatherings.

Medical Facilities:  A variety of diseases pose a serious health
threat.  The public is not always informed in a timely manner about
outbreaks of typhoid, cholera and yellow fever.  Hepatitis and
malaria, including potentially fatal cerebral malaria, are endemic.
Medical facilities are limited; not all medicines are available.
Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health
services.  U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the
United States.  Supplemental medical insurance with specific
overseas coverage has proven useful.  Information on health matters
can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international
travelers hotline, telephone [phone].

Photography Restrictions:  Permission is required to take
photographs of government buildings, airports, bridges or
official-looking buildings.  Permission may be obtained from
Nigerian security personnel.

Currency Regulations:  Credit cards are rarely accepted in Nigeria
and, because of the prevalence of credit card fraud in Nigeria, as
well as credit card fraud by Nigerians in the U.S., their use is
generally ill-advised.  It is often necessary to bring travelers
checks or currency in a sufficient amount to cover the period of a
planned visit.  Interbank transfers are often difficult, if not
impossible, to accomplish.  The government of Nigeria has fixed an
artificially high rate for the local currency, the naira (in terms
of its value in exchange for foreign currencies).  Persons seeking
to trade at lower rates on the "black market" could be arrested or
shaken down.  U.S. visitors are strongly urged to exchange dollars
for local currency only at the official rate and at approved
exchange facilities, usually including the major hotels.  For
further information, visitors may wish to contact the U.S. Embassy.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the
country in which they are traveling.  Penalties for possession, use
or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced.  Those
arrested routinely face prolonged detention before trial, and
convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in
Lagos may obtain updated information on travel and security in
Nigeria.

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy is located at 2 Eleke Crescent,
Victoria Island in Lagos.  The telephone number is (234) (1)
261-0050.

 No. 95-071

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 20, 1994,
to include the Travel Warning issued  June 5, 1995, and to add
information in the paragraphs on Airport Safety and Areas of
Instability.


----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
The "[e-mail]" mailing list is the official Internet and
BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and
Consular Information Sheets.  To unsubscribe, send a message containing the
word "unsubscribe" to:    [e-mail]

Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:
"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:
gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories
.