Nigeria


 * Past PO Participants write about Nigeria:**
 * C. Saunders (2007) - [|Saunders Nigeria.pdf]**
 * C. Saunders (2009) - [|Saunders Nigeria 2010.pdf]**


 * Tips from D. Arts (taken from the internet):**
 * **Temperature -** Nigeria, in western Africa, has a climate and weather that largely is not dependent on topographical features but varies by the interaction between the moist, northerly air coming off of the Atlantic Ocean and the drier air arriving from the south. The interaction between these two air masses plays a distinct role in the country's seasons and temperatures. The Nigerian climate produces an extensive rainy season which lasts from April to October. Temperature in summer - a moderate range of 73 to 82 F.
 * **Money** - The **naira** is the currency of Nigeria. It is divided into 100 //kobo//.
 * **Accommodations -**
 * **Electricity**- Electricity is 240 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. If you travel to Nigeria with a device that does not accept 240 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter. There are three main types of voltage converters. Resistor-network converters will usually be advertised as supporting something like 50-1600 Watts. They are light-weight and support high-wattage electrical appliances like hair dryers and irons. However, they can only be used for short periods of time and are not ideal for digital devices. Transformers will have a much lower maximum Watt rating, usually 50 or 100. Transformers can often be used continuously and provide better electricity for low wattage appliances like battery chargers, radios, laptop computers, cameras, mp3 players and camcorders. However, they are heavy.
 * **Standard of living -**
 * **Taxis** - Taxies are available from the airport to the city, but agree on your rate before your journey to avoid overpaying.The roads in Nigeria are very poorly kept, and as a result the Nigerian government is making strong efforts to privatize the Nigerian Railway Corporation.The most comfortable and efficient way to travel throughout Nigeria and West Africa is by rail and air.
 * **Entertainment** - Nigeria, culture is manifested in **art, dance, literature, music, language, folklore, governance and even the environment**. According to archaeological finds, Nigeria’s artifacts depict the early life of the people dating bank to 2000 years.
 * **Food -** Markets, KFC, hotel restaurants.
 * Etiquette - Shaking hands is the acceptable form of greeting. You may find people bowing to their superiors and the elderly. Greetings should always include some interest in your acquaintances family and health. Women with children, pregnant women and the elderly should always get the right of way in public places or public transportation. Do be not over complimentary of a person's dress or belongings, he or she mat feel obligated to give you what you find attractive. However, be sure to compliment a dinner or food prepared by a Nigerian host. The left hand rules apply here. Do not take or give anything with the left hand. Do not eat with the left hand. Note that Nigeria is a culturally and religiously diverse country where tribe and ethnic affiliation is important. Be sure to be sensitive to these differences
 * **Teaching** -
 * **Other -** Nigeria is popular with film enthusiasts and film industry professionals looking to check out Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry based in Lagos and Abuja. Nigeria is home to time honored artistic traditions of bronze casting, woodcarving, grass weaving and pottery. Artifacts have been found in Igbo-Ukwu dating back 2000 years. Beautiful handicrafts that showcase local artistic talent can be purchased in many market areas.