USEFUL INFORMATION
Most internet service providers (ISPs) in Nigeria offer services via satellite (VSAT) or wireless internet to corporate and internet cafes. Residential wired connections are mostly dial-ups and expensive to set up. In Lagos, you can install wireless equipment in your house, but the
INTERNET
initial costs and subscriptions can be very high when you take into account the speed of your connection. Alternatively, find a cybercafe with VSAT or a wi-fi hotspot. In Victoria Island there are cafés and hotels with 54Mbps wi-fi connections. The biggest cellphone operators in Nigeria are MTN, Glo mobile and Etisalat. Virtually all types of handsets, including the latest Blackberry, iPhone, Samsung and Nokia phones, can be purchased in phone shops. Services are of a world-class standard, with basic options of pre-paid
Lagos Island is home to many of Lagos’ largest markets, its central business district, the National Museum, central mosque and the Oba palace. Tinubu Square on Lagos Island is a site of historical importance. It was here that the amalgamation ceremony that unified the North and South protectorate to form Nigeria took place in 1914. Ikoyi Island is situated on the eastern half of Lagos Island, housing
THE ISLANDS:
the headquarters of the federal government and all other government buildings. It also has many hotels and one of Africa’s largest golf courses. Originally a middle class neighbourhood, in recent years it has become a fashionable residential enclave for the upper middle and upper classes. Victoria Island and Lekki Island are situated to the south of Lagos
Island. They are home to some of the most expensive real estate in Africa, and many new luxury condos and apartments are popping up everywhere. Along with Ikoyi, Victoria Island (VI) occupies a major area in the suburbs of Lagos, which boasts several sizeable shopping districts (including Nigeria’s largest mall and movie theatre) and several trendy beaches. Today, the majority of commercial banks have their head offices in VI.
Oil companies also have a presence; Mobil’s head office in Nigeria is in VI, while Chevron has its office at Chevron Drive on Lekki Epe expressway (an extension of VI). Three major bridges join Lagos Island to the mainland: Eko Bridge and Carter Bridge, which start from Iddo Island, and the Third Mainland Bridge, which passes through densely populated mainland suburbs and Lagos lagoon.
One of the most popular forms of transport in Lagos is the bike taxi, known locally as ‘okada’. Bike taxis are the cheapest form of transport and a great advantage in traffic. However, with the massive number of cars, taxis and pedestrians on Lagos’ roads, okadas can also be quite dangerous to the uninitiated. Other forms of transport include red cabs for hire, local buses and hire cars. Most tourists use private or hire cars. Visit the directory on
www.islandexplorerng.com for listings of private car hire firms. Security is a major concern for most first-time tourists to Lagos. However,
TRAVEL TIPS
while overpopulation and unemployment do give rise to crime, it is rarely as much of a problem as the media would have you believe. Once you have decided what you want to do and where, it’s recommended that you have a guide, be they a family member, friend, or your company or organisation.
or contract voice call plans, SMS and, recently, 3G mobile internet access available. You can also buy a wi-fi dongle for your laptop to browse or send emails. If you choose a pre-paid service, you’ll need to top up your call credits with a recharge card or by an over-the-air top-up SMS request. Ask the vendor about over-the-air top up. Recharge card can be bought from street traders, in shops or anywhere else there are people.
Most transfers occur through banks or Money Transfer Providers (MTPs). MTPs offer the best service for transferring small-to-medium size amounts because they have a larger network of receiving agents in Nigeria and transfers take less than 24 hours. However, your bank’s electronic SWIFT service or a bank draft are
RESOURCES
better if sending large amounts. They offer more secure transfers and the charges for large amounts are lower. However, money transfers through banks can take up to five days. To send money, visit the high street branch of your bank or MTP.
Sending agents can be found at newsagents or local shops. Visit their website to find a sending agent in your area. Alternatively, some providers enable you to transfer money online or by SMS, after you have registered and deposited funds in their account.
USEFUL NUMBERS Toll free Emergency: 767 / 112
Special Anti Robbery Squad: 01-4970062 / 01-77545705 / 01-7745706 Enquiries: Operator:
197 190
Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS):
Lagos General Hospital: Fire Service:
Speaking Clock:
Police Control Room: Police Team A:
Standard Dialling Code: International Dialling:
123 / 01-6584713 08023020582 01-6584712 191
08060357795 / 01-77457505 / 01-77450705 / 199 0807 268 5227 01
+234
42 | ISLAND EXPLORER | JANUARY - MARCH 2012 |
WWW.ISLANDEXPLORERNG.COM
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