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Monday 22 June 2009

NIGERIA LEADERS FORM INDEPENDENCE (1960) TILL DATE

NIGERIA LEADERS FORM INDEPENDENCE (1960) TILL DATE
Tafawa Balewa,
Prime Minister 1960-1966


















Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi,
Head of State 1966
















Gen Yakubu Gowon,
Head of State 1966-1975


















Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe,
President (Ceremonial)






1960-1966 Gen. Murtala Mohammed,
Head of State,
1975-1976



















Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo,
Head of State
1976-1979


















Alhadji Shehu Shagari,
President,
1979 -1983



Gen.Mohammad Buhari,
Head of State
1983-1985


















Gen. Ibrahim Babangida,
Head of State,
1985-1993



















Chief Ernest Shonekan,
President 1993

















Gen. Sani Abacha,
Head of State
1993-1998


















Gen. Abubakar,
Head of State,
1998-1999



















Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,
President,
1999- 2007


















President Umaru Yar'अदुआ
2007 till 2009

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN NIGERIA

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN NIGERIA

Nigeria is blessed with lot of mineral resources that will last till the end of creation, even till the next earth to come, Nigeria is among the few Nation that has a taste of all the neccessary resources needed for quality development for a nation. Here are some of these opportuinties:

OPPORTUNITIES IN AGRICULTURE:
The agricultural potential of Nigeria is barely being tapped and this explains the inability of the country to meet the ever increasing demand for agricultural produce. Although the agricultural sector remains a dominant employer of labour, serious investment is needed across the board to enhance production and increase the contribution of the sector to GDP. Investment is required in the following priority activities:
(a) Crop production to achieve food security and to provide industrial raw materials. Potentials exist for the following crops:
Cereals: Maize, rice, sorghum, corn, millet, wheat.
Root crops: Cassava, yam, ginger, potato, coco yam.
Legumes: Soya beans, groundnuts, cowpeas.
Fruits: Mango, banana, oranges, guava, papaw, pineapple.
Vegetables: Cabbage, green pepper, carrots, lettuce, spice, onions, melons.
Tree crops: Oil palm, cocoa, rubber, coconut, kola nut, coffee, she nuts, beniseed, cotton, cashew nut, sugar cane.
Others: Commercial growing of flowers and ornamentals and experimental orchards for more temperate fruits-apples, grape vines and pears have been successfully established in the high plateau regions.
(b) Food processing and preservation involving industries that will use agricultural produce as raw materials.
(c) Livestock and Fisheries production which possess great potentials for development. Grazing lands are abundant, facilities for animal feed production are plentiful, and the in-land rivers, lakes and coastal creeks are sufficient to augment ocean fishery resources.

(d) Agricultural inputs supplies and machinery, water resources development especially for flood control infrastructure and irrigation.
(e) Commodity trading and transportation.
(f) Development and fabrication of appropriate small-scale mechanized technologies for on-farm processing and secondary processing of agricultural produce.
(g) Exploitation of timber and wood processing activities. A wide range of wood resources abound.

OPPORTUNITIES IN THE OIL AND GAS SECTOR
Foreign and domestic investors are being encouraged through improved fiscal incentives in the Nigeria oil and gas sector. In the Upstream and Downstream sectors, the following are some of the areas where there are pressing needs for investors.

(A) UPSTREAM ACTIVITIES
(i) Petroleum Exploration and Exploitation.
(ii) Search for development of local substitute for such items as Medium pressure valve, pumps, shallow drilling equipment, Drilling mud, bits fittings, drilling cements etc.
(iii) Manufacturing of consumable materials in exploration such as explosives, detonators, steel castings, magnetic tapes etc.
(iv) Other areas in the services sector of the upstream are:
1. Construction and Installation
2. Maintenance
3. Pipelining
4. Well Services and
5. Transportation Support Services.

(B) DOWNSTREAM ACTIVITIES:
(i) Domestic Production and marketing of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
(ii) Manufacturing of LPG cylinders, valves and regulators, installation of filing plants, Retail distribution and development of simple, flexible and much less expensive gas burner to encourage the use of gas instead of wood and other fuels.
(iii) Establishment of processing plants and industries for:
- The production of refined mineral oil, petroleum jelly and grease.
- The manufacture of bituminous based water/damp-proof building materials such as roofing sheets, floor tiles, rubber products, tarpaulin. Building of asphalt storage, packaging and blending plants to handle the product for export.
(iv) Establishment of chemical industries such as distillation units for the production of naphtha and other special boiling point solvents used in plant and other food processing industries.
(v) Establishment of industries for processing Linear Alkyl Benzene, Carbon Black and Polypropylene.
(vi) Development of Phase II (Phase III to join later) of Nigeria’s Petrochemical Programmed.
(vii) Participation in all phases of the Nigeria Gas Industry development programmed from exploration, gathering, production and processing to transmission.
(viii) Establishment of small scale industries to produce chemicals and Solvents, for example Chlorinated methane, Formaldehyde, Acetylene, etc., from natural gas.
(ix) Refining: One condition for purchasing Nigerian Crude Oil is the ownership of an efficient refinery. The shelter which the domestic petroleum products market enjoys, almost completely seals the prospects and viability of privately financed refinery for locally consumed petroleum products. However, opportunities exist for the construction of a refinery in bonded premises with adequate export facilities for dedication to the export market. Companies with the technological know-how can undertake turn-around maintenance of refineries. Refineries consume a lot of chemicals and utilize a broad range of spare parts. There is tremendous scope for small scale joint venture manufacturing concerns with foreign technical partners. Such ventures can start warehousing arrangements that will ensure continuity of supply at competitive prices. Other investment opportunities contingent upon refining and Ancillary activities are the manufacture of special products such as:
- Industrial and food grade solvents
- Insecticides
- Cosmetics
- Mineral Oil, petroleum jelly grease
- Bituminous-based water/damp-proof building materials such as floor tiles, rubber products, tarpaulin, etc., and
- Asphalt storage, packaging and blending plants to handle products for export and local use. Export of refined products surplus also exists as an opportunity in refining.
(x) Products Marketing: Petroleum Product Marketing would seem sealed with hardly any opportunity except by way of establishing an independent marketing outfit or aspiring to establish dealership with the marketers.
While indeed those opportunities remain viable, far more challenging opportunities may be explored in the areas of product transportation, by road and coastal tankers.
Associated with products distribution and marketing is a chain of manufacturing and maintenance business such as lubricating oil reprocessing, LPG bottles and accessories, oil cans reconditioning, etc.
The nations pipeline and depot network consists of 3,001km of pipeline of varying sizes as well as sixteen (16) storage depots. These pipelines and networks traverse the length and breath of the country. The system therefore must be maintained in a healthy state for effective and efficient distribution of products.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVESTMENT IN THE SOLID MINERALS SECTOR
Nigeria is endowed with numerous mineral resources. Recent policy reforms have brought the solid minerals sector to the fore. The emphasis is on encouraging massive foreign investors’ participation in this sector.

PROFILE OF SOLID MINERALS DEPOSITS IN NIGERIA
TALC
An estimated reserve of over 100 million tones of talc has been obtained in Niger, Osun, Kogi, Kwara, Ogun, Taraba and Kaduna States. There are only two medium size talc processing plants currently operating in Nigeria and both are located in Niger State. The color of the Nigerian talc varies from white through milky-white to gray. The talc industry represents one of the most versatile sectors of the industrial minerals of the world. The exploitation of the vast talc deposits in Nigeria would therefore satisfy not only local demands but also that of the international markets as well.

IRON ORE
There are over 3 billion tones of iron ore found in kogi, Enugu, Niger, Zamfara and Kaduna States. Iron is currently being mined at Itakpe (Kogi State), which is more or less at the center of the region of crystalline iron deposits. The large deposit of oolitic iron ores of Kogi and Enugu States are yet to be fully explored. Itakpe iron ore is being beneficiated to 67% Fe. To feed Aladja and Ajaokuta Steel complexes. Besides there are three in-land rolling mills at Oshogbo, Jos and Katsina in addition to some privately owned rolling mills in Lagos and Kano.

GOLD
There are proven reserves of both alluvial and primary deposits of gold with proven reserves in the shiest belt covering the western half of Nigeria. At present exploitation of alluvial deposits is being carried out mostly by artisan miners in a few places in the country. A number of primary deposits, which are sufficiently big for large scale mechanized mining, have been identified in the northwest and southwest parts of the county. Private investors are invited to stake concessions on these primary deposits. It is interesting to note that the primary deposits are of relatively high grade and at shallow depth. Production costs will easily be as low as about $50 per ounce.

BITUMEN
The occurrence of Bitumen deposits in Nigeria is indicated at about 42 billion tones almost as twice the amount of existing reserves of crude petroleum. When fully developed, the industry will no doubt meet local requirements for road construction and also become a foreign exchange earner for the country.

ROCK SALT
The national demand for table salt, caustic soda, chlorine, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hypochloric acid and hydrogen peroxide exceeds one million tones. A colossal amount of money is expended annually to import these chemicals by various companies including tanneries, food beverages, paper and pulp, bottling and other industries including the oil companies. There are salt springs at Awe (Plateau State), Abakaliki (Enugu State) and Uburu (Imo State), while rock salt is available in Benue State. A total reserve of 1.5 billion tones has been indicated, and further investigations are now being carried out by government to ascertain the quantum of reserves.

GYPSUM
Gypsum is an important imput for the production of cement. It is used for the production of Plaster of Paris (P.O.P) and classroom chalk, etc. A strategy for large-scale mining of gypsum used in the cement industries is urgently required to sustain existing plants and meet future expansion. Current cement production is put at 8 million tones per annum while the national requirement is 9.6 million tones. About one billion tones of gypsum deposits are spread over many states in Nigeria.

LEAD/ZINC
An estimated 10 million tons of lead/zinc veins are spread over eight States in Nigeria. Joint venture partners are encouraged to develop and exploit the various lead/zinc deposits all over the country.

BENTONITE AND BARYTE
These are the main constituents of the mud used in the drilling of all types of oil wells. The Nigerian baryte had specific gravity of about 4.3. Over 7.5 million tons of baryte have been identified in Taraba and Bauchi States. Large bentonite reserves of 700 million tonnes are available in many states of the Federation ready for massive development and exploitation.

COAL
Nigerian Coal is one the most bituminous in the world owing to its low sulpur and ash content and therefore the most enviroment friendly. There are nearly 3.00 billion tonnes of indicated reserves in 17 identified coalfields and over 600 million tonnes of proven reserves.

GEMSTONES
Gemstone mining has boomed in various parts of Plateau, Kaduna and Bauchi States for years. Some of these gemstones include Sapphire, Ruby, Aguamarine, Emerald, Tourmaline, Topaz, Garnet, Amethyst, Zircon and Flourspar which are among the world’s best. Good prospects exists in this area for viable investments.

KAOLIN
An estimated reserve of 3 billion tonnes of good kaolinitic clays has been identified.

TANTALITE
Large deposits of Tantalite are known to occur in Nasarawa, Gombe and Kogi tates as well as the Federal Capital Territory. The deposits ar both alluvial and primary in the numerous pegmatite bodies that infest these ares. Grades of well over 50% Ta2O5 are found. Private investors are invited to stake concessions for the development and exploitation of tantalite in these areas.
Pelletisation of Coal for Domestic Use
Given the large deposits of brown coal in the tertiary sediments east and west of River Niger; Nigeria can cash in on foreign investors’ technology to produce coal pellets for industrial use, coal briquettes for domestic use; that is, to replace firewood.
Incentives and Strategies for Investment
Investment Incentives:
- 3-5 years Tax Holiday.
- Deferred royalty payments.
- Posible capitalisation of expenditure on exploration and surveys.
- Extension of infrastructure such as roads and electricity to mining sites, and provision of 100% foreign ownership of mining concerns.

HOW TO OBTAIN A MINING LEASE IN NIGERIA
There are two options available to a company or an individual to enter into mining industry in Nigeria.
Through the acquisition of an existing mining property from the original owner. Approval must be obtained from the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development for such a purchase.
By obtaining an application, either a Prospecting Right (PR), an Exclusive Prospecting Licence (EPL), or a Special Exclusive Prospecting Licence (SEPL), the application should state financial and technical capability qualifying the applicant for entry into the mining sector.


INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE POWER, STEEL AND ALUMINIUM SECTORS.

POWER SECTOR: Government has concluded plans towards revitalization of installations of the National Electric Power Authority, NEPA to enable it meet its total installed capacity of 6000MW. Sufficient funds are being injected for the rehabilitation of ageing plants and equipment. In order to allow full private sector patricipation in power generation, transmission and distribution, government has accepted to deregulate the secror by the year 2000. This will allow local and foreign investors to build, own and operate and/or transfer independent electricity. All laws that inhibit private sector participation in the power sector are being reveiwed with a view to amending them and encouraging investment. This step will complement the de-consolidation of the industry as far as the state-owend NEPA is concerned. The hitherto largely over-centralised operations of this agency will be decentralised.
Guidelines and framework for Independent Power Products (IPP’s) are now being put together folowing the interests and applications already put forward by independent producers from all around the world.
Investment Opportunities exist for hydro-power generation in Mambilla Fall, Adamawa State and Agbokin fall in Cross-River State. NEPA will readily negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with any foreign energy company to cover the following areas:
(i) Development of energy resources and infrastructures,
(ii) Management of energy infrastructure;
(iii) Commercialization of energy
(iv) Training; and
(v) Exchange of information and experience.
It is expected that further discussions will centre on:
(i) Construction and management of power stations by private companies;
(ii) Production of Steam and gas turbine spare parts;
(iii) Repairs and testing of power transformers;
(iv) Development of wind turbines for generation of electricity;
(v) Manufacture of distribution transformers and line hardware;
(vi) Technology transfer through joint erection of new power plants;
(vii) Training of NEPA staff in computer based maintenance system etc.
NEPA and the foreign company will then set up a joint committee for the purpose of achieving these objectives.

THE STEEL SECTOR: Plans by the Ministry to revitalise the steel sector are underway. As a first step to reviving the sector, technical audit and cost estimate for completion of Ajaokuta Steel Project are being contempleted. The Ministry is also planning to rehabilitate the Delta Steel Company and three in-land Steel Rolling Mills in the country with a view to making them function effectively. Staff training and development is also being given attention because local skilled manpower availability can motivate an investor into the industry. These are aimed at putting the sector in a state of readiness for foreign investment.
In consonance with the nation’s technical and economic co-operation policies for this sector, some areas of joint co-operation have been identified, and investors will be encouraged to invest in the sector. Discussions will centre on joint venture commercial operation of the completed units of the Ajaokuta Steel Project. Investors will be encoureged inthe following areas:
(i) Iron Making Plant with capacity to produce 1.35 metric tonnes of billets;
(ii) Billet Mill with capacity to produce 795,000 tonnes of billets per annum;
(iii) Light Section Mill with capacity to produce 400,000 tonnes of bars per annum;
(iv) Medium Section Mill with capacity to produce 130,000 tonnes of wire coils per annum; and
(v) Engineering Workshops comprising:
- The Power Equipment Repair Shop
- Forge Fabrication and Rubberising Shop with capacity to produce 4,200 tonnes of fabricated structures.

THE ALUMINIUM SECTOR:
The Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria, ALSCON, is a joint venture project in which Nigeria owns 70% of the equity shares, while the remaining 30% is shared between AG Ferrostaal of Germany with 20% shares and Reynolds Inc. Of US with 10% shares. The present administration is making efforts to ensure that the aluminium smelter plant is properly funded. It has given invitation to private investors to invest in the company and /or take part of Nigeria’s 70% shares. The plant is one of the best and biggest in the world with the most modern technology. A number of countries have signed or are negotiating trade and economic cooperation agreements with Nigeria. Since the essence of these bilateral agreements is to foster unity: boost economic growth and technological co-operation, foreign investors should take advantage of existing bilateral ties and harken to the call to invest in the ALSCON project as in other projects in the power and steel sectors.

COMMUNICATIONS SECTOR
The deregulation of the telecommunications sector in 1992 through Decree 75 was to allow for private sector participation in the sector and expand the nation’s communication facilities. The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) was established consequently to regulate the performance of the sector. The liberalisation thrust was further strengthened by the Nigeria Communications Commission (Amendment) Decree No. 30 of 1998 which deleted those provisions in the first decree that inhibited competition in the sector thus enhancing the expected role of private sector enterprises.

The functions of Nigerian Communications Commission include:
* Regulating the privatised sector of the telecommunications industry.
* Facilitating entry into the telecommunications market by private enterpreneurs.
* Creating a regulatory enviroment for the supply of telecommunications equipment and facilities.
* Issuing of telecommunications licences.
* Promoting fair competition and efficient market conduct among all players in the telecommunications industry.
* Arbitrating disputes between participants in the telecommunications industry and protecting consumers against unfair practices.

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA
1. LOCAL MANUFACTURE OF EQUIPMENT
The telecommunications industry in Nigeria is far from being developed. There is a dearth infrastructural facilities and this has placed a constraint on the provision of services to existing and potential customers. There is therefore an urgent need to expand the infrastructures in this sector if it is to effectively play its role in the economic, social, plotical, cultural and in fact overall development of the Nigerian society and properly integrate it into the international community. Such desired expansion can not be achieved under the present dispensation where the needed equipment are usually imported with attendant problems of foreign exchange procurement, freighting cost, long delivery period etc. There is therefore no other realistic option thanthe local manufacture of these equipment and spares.

SWITCHING AND TRANSMISSION EQUIPMENT
Local manufacture of switching and transmission equipment is requird since no single company exists in Nigeria or even neighbouring countries for this purpose. Hence any company that goes into the venture will have its market beyond the frontiers of Nigeria.


CABLES
In Nigeria, there are three companies engaged in the production of telecommunication cables using imported copper and other local resources like poly vinyl chloride materials for insulation. There is no company that is cuurently producing fibre optic cables in the country.
The copper cable producing companies are producing only low pair capacity of 50, 100, 200 pairs. There is need for a plant that will produce high pair capacity cables that will enhance massive provision of lines to the teaming population.
2. FACILITIES AND SERVICES PROVISION
With Nigeria’s population that is over 108 million people, an installed telephone capacity of about 700,000 lines and a telephone penetration of 0.65 lines to 100 persons, it is abundantly clear that telephone service to the populace is grossly inadequate. Even with the Government introduction of competition in the sector and the subsequent licensing of Private Telecommunications Operatos. (PTOs), the market has not experienced any noticeable chang. Although some of the PTO’s have commenced operation for over two years, they have not been able to collectively introduce up to 100,000 telephone lines into the country’s telecommunictions network.
Hence, the sector is still a virgin land for investors wishing to provide and operate private network links employing cable, radio communications, data services, INTERNET Business and Satellite communication, Payphone services and Cellular radio phone services.
3. JOINT VENTURE FUNDING OF INVESTMENTS
Apart from the absence of local manufacture of equipment and inadequate services, another major problem that has seriously affected the growth of the industry is insufficient financial resources. The industry is a capital intensive one and the banks in the country appear no to have strong financial muscle to handle massive investment in the sector. The industry has not also attracted individuals’ cooperative initiative probably as a result of the low level of income per capita in the economy. Hence joint venture partnership between foreign investors and Nigerians will be a veritable source of investment capital for the sector. At present there is no joint venture enterprise in the sector. The Nigeria-Turkey joint venture for the local manufacture of telecomms equipment initiated over five years ago was not concluded as a result of the plotical climate during this period. It is hoped that with the return of democracy in Nigeria, negotiation will once more commence on this issue.

INVESTMENT PROCEDURES WITHIN THE NIGERIA EXPORT PROCESSING ZONES (EPZ)
i) Any company, person or group of persons wishing to carry out approved activity within a zone shell apply to the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority NEPZA using the prescribed forms and shall submit such documents and information in support of the applications. The forms shall specify the application fees and such other details as the Authority may stipulate from time to time. A feasibility study in respect of the investment project which the applicant wishes to undertake in the zone shall be attrached as an annex to the application and shall contain the following among others:
- Project description;
- Market survey;
- Funding proposals;
- Financial projections;
- Environmental impact statement and control measures.
ii) Application to undertake approved activity in the zone duly received, shall be considered by the Authority within 30 days of receipt and the Authority shall notify the applicant in writing og its decisions to grant the said approval or otherwise. The approval shall be subject to such terms and conditions as may be imposed by the Authority.
iii) If the application is approved the investor may proceed to carry out the following:
(a) Apply for company registration
(b) If outright purchase of factory building is desired
- Payment of 10% deposit of the selling price of the standard factory building within 3 months of approval;
- Payment of the balance 90%, 5 months after;
(c) Renting of factory building
- Down payment of one year rent required not exceeding 3 months after signing the rental contract. Thereafter, rental charges shall be paid in the first quarter of every year.
(d) Leasing the standard factory
- Payment of 40% lease value on approval
- Payment of 30% at the end of the 5th year
- Payment of 30% balance at the end of the 10th year.
(e) Leasing of serviced plots
- Down payment of 40% on completion of factory building
- 30% at the end of the 5th year
- 30% at the end of the 10th year
Construction must be completed within a period of one year which can be extended for another 6 months.
A plan of the building shall be submitted to the Authority for approval. The land lease contract shall be signed within 2 months after allocation of land. The area occupied by such building shall be between 60%-70% of the leased land and construction shall start within 3 months after signing the lease contract.
iv) With condition(s) in (iii) fulfilled, the investor may proceed to carry out the following: Remittance of Investment Capital through banks in the zone and notify the Authority on arrival
v) When the factory building is ready, investor(s) may bring in machinery for installation and workers employed. Therefore, the Authority shall be required to carry out pre-inspection, and if found satisfactory, a certificate to commence production will be issued.
vi) Companies intending to sell the permitted 25% of their total production in the domestic market, will be required to notify the Authority for necessary documentation and payment of appropriate levies and charges as applicable.
vii) The company shall apply to the Authority for assessment of invested capital for later repatriation purposes. This is applicable to comanies which are 100% foreign owned and those with part foregn equity participation only.

INVESTMENT REQUIREMENTS
1. Industries must be guaranteed to be environmentally friendly.
2. At least 75% of total products to be exported.
3. Maximum of 25% of products can be exported to the customs. territory on payment of appropriate levies & duties.
4. Minimum investment capital outlay is 500,000 US Dollars or its Naira equivalent.

TYPES OF INDUSTRIES PERMISSABLE IN NIGERIA EXPORT PROCESSING ZONES
- Electrical and Electronic Products
- Leather Products
- Plastic Products
- Petroleum Products
- Rubber Products
- Cosmetics
- Garments
- Chemical Products
- Metal Products
- Educational Materials and Equipment
- Communication Equipment and Materials
- Sports Equipment and Materials
- Machinery
- Handicraft
- Optical Instuments and Appliances
- Medical Kits and Instruments
- Biscuits and Confectionaries
- Printed Materials, Office Equipment and Appliances
- Paper Materials
- Food processing
- Pharmaceutical Products.

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE TOURISM SECTOR
The Federal Government of Nigeria in its determined efforts to develop and promote tourism into an economically viabe industry had in 1991 evolved a touriam policy. The main thrust of the policy is to make Nigeria a prominent tourism destination in Africa, generate foreign exchang, encourage even development, promote tourism-based rural enterprises, generate employment, accelerate rural-urban integration and foster socio-cultural unity among the various regions of the country through the promotion of domestic and international tourism. It also aims at encouraging active private sector participation in tourism development.
The following special investment potentials exist within the country:
- Overland Safaris
- National Parks
- Game and Gorilla viewing
- Deep Sea Recreational Fishing
- Lake and River Fishing
- Archaeological Tours
- Beach Resorts and Hotels
- Transportation-Water, land and sea
- Surfing and snorkeling
- Theme Parks and Exposition Centres
PROCEDURES FOR ESTABLISHING A BUSINESS ENTERPRISE BY A FOREIGNER IN NIGERIA
STEP 1
Incorporation of the Business at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in accordance with the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.
STEP 2
Registration of the company with Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission for the granting of Business Permit. IPC also grnats approvals for expatriate quota positions and incentives.
a. Requirements for Business Permit
i. Perchase NIPC form I for N10,000.00. Completed form submitted with original receipt.
ii. Certificate of Incorporation.
iii. A minimum share capital holding in the joint venture.
iv. Details of share holding in the joint venture.
v. Joint venture/partnership Agreement where applicable.
vi. Memorandum and Articles of Association.
vii CAC’s Form CO2 and CO7 duly certified.
viii. Evidence of capital importation for wholly foreign companies.
ix. Approval from the appropriate professional bodies where applicable.
b. Expariate Quota
In addition to the requirements listed under Business Permit, the following additional requirements have to be met for expatriate quota approvals.
i. Evidence of acquisition of operational premises and operational machinery/equipment in the case of industrial establishment.
ii. Evidence of Foreign Capital Importation.
iii. Management and Technical Services agreement (for service companies).
iv. Tax Clearance Certificate.
v. Minimum authorised share capital of N5million.
vi. Evidence that the personnel required is not likely to be available in Nigeria.
vii. Minimum share capital of N15 million (for two automatic expatriate quota positions) and of N30 million share capital (in case of four automatic expatriate quota positions).
viii. Supply names, address, qualifications and positions to be occupied by the expatriates.
ix. The company must produce its project implementation programme.
x. The company must produce a training program for Nigerians in addition to management succession schedule.
xi. The company will furnish its feasibility report where applicable especially for new and prior industries.
c. Incentives
These include pioneer Status and Technical Agreement incentives:
PIONEER STATUS
The benefit of a Pioneer Status Certificate is that the holder (i.e. the company) is exempted from payment of tax for a specified number of years (5 years or 7 years for companies located in economically disadvantaged areas).
Requirements
I. Certificate of Incorporation.
ii. Memorandum and Articles of Association.
iii. Feasibility study.
iv. Tax Clearance Certificate.
v. Joint Venture Agreement.
vi. Evidence of acquisition and installation.
vii. Evidence of development carried out at factory site.
viii. NIPC Form II (to be purchased from NIPC at N10,000 and should be returned with original purchase receipt).
ix. The company must not be more than one year old from its commencement date of production.
x. Evidence of physical development of the factory site.
xi. Joint venture must attain a minimum expenditure of N5 million.

NIGERIA CULTURE AND TOURISM





























INTRODUCTION TO NIGERIA CULTURE AND TOURISM
Because of the great diversity of people and culture, Nigeria has distinguished herself over the centuries in the field of arts. Nigerian versatility in art is so great that it is generally felt that all African nations should view Nigeria as the principal trustee of the most durable fruits of black artistic genius. It is not precisely known when the first works of Nigerian art reached the outside world, but in 1897, following a British punitive expedition to Benin, over 2,000 Benin bronzes and ivories were shipped to England and later dispersed all over Europe and America.
The oldest sculptures found in Nigeria were from the Southern Zaria and Benue areas of central Nigeria. They consist of terracotta figures and figurines made by a people who achieved a high degree of cultural sophistication. These sculptures, together with other cultural elements, have been named the Nok Culture. Evidence shows the Nok people had knowledge of iron smelting and adorned themselves with tin and stone beads, earrings, noserings and bracelets. The Nok Culture is dated between 500 B.C. and 200 A.D. The next known phase of Nigerian cultural evolution was Igbo Ukwu bronze casting. Found in the small village of Igbo-Ukwu, near Awka, the casts date from the 9th Century A.D. They first came to light in 1938 and consist of staff heads, crowns, breastplates, pendants, ornaments, anklets, wristlets and chains.About the same time the Igbo-Ukwu people were casting bronze, the ancient Ife people were also producing works in bronze, copper, and terracotta. In the first quarter of this Century, Ife works caused a great stir among world art critics and historians who were unaccustomed to such naturalism in African art. The best known Nigerian artworks are the Benin Antiquities. Legend recounts how the Benin people learned the art of bronze casting from Ile-Jfe around 1400 A.D. Oba Ogunta, the sixth King of Benin, is credited with having encouraged this art in Benin.
Nigeria's cultural heritage is woven from threads of history and diversity, legend and conquest. Tourists visiting the country will gain insights to a glorious past as well as a promising future, set amid the natural beauty of this diverse country. From rain forests in the south, broad savanna woodlands in the center to a semi-desert region in the north, Nigeria offers a remarkable range of physical beauty in her land and hospitality of her people, ready to be enjoyed by the tourist fortunate enough to choose this land of ancient empires as their travel destination.
Nigeria is a vast country with a population of about 120 people covering about 923,768 sq.km of landmass, located wholly within the tropics. The country aptly described as the 'Giant of Africa' is richly endowed with ecological and cultural resources, which are of universal recognition. The richness and diversity of the Nigeria culture is a manifestation of the socio-cultural differences of the over 250 ethnic groups that inhabit the land for ages.
Tourism is one of the growing sectors the Nigerian economy. The industry was accorded priority status in 1990 when the National Tourism Policy was launched. The main thrust of Government policy on tourism was to generate foreign exchange earnings, create employment opportunities, promote rural enterprises and national integration among other things.
In recognition of the immense contributions of tourism to the national economy, the country's Vision 2010 set year 2005 as the nation's year of tourism. The obvious implication of this development is that tourism policies and programmes will now be aimed at making Nigeria the "Ultimate Tourism Destination in Africa" by the year 2005.
Nigeria's Appeal To Tourists

Nigeria offers a wide variety of tourist attractions such as extended and roomy river and ocean beaches ideal for swimming and other water sports, unique wildlife, vast tracts of unspoiled nature ranging from tropical forest, magnificent waterfalls, some new rapidly growing cities and climatic conditions in some parts particularly conducive to holidaying. Other attractions include traditional ways of life preserved in local customs; rich and varied handicrafts and other colourful products depicting or illustrative of native arts and lifestyle, and the authentic unsophisticated but friendly attitude of many in the Nigerian population. However, many of these attractions are still largely untapped and even at their raw states, they are still being enjoyed by few outsiders, either very rich visitors in quest of exoticism or adventurous people in search of new challenges and experiences. The lack of required modern infrastructural facilities and in some parts of the country acute conditions of underdevelopment and poverty can be seen which many potential Nigeria bound tourist may not like to be confronted with. These are impediments to tourism, which the new administration has been tackling since assumption of office. Investors, both foreign and local are therefore called upon to come and invest in the abundant tourism potentials in the country. The richness and diversity of Nigeria's tourism resources coupled with economic liberalisation policies will provide investment opportunities in various areas as follows:
Heritage/Cultural Tourism Resources Development of slave trade relics
Establishment of museums and preservation of monuments
Wildlife Tourism Resources
Development of hiking trails and Jeep tracks in the national parks
Development of picnic and camping sites at strategic locations within the trail circuit system in the national parks
Building of tourist lodges
Building of reception centres at Natural/Physical Attractions
Provision of cable bus system to take tourist through the very rugged but scenic terrain of the mountains especially in Kanyang, Obudu and Mambilla Plateau Construction of lodge cabins for expedition tourist and rangers.
Establishment of hotels and resorts near waterfalls, springs, caves and temperate climate areas such as Obudu, jos and Mambila Plateau.
Beach Tourism potentials Establishment of boating and sport fishing facilities
Development of water transportation Provision of educational facilities for water skiing and swimming
Establishment of holiday resorts along the coasts.
Development of Amusement parks, entertainment facilities and shopping services

Development of arts and crafts which constitute symbol of the people's cultural values and love for nature.

Some Business Opportunities
Transportation Nigeria has attained a high level of good transportation system especially Airline and Road Transportation, investment opportunities are still needed in water recreation transportation and rail services.
Hospitality The hospitality sector of the tourism industry seems to be the most competitive area with the presence of starwood Hotel Groups, owners of Sheratons, Hilton, Le Meridien, Shangra Lai the Asian Hotel giant in restaurants and many
Beach
Meanwhile, most of Nigeria's beautiful beaches locations are still largely without accommodation facilities, which are targets for investors in most tourism destinations across the globe.
Tour Operations
Like the Europeans and Americas tour companies invaded the North, South and East Africa by having tour offices in these regions which enable them to market destinations in their home countries is lacking in the case of Nigeria.
Any Company willing to do so for Nigeria will be highly welcome.local hotel and restaurant groups battling for a better share of the market.

Investment Climate
Apart from the enormous potentials and investment opportunities in the Nigerian tourism sector, the country's investment climate at present is one of the most favourable in Africa for a number of reasons, among which is Political Stability.
The enthronement of a viable democratic system, which guarantees political stability, improves international relation and respect for human rights would in various ways enhance investment opportunities in the country.
Tourism Incentives

The provision of incentives in the 1990 National Tourism Policy were also to enhance private sector participation. These are in the following areas:

Conclusion
Tourism investment atmosphere in Nigeria is now conducive given the abundant resources available, large market, enthronement of enduring democracy, and a package of incentive put together by government. Foreign investors and other interested individuals should take these advantages to invest in the Nigerian tourism industry for sustainability and profitable returns.
Tourism Investment Opportunities In Nigeria
A Tourism policy was produced in 1990 with the basic objective of making Nigeria the ultimate tourism destination in Africa.
The main thrust of government policy on tourism, is to generate foreign exchange, encourage even development, promote tourism based rural enterprises, generate employment and accelerate rural urban integration and cultural exchange.
Due to the importance the Nigerian government attaches to the tourism industry, the following strategies were adopted:

Infrastructure
Government would ensure that the provision of basic infrastructural facilities, namely, good roads, water, electricity, communications and hotels, to centres of attraction, in order to accelerate their development for the purpose of exploiting fully their touristic value. In furtherance of this goal, the appropriate government agency responsible for tourism promotion and development, shall establish and maintain close laison with other government agencies responsible for the provision of the infrastructure.
Concession of Land
State governments will provide land without any hindrance for tourism development at concessional rates and conditions favourable to investment and the realisation of investment thereon. This will necessarily include the abolition of annual ground rent within the period of construction and development of tourism. For orderly development of tourism and tourism product, it is mandatory for all state governments to demarcate potential Tourism Zones and their products from other usage, to avoid undue pollution. 100% equity ownership of companies in Nigeria and repatriation of profits and dividends etc.
Fiscal and Other Incentives
In order to boost the level of private sector investment in tourism, it is treated by government as a preferred sector, like agriculture. Government has also introduced such incentives as, tax holidays, tax rebate and soft loans, with long period of grace to potential investors in tourism.
Patrol and Regulation of the Industry

The government has enacted laws and regulations, which govern the activities of the categories of people involved in the industry, like hoteliers, travel agents, tour-operators, car hire services. This is to ensure that their conduct, is not detrimental to objectives of the industry and the security of the nation, as well as tourists.

Tourism Facilities
To ensure the growth and development of tourism to international standards, government has put in place these following:
Embarked on a massive and aggressive publicity campaign in the country, on the potentials and significance of tourism. Available publicity organs of the government have been utilised.
Publicised and marketed the nations tourism potentials abroad, through Nigeria's diplomatic missions and the foreign media, international travel fairs and mails.
Simplified issuance of visas/entry permit to intending visitors, such that they can get it immediately on application. Tourists arriving our ports with return tickets, are also issued with visas on the spot.
Security agencies, including customs and immigration have been oriented to discharge their duties promptly to eliminate inconveniences by visitors at entry points.
Institutional Arrangement of Tourism
The government has put in place the following institutional frame-work.

Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism
The Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism has assumed full responsibility for policy initiation and monitoring, and maintains direct links with state governments on all tourism matters. However, the tourism industry is still fully dominated by states and local governments, where tourist attractions are situated.

State Ministries
State ministries implement policies and directories from the Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism, initiate projects and control land allocation and development of tourism in their respective areas. The states also regulate the operations of hotels and catering institutions in line with the federal government policy.
Local Government Tourism Board
These local organs were established to locate and identify potential tourist attractions in their areas. They serve as information centres and provide tourist guides. They also preserve and maintain monuments, as well as museums in their areas of jurisdiction.
Summary of Investment Opportunities In Nigeria
Investment opportunities exist within the following sub-sectors of the tourism industry:
Beach and Coastal Resort development (Nigeria has over 700km of unpolluted sandy beaches). Conservation and Protection of 8 national parks and over 10 game reserves. Development of hotels and standard restaurants Transportation: water recreation, package tour services, air and rail services. Development of caves, tunnels, waterfalls and spring waters. Youth hostels, camps and centres Lake and River sport fishing. Scenic and Mountain Holiday resorts Theme/Amusement parks Conference/Congress Services Conservation and protection of endangered wildlife especially drill monkey, manatec, white throated monkey and pigmy hippo. Heritage, cultural and archaeological sites.

YANKARI GAME RESERVE
The Yankari National Park is the premier game reserve in Nigeria. Yankari Park and Wikki Warm Springs are located around the Gagi River, approximately 1 1/2 hours by road, southeast of Bauchi Town. The beauty and size of The Yankari Game Reserve make it the most pop­ular reserve in Nigeria. Set up in 1956 and opened to the public in 1962, the main game-viewing areas of the reserve are open all year round. Japanese, Western Europeans, Americans and Southeast Asian tourists visit this park in abundance. The reserve covers 2,058 sq. km. of savanna wood­land and is well-stocked with elephants, baboons, waterbucks, bushbucks, oribi, crocodile, hippopotamus, roan antelope, buffalo and various types of monkeys. Lions are occasionally spotted as well, despite their natural cam­ouflage. The best time to visit is between November and May, when tourists are likely to see more game since the dense vegetation has dried out and the animals congregate around the rivers.
The Wikki Warm Springs is one of the best features of the game reserves. Flood-lit at night, it is wonderful after a hot day’s game-viewing to relax in the warm water. The spring gushes out from under a cliff, where the water is at least 6 ft. deep, with a bathing area that extends for 600 ft. to an open area. The park is inhabited by a variety of birds, including the huge sad­dlebill stork, golliath heron, bateleur eagle, vultures, kingflshers, bee-eaters and more. It is excellent for serious bird-watchers.
Other facilities include: Tennis courts, squash courts, a small museum in the reception area plus gas stations with convenience stores at Wikki Camp and Bauchi.
Reservations: It is advisable to make reservation during the holidays and weekends with Easter a particularly busy season. Reservations can be made at Durbar Hotel in Kaduna, Bauchi State House in Lagos and at the Zaranda Hotel in Bauchi. Or call Yankari Game Reserve at (069) 43-656.
Route: You can travel by road from Lagos to Abuja, where you make an overnight stop, then on to Jos and Bauchi, as it is a 2-day journey by car over well-maintained roads.
Hotels: Basic accommodations are available in chalets or rondavels. Also available are suites, double rooms and family chalets that include small kitchens. There are many other National Parks besides Yankari, as illustrated on the map. Notable ones include Mambilla, Gumti National Park, Cross River National Park, and Kainji Lake National Park.


Mambilla Plateau
The Mambilla Plateau, in the southeast corner of Taraba State, shares a border with Cameroon. A high grassland plateau averaging about 1800 meters, it is scenic, cool and a pleasant change from the heat and humidity of Lagos. Because the roads are still under construction, a sport utility vehicle or jeep is recom­mended and visitors should pack essentials, camping equipment and food. As an option, there are a few hotels on the plateau.
The Park provides an attractive setting, well worth a visit. Mambilla has cattle ranches, tea plantations and rolling, grassy hills. It is different from the rest of Nigeria with regard to flora and fauna and is home to some rare species of birds and animals, especially at the

Gashaka-Gumti National Park.
Route: There is a major road to Mambilla from Lagos, Benin City, Onitsha, Enugu, Otukpo, Yandev, Katsina Ala, Wukari, Mutum Biyu, Bali, Serti and Gembu. You can also fly into Yola Airport, then drive a few miles south to Mambilla.
Gashaka-Gumti National Park
This is a vast land of spectacular wilderness (6,000 sq. kin) in the southeast corner of Taraba State, adjoin­ing the Mambilla Plateau. Mostly mountainous, from 457 to 2407 meters, it contains Nigeria’s highest mountain, Chapal Waddi (2409m). It is the most ecologically diverse conservation area in the country and contains swaths of guinea savanna, gallery forest, moist forest, mountain forest and grassland. Many rivers flow through the park, including the Taraba, a major tributary of the River Benue. A wide variety of animal life can be found, including buffalo, roan ante­lope, chimpanzee, colobus monkey, hippopotamus, hyena, giant forest hog, lion and leopard. The park is a birdwatcher’s paradise with a wide variety of species, and there is excellent fishing in the River Kam. The reserve headquarters is in the Forest Rest Houses at Serti, on the main road between Bali and Mambilla Plateau. These rest houses provide self-catering accommodation at a small fee. The entrance to the park is about 15 km south of Serti. In the dry season, it is possible to drive to the former headquarters at Gashaka village, some 30 km from the entrance gate, where more self-catering accommodation is available. The park is best explored on foot and it is possible to hire game guards; guides and porters are available at Serti or in Gashaka village.

Cross River National Park
The Cross River National Park was created from two existing forest reserves of Bashi-Okwango and Oban Forest Resveres. It is famous for its unique rain forest vegetation which, according to conservation experts, is some of the richest in Africa. This park contains the last remaining rain forest in Nigeria, which is being preserved with the help of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation. It has a herd of forest elephants, the white-faced monkey (indigenous to Nigeria only), buffalo, leopards and lowland gorillas, besides over a thousand other animal species. The park has a tropical climate characterized by a rainy season between April and October and a dry season between November and April. The moist green vegetation cover makes the for­est an excellent place to see birds and butterflies.

The Kainji National Park
This Park, in Kwara State, was established in 1979 and incorporates the Borgu Game Reserve and Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast in Niger State. The Bourgu sector of the park alone covers an area of about of 3,929 sq. km. of savanna woodland, and Zugurma cover an area of about 1,370 sq. km.The Kainji National Park also contains the Kainji Dam, an artificial lake which covers the town of Old Bussa. Here Mungo Park, the explorer, was said to have come to grief in 1805. Now the lake hides the scene of the accident. The lake is 136 km long and tours of the dam are available on request from the Nigeria Electric Power Authority. Boat trips on the lake can be arranged by the Borgu Game Reserve office at Wawa. To reduce the expense, it is better for several visitors to share the cost. Fishing is allowed on the lake.

Tourist Sites:
The Borgu Sector of Lake Kainji National Park was set up as a Federal Game Reserve and is one of the largest in West Africa. The area was uninhabited and the idea for the park was conceived in 1960. It is in the northern guinea vegetation zone which is charac­terized by tall grasses and savanna woodland. The park retains a robust animal population including antelope, lion, hippopotamus, buffalo, roan antelope, jackal, baboon, monkey and crocodile. The park is usually open from December to June, with the best time to visit towards the end of the dry season, when the grass has dried out and the animals move closer to the water. Tourist should expect Harmattan (dry wind) from December to mid-February. The best times for game viewing are in the early morning or evening, and trips can be arranged from 6:00 am, either in park vehicles or visitor’s own vehicle. Bird life is abundant, especially near the river. Visitors should call the Wawa Game Warden’s office (11 miles from New Bussa) for a briefing and to also reserve a game guide. The entrance to the reserve is approximately 19 miles from Wawa along a laterite road, and the oil river camp is a further 32 miles from the entrance. Many Nigerians and foreigners make day trips to
Kainji or pass by it on their way to other parts of the country. Despite the provisions at Kainji and New Bussa, hotel accommodation is insufficient to encour­age many people to stay for long periods.

DURBAR.
The Durbar festival dates back hundreds of years to the time when the Emirate (state) in the north used horses in warfare. During this period, each town, district, and nobility household was expected to contribute a regiment to the defense of the Emirate. Once or twice a year, the Emirate military chiefs invited the var­ious regiments for a Durbar (military parade) for the Emir and his chiefs. During the parade, regiments would showcase their horsemanship, their preparedness for war, and their loyalty to the Emirate. Today, Durbar has become a festival celebrated in honor of vis­iting Heads of State and at the culmination of the two great Muslim festivals, Id-el Fitri (commemorating the end of the holy month of Ramadan) and Ide-el Kabir (commemorating Prophet Ibrahim sacrificing a ram instead of his son). Of all the modern day Durbar festivals, Katsina Durbar is the most mag­nificent and spectacular. Id-el-Kabir, or Sallah Day, in Katsina begins with prayers out­side town, followed by processions of horsemen to the public square in front of the Emir’s palace, where each village group, district, and noble house take their assigned place. Last to arrive is the Emir and his splendid retinue; they take up their place in front of the palace to receive the jahi, or homage, of their subjects.
The festival begins with each group racing across the square at full gallop, swords glinting in the sun. They pass just few feet away from the Emir, then stop abruptly to salute him with raised swords.
The last and most fierce riders are the Emir’s household and reg­imental guards, the Dogari. After the celebrations, the Emir and his chiefs retire to the palace, and enjoyment of the occasion reigns. This fanfare is intensified by drumming, dancing and singing, with small bands of Fulanis performing shadi, a fasci­nating sideshow to behold.

Coconut Beach
Coconut Beach is a beautiful beach in the coastal town of Badagry, west of Lagos. The beach is attractively set in an area surrounded by coconut trees. About 20 miles towards the border of Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, Coconut Beach is accessible through the Lagos-Badagry expressway. Visitors will find a friendly relaxed atmosphere.

Bar Beach
Bar Beach, also known as Victoria Beach, is the most popular beach among Nigerians. The main beach on Victoria Island is located along Ahmadu Bello Way opposite the Feder­al Guest House. It is usually crowded with Nigerians on public holidays.
Tarkwa Bay Tarkwa Bay is a sheltered beach along the Lagos harbor. It is accessible by a ‘trazan’ boa from Maroko or ‘fiki’ boat from under Falo Bridge on Victoria Island. This beach provides a pleasant outing with safe swimming conditions, even for small children. Tourist may obtain deck chairs and an awning on the beach, for relaxed, casual comfort. Local yen dots sell delicious pineapples, coconuts and variety of other delightful treats.

Calabar Beach
This superb beach, at the mouth of the new Calabar River, is about 2 miles long and 500 feet wide, uninhabited save for a solitary fish­erman’s hut. The beach is virtually isolated and lends visitors the luxury of privacy in a beautiful setting off the beaten path. Since the beach is flanked by a swamp and can only be reached by boat or canoe, getting there is half the fun and enhances one’s fascination with this enchanted locale.

Lekki Beach
There are several beaches along the Lekki Peninsula, the foremost being Lekki Beach, located a few miles from the city center. Lekki Beach is another of Lagos’ attractive beaches and remains popular with foreign tourists. Beach shelters made of palm fronds and umbrellas, available for rent, keep the sun at bay, as well as provide a place to enjoy snacks or refreshments sold by local traders.

Eleko Beach
Opened in 1989, Eleko is the newest of Lagos’ Beaches, down the Lekki Peninsula about 30 miles from Lagos. There are no traders and no distractions on Eleko Beach, just peace and tranquillity, ideal for those seeking privacy.

The Obudu Ranch The Obudu Ranch is a popular holiday destination for adventurous tourists wishing to explore the remote corners of Nigeria. Situated in the northeast corner of Cross River State, only 45 miles from the Cameroon border, a tourist can enjoy the countryside of both Nigeria and Cameroon at the same time.

The Obudu Plateau is spread over an area of 40 sq. miles. It is 5,200 feet above sea level. The climate is cool and pleasant with no mosquitoes. The landscape is spectacular, with rolling grasslands, deep-wooded valleys and waterfalls. Iris best to visit Obudu in the dry season since during the rainy season much of the ranch may be covered in mist and low clouds and there are thunderstorms. Between Dec. and Feb. the harmattan is heavy; therefore, the best times for a visit are the end of Oct. to Dec. and March to May before the rainy season.

Attractions:
Gorilla Camp, 13 km from the hotel, is accessible either by vehicle or on foot, where one can take a long, picturesque walk to the camp, and observe gorillas in their natural habitat. Guests may also ride horses or embark on hiking trips into the wild (comfortable shoes and a guide are recommend­ed). Birdwatching here is unparalleled and there is a pleasantly shaded natural swimming pool near the Ranch House. If visitors accept the challenge of a three-hour hike, they’ll be rewarded with a stop at the waterfall, nes­tled amid captivating scenery. In spite of the altitude, it can get quite hot in the day, with five sunshine hours in the dry season (Oct. - April) and roughly two during rainy season (July to Aug.). Other activities include: golf, badminton, lawn tennis, squash and horseback riding. The latest attraction at the Obudu Ranch is a cable-car (similar to Europe's) that runs from the foot of the hill to the top, easing transportation and providing spectacular sceneries.

Accommodation:
The Ranch Hotel maintains 33 chalets and boasts a friendly staff, superb restaurant and bar, and laundry/dry cleaning services. Chalets provide exquisite comfort with a large sitting room, color TV, VCR, cocktail bar, kitchen & spacious bedroom with double bed. The Ranch Hotel operates 24-hours during peak periods, Sept.-Dec., reservations should be made at the Cross River State House in Lagos. Or, by mail to: Hotel Manager, Obudu Cattle Ranch, P.O. Box 87, Obudu, Cross River State, Nigeria.

Route: The sights are spectacular on the drive east, through rolling mountains and the dense forest with trees so high their branches form a canopy, shading out the sun entirely. This phenomenon has led to the area being called “Nigeria’s Amazon,” and is not to be missed. However, should one prefer to fly, they can do so from any major city to Calabar then proceed by car over the five hour route via Ikom.

ARGUNGU FISHING FESTIVAL
This colorful annual festival takes place in Arugungu, a riverside town in Kebbi State, about 64 miles from Sokoto. The leading tourist attraction in the area, the festival originated in Aug. 1934, when the late Sultan Dan Mu’azu made an historic visit. In tribute, a grand fishing festival was organized. Since then, it’s become a celebrated yearly event held between Feb. and March. During the festival, hundreds of local men and boys enter the water, armed with large fishnet scoops. They are joined by canoes filled with drummers, plus men rattling huge seed-filled gourds to drive the fish to shallow waters. Vast nets are cast and a wealth of fish are harvested, from giant Nile Perch to the peculiar Balloon Fish. Furthermore there’s canoe racing, wild duck hunting, bare-handed fishing, diving competitions and naturally, swimming. Afterwards, there is drinking, singing and dancing into the night.

EYO FESTIVAL
Eyo Festival is unique to Lagos area, and it is widely believed that Eyo is the forerunner of the mod­ern day carnival in Brazil. On Eyo Day, the main highway in the heart of the city (from the end of Carter Bridge to Tinubu Square) is closed to traffic, allowing for procession from Idumota to Iga Idunganran. Here, the participants all pay homage to the Oba of Lagos. Eyo festival takes place whenever occasion and tradition demand, but it is usually held as the final burial rites for a highly regarded chief.

SHARO/SHADI FESTIVAL

The Fulani culture presents a complex system, involving age-old initiations. The most important is the Sharo or Shadi (flogging meeting), believed to have originated among the Jaful Fulani, whose ranks are still considered the finest. During the Sharo festival, bare-chested contestants, usually unmarried men, come to the center ring, escorted by beautiful girls. The crowd erupts in thunderous cheers and drumming. After some time, a challenger, also bare-chested, comes out brandishing a whip, trying to frighten his opponent. The festival proceeds with lively drumming, singing, cheers and self-praises from both competitors and challengers. When the excitement is at a fevered pitch, it is the time for flogging. The challenger raises his whip and flogs his opponent. His opponent must endure this without wincing or showing pain, lest he be branded a coward.

THE ATILOGWU DANCE
The Atilogwu dance has been elevated to a dazzling art form, particularly by the Igbos in Anambra State. Atilogwu is a vigorous dance which literally means “Is this magic?” and combines elements of gymnastics with foot-stomping rhythms and brilliant colors. It’s performed by young men and women who undergo rigorous training before presenting the dance in public. Once approved, the dance is performed during important festivals and great social occasions. In fact, Atilogwu has become a celebrated signature of Nigerian culture, performed around the world.


NATIONAL MUSEUMS
The National Museum at Onikan, Lagos provides one of the largest collection of art and artifacts in Nigeria. Of great importance to anyone seeking a deep­er understanding of African art and the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria, the artifacts in the museum date from 500 BC-200 AD, including the Nok ter­racotta heads. Its interior is majestic in scope, and retraces the development of various cultures through centuries of Nigerian history. Operated by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, the museum here, like —others in Benin, Jos, Ife, Esie, Kano and Kaduna, plus many smaller ones, consistently draws thousands of tourists and historians each year to view its rich collections.

OSUN FESTIVAL
Osun was one of the wives of Sango, the god of Thunder and former king of Oyo. She is widely worshipped in Yorubaland, particularly in the coun­tryside through which the river Osun flows. The water of Osun is said to have the power of making barren women fertile. Her most important sanc­tuaries are in Oshogbo, which is contracted from ‘Oso Igbo’, or spirit of the forest, centered around a palace shrine where the chief priest performs rites and rituals.

KANO DYE PITS

The Kano indigo-vegetable dye pits are one of the most fascinating aspects of this old city. Various designs are folded into the material before dyeing, and the fabric is often beaten to achieve the shiny, iridescent appearance. The tech­niques employed to obtain this look are unmatched around the world. And although the methods they use are ancient, these lush works of art on fabric always remain extremely popular and continue to be in great demand.

LEATHER WORK

Nigeria is a veritable treasure trove of beautiful handmade crafts. Drawing from ancient traditions, Nigerian artisans create marvelous wood carvings, metal castings, exotic jewelry, traditional clothing, intricately decorated calabashes and finely-crafted leatherwork. Visitors are amazed at the quality and value of these unique creations, each made with a perfectionist’s skill and attention to detail.










NIGERIA ECONOMY

NIGERIA ECONOMY

The Nigerian Government, led by President Obasanjo, conscious of the over-dependence on Oil which constitutes about 95% of generated revenue, has embarked on many measures to give the Nigerian a new lease on life. To generate and stronger and stable growth rate, the Government is promoting the increased production in the non-oil sector of the economy by creating a level-playing field for private-sector led activity. Essentially, the pivots around which the framework for economic growth and development will revolve include the following:
agriculture and agro-business, solid minerals development, other manufacturing, including information and communications technology (ICT), crude oil, natural gas, and tourism Other expected areas of concentration that will equally engender accelerated economic growth and poverty reduction are:

Diversification of the productive base of the economy, emphasis on agriculture and rural development to consolidate existing initiatives in ensuring food security and export possibilities, particularly in cassowa, rice production, textiles, cash crops, livestock, and vegetable oil, continued privatization of government owned companies and public utilities maximum use of the opportunity available to the textile and garment industry through the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) Promotion of environmental protection and management making Nigeria the hub of economic activity in West Africa Sensitization of the Nigerian public about the concept of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), which is the political and socio-economic program of the African Union (AU), and which is recognized as the expression of Africa’s collective determination as willingness to develop and integrate into the global economy. Government will provide Nigerian businesses with an enabling environment that will enhance their ability to take advantage of opportunities arising from NEPAD and the African Union.
As further proof of the Government’s commitment to economic growth, in spite of the effects of the different global economy, the Nigerian Government has developed a home-grown poverty-reduction strategy known as NEEDS – National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy. The strategy has as its core, some specific structural reforms:

Anti-Corruption, Transparency and Accountability Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). Nigeria has enrolled in this initiative and has already started the process of hiring auditors to examine the Oil Accounts; Establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which has already succeeded in arresting several perpetrators of the high-level frauds and Publication of monthly revenue allocations to all tiers of government, Public Sector Reforms Public Expenditure and Revenue Reforms dealing with heightening of budget with a view to reducing fiscal deficit Accelerated Privatization and Liberalization deregulation and Liberalization of the petroleum sector with a complete phase-out of government subsidies, deregulation of the telecom sector and increasing available telephone lines Accelerated growth and Equitable Development Diversification beyond the oil sector in support of other sectors such as SMEs, agriculture, solid minerals, manufacturing, tourism The members of G-8 continue to be the largest Trading-Partners of Nigeria which exports mainly oil and imports essential commodities.

Conclusively, the main focus of the Nigerian Government for embarking on vigorous economic reforms is to build a more humane, productive, and courteous society where every citizen is valued, and the plight of the disadvantaged is adequately addressed.

NIGERIA: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE ADMINISTRATION

NIGERIA: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE ADMINISTRATION

Nigeria is a Federal Republic composed of 36 States, and a Capital Territory, with an elected President and a Bi-cameral Legislature. It operates the Presidential system of Government with three distinct but complementary arms namely the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary, each acting as a check on the other two.

The Executive arm of Government, at the Federal level, consists of the President, the Vice-president and other members of the Federal Executive Council, while at the State level, it is made up of the Governor, the Deputy Governor and other members of the State Executive Council.

The Legislature is equally found at the Federal and State levels. The Federal Legislature comprises a 109- member Senate and a 360-member House of Representatives. The two, combined, is known as the National Assembly (the equivalent of the American Congress). At the State level, the Legislature is known as the House of Assembly.
The President, The Governor, their Deputies, as well as members of the Legislature at both Federal and State levels are elected, under the present constitution, for four years, renewable only once. The Senate President is the Head of the Federal Legislature.

The Judiciary interpretes the laws and adjudicates in conflicts between the Executive and the Legislature. It carries out these functions through the various established courts. The Supreme Court is the highest court of the land, followed by the Court of Appeal, the Federal High Court, Magistrate Court, Area Court and Customary Court.
Long before the creation of the entity called Nigeria, the various peoples that existed independently then had established their own indigenous systems of administration. There were recognized political entities such as the Benin Empire, Kanem Bornu Empire, Sokoto Caliphate, Oyo Empire, to mention a few. The Empires and Kingdoms had established contact with one another and with other peoples, through trading activities.

Earlier in the 19th Century, the British had conquered the different parts of the present Nigeria at different times, and established control and authority over them. These areas were grouped into Protectorates namely Lagos, Niger Coast (also known as Oi1 River Protectorate), and the Northern Protectorate. For ease of administration and control, the Northern Protectorate, and the Southern Protectorate (made up of Lagos and Niger Coast) were amalgamated in 1914 by the British. Thus come into existence the country presently known as NIGERIA.

As time went on, British colonial rule, with its attendant alienation and subjugation of the indigenous people, resulted in agitation for self-government. The history of Nigeria was therefore dominated by 'struggle for freedom' between 1922 and 1959. Notable Nigerians like Sir Herbert Macaulay, Dr. Nnnmdi Azikwe, Chief Sire Ahmadou Bello, Chief Anthony Enahoro, to mention but a few, are known as the founders and fathers of Nigerian NATIONALISM.

Given this struggle, the British gave some concessions to Nigerians. This gave rise to the series of constitutions that come into existence, to assuage the feelings of the people. The constitutions included the Clifford Constitution of 1922, the Richards Constitution of 1946, the Macpherson Constitution of 1951, and the Lyttleton Constitution of 1954.

Although, with these constitutions, Nigerians were allowed limited contributions in the affairs of their own land, this could not stop the continuous clamour for total independence from colonial rule which had engendered social sufferings, as well as discrimination in the areas of employment, education, health, creational facilities, coupled with unjust and high taxation.

On 1st October 1960, Nigeria became self-governing from British colonial rule and was administered at the center by the Federal government and three regions Governments in the East, West and North of the country. In 1963, the Midwest Region was carved out of the Western Region making a federation of four Regions. During this First Republic, a parliamentary system of government was in operation. This lasted till January 1966.

The first military intervention in Nigeria occurred in January 1966 when the civilian government was overthrown in a military coup. This effectively marked the beginning and succession of military governments in the nation's political history. Military-rule continued till 1979 when the then Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo handed over power to the civilian government of President Shehu shagari.
In the second Republic of President Shehu shagari, Nigeria adopted the Presidential system of government with an Executive President as the Head of the Federal Government. The administration was in power until 1983 when it was overthrown in a coup and the military once again come into governance. Nigeria again witnessed another round of military governments until 1993 when General Ibrahim Babaginda the head of the military government, put in place an interim civilian administration charged with conducting elections. This interim administration lasted for only three months when it was replaced in a palace coup by the military. The new military administration was headed by General Sani Abacha.

General Sani Abacha's Government ruled the country from 1993 to 1998 when the Head of State suddenly died in June 1998. It must be pointed out that during this particular regime, Nigeria faced tremendous opposition from the International Community over human rights abuses, culminating in Nigeria's suspension from the Commonwealth. Indeed, at this period, Nigeria was treated like a pariah nation, tolerated only by a few and abandoned by other countries, including her traditional allies like Britain and Canada.

With the sudden death of General Abacha in June 1998 General Abdulsalami Abubakar headed the new military administration, and was immediately confronted with the Herculean task of drawing Nigeria back from the brink of collapse and restoring her image. Admirably, this administration rose up to the occasion. The issue of human rights abuses was immediately addressed with the release of all political detainees and prisoners. The Government also announced and implemented faithfully a political transition program that ushered in a new civilian government in May 1999. Precisely in less than one year. Thus, General Abubakar administration was able to restore democracy back in Nigeria. Within that period too, Nigeria gradually regained her voice in the comity of nations. The administration of Chief Olusegun Obasango was inaugurated on May 29, 1999. Simultaneously, executive governors were also sworn-in in the 36 states constituting the present Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In the Presidential System of Government that is now in place, there is a National Assembly (equivalent of US Congress) comprising two clambers namely the Senate and House of Representatives. There is a State Assembly in each of the 36 States. Also there are 774 local governments throughout the Federation representing the third-tier of government.

It is evident from the above political history that the military had dominated power for close to 30 years. The country is still undergoing a learning process and will continue to strive to nurture democracy and all its institutions to full development. The nation has come to accept that civilian democracy is the form of government that can guarantee full participation by the entire citizenry, ensure good governance, rapid progress and socio-economic development.

Since democracy was restored in the country there has been a gradual and impressive transformation of the political landscape. In 1999 only 3 political parties contested elections in Nigeria. But in 2003, 25 new political parties were registered by the national Electoral body, bringing to 28 the number of political parties that contested the 2003 elections.

The key test to the political future of Nigeria still lies in an enduring civilian governance. Elections conducted by civilian administration in 1965 mad 1983 had failed and led to military interventions. Nigerians are, therefore, now strongly determined, more than ever, to lay a solid foundation for an enduring democracy that would be the pride of future generations of Nigerians. The present civilian government has shown its commitment to even development of the country and cases of marginalization in certain parts of the country.

Today, Nigeria enjoys peace inspire of periodic crises, because consultation in handling issues. The administration is determined to transform the country, in line with democratic principles, into a land of opportunity, equity, of government's use of dialogue and progress and prosperity for all.