What to Pack for Nigeria

General (Southern Nigeria)

• Lightweight, breathable cotton or linen clothing
• Light colours to reflect heat
• Comfortable walking shoes (closed-toe for markets, sandals for leisure)
• Sun hat or cap
• Light rain jacket or compact umbrella (essential during rainy season)
• Swimwear for beaches and pools

Northern Nigeria (Kano, Kaduna, Jos)

• Modest clothing essential - cover shoulders and knees
• Women: long skirts or trousers, loose tops covering arms. Headscarf appreciated but not mandatory
• Men: long trousers preferred over shorts
• Light jacket for harmattan evenings (Dec-Feb can be cool in the north)

Obudu Mountain Resort

• Warm layers (temperatures drop to 10-15C at night)
• Fleece or light jacket essential
• Hiking boots for trails
• Rain gear (mountain weather is unpredictable)

Business Travel

• Nigerians dress well for business - smart, formal attire expected
• Men: suit and tie or smart traditional attire (agbada, senator style)
• Women: business suits, smart dresses, or traditional wear

Health & Safety

• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (MANDATORY)
• Anti-malaria tablets (started before arrival)
• DEET insect repellent (30-50%)
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
• Personal first aid kit (plasters, antiseptic, pain relief)
• Any prescription medications (carry in original packaging with prescription)
• Travel insurance documents

Electronics

• Power adapter: Nigeria uses Type D and Type G plugs (UK-style 3-pin is common). Voltage is 230V.
• Power bank: Essential - power outages are common. Bring a large-capacity one (20,000mAh+).
• Torch/flashlight: For power cuts, especially outside Lagos and Abuja
• Phone with Bolt/Uber app installed
• Camera and spare memory cards

Documents

• Passport (valid 6+ months)
• Visa (if required)
• Yellow fever certificate
• Travel insurance printout
• Photocopies of all documents (separate from originals)
• Digital copies in email/cloud storage
• 2 passport photos (for unexpected document needs)

• Pack light: You can buy almost anything you need in Lagos or Abuja if you forget something.
• Toiletries: Available locally but bring specialist items (specific sunscreen, contact lens solution) as they may be hard to find or expensive.
• Plastic bags: For separating dirty laundry and protecting electronics during rain.
• Cash belt or money pouch: For keeping valuables secure in crowded areas.
• Reusable water bottle: Fill at your hotel or buy large bottles to reduce plastic waste.
• Ear plugs: Nigerian cities can be noisy, especially near mosques (call to prayer) or churches.