Welcome to Lagos NIGERIALagos, the host of the International Workshop on New trends in the Management of Breast & Cervical Cancers is the Commercial capital city of Nigeria, located in the South Western part of the country on the narrow coastal plain of the Bright of Benin. It is bounded in the North and East by Ogun State of Nigeria, in the west by the Republic of Benin. It encompasses an area of 358,861 hectares or 3,577 sq.km Lagos State wascreated on May 27, 1967 by virtue of state (creation and transitional provisions) Decree No 14 of 1967, which restructured Nigeriaís Federation into 12 state. It served as political capital of Nigeria on till 12th December 1991 when the seat of the Federal Government was relocated to Abuja. Today, ìLagos is to the people of Nigeria, what the head is to the body of an individual. Relief/ClimateThe dominant vegetation of the State is the swamp forest consisting of the fresh water and mangrove swamp forests both of which are influenced by the double rainfall pattern of the state. Generally, the state has two climatic seasons: dry (November ñ March) and Wet (April ñ October). The drainage system of the State is characterized by a maze of Lagoons and waterways which constitutes about 22 percent or 787sq.kms. (75,755 hectares) of the state total land mass. The major water bodies are the lagos and Lekki Lagoions, Yewa and Ogun Rivers. Others are Ologe Lagoon, Kuramo waters, Badagry, five Cowries and Omu creeks.PopulationThough Lagos State is the smallest State in Nigeria judging by landmass, yet it has the highest population, which is over five percent of the national estimate. According to the 1991 National census, it has a population of 5,725,116. The rate of population growth is about 300,000 per annum with a population density of about 1,308 persons per sq.km . In a recent UN study (1999), the city of Lagos is quoted to have hit 24.5million population mark and thus among the ten most populous cities in the world. English is the official language of Nigeria; whilst the state essentially a Yoruba speaking environment, it is nevertheless socio-cultural melting point attracting Nigerians of various ethnic background and foreigners alike. Travelling to LagosLagos has an international airport and is accessible to other cities in Nigeria by a large network of roads. Visitors from outside the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region require a valid international passport and visa to enter Nigeria. Non-ECOWAS citizens may obtain visas from the Nigerian embassy or consulate in their country.Health RegulationsNo vaccinations are currently needed for entering Nigeria. However, it is recommended that a visitor is immunized against polio, typhoid, tetanus, yellow fever and hepatitis A and B. The country has no specific restrictions on entry for people living with HIV/AIDS. However, be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of all countries through which you may have to travel on your way to Nigeria.Business HoursThe public sector operates officially between 7.30 a.m. and 3.30 p.m., while the private sector operates from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. in most cases. General banking hours are 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The working week is Monday through Friday, except on public holidays.Making PurchasesThe Nigerian currency is the Naira. Bank notes are issued in denominations of N500, N200, N100, N50, N20, N10, and N5. Business is done in Nigeria mostly in cash. Only international hotels and businesses accept major credit cards. It is advisable to have cash for transactions. Most foreign currencies and travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks, hotels or bureau de change found in most cities. Fixed prices are the norm in department stores, but at most other places bargaining is to be expected. Generally, you can obtain a final cost of 10 ñ 50 per cent lower than the ëaskingí price. There is a value added tax of 5 per cent on most items and services in formal settings and most hotels and restaurant add a 10 per cent service charge to the bill. The airport tax of a domestic flightticket bought within Nigeria is automatically added to the airfare.
General Safety Advice to VisitorsNigeria is generally a safe country, and the Police are on the alert to stem criminal activities. There are police roadblocks and checkpoints on the roads, but it is wise to be cautious. Simple safety precautions such as keeping away from trouble areas, not wearing excessive jewellery, being careful when crossing roads, and taking care of valuables, will keep you out of trouble. Valuables such as money, travellerís cheques, passports and flight tickets are best kept in the safe deposit box of your hotel. The Conference organizers cannot accept liability for personal injuries, losses or damage to property belonging to Conference delegates (or accompanying persons), either during or as a result of the Conference. Public Transport and Car Rental
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