All About Nigeria

The Use of Coins in Nigeria.

2008-04-14T05:14:00.000-07:00

I don't really know why Nigerians are reluctant to use coins. Is it that coins are heavy to carry or is it that we are not used to it.

I came across an interesting article this morning, and I felt it will be a nice idea to share this articles with my blog readers.

The article is "Coins: What it Should Mean to Nigeria and Nigerians" The article war written by Emeka Esogbue, a popular Nigerian author.

On why the Nigerian Government has not introduced the use of coins in the country remains an enigma. Last administration re-awakened the hopes of Nigerians by announcing the re-introduction of coins. This development has since failed. The introduction of N1 and 50K coins would have seen favourable equilibrium. This is just what the People of the country have been waiting for positive impact in their lives.

Nigeria remains the only country known to me where coins are not in use which is very rare if the economy of any nation is to be developed. All neighbouring countries are known to value the use of coins in their respective countries. It was thought that the Central Bank of Nigeria would authorise payment to customers consists of 2%.in coins to enable the circulation of coins in the countries. It is puzzling that outside the country, Nigerian Government officials are paid in coins but in the country this is lacking. Let us realise that because it is difficult to buy certain items such as orange, sweet, biscuits and others with coins, inflation has accepted Nigeria as its permanent home. Let the Nigerian authorities concerned with money do something now. We need it.

Meningitis in Nigeria

2008-04-14T05:08:00.000-07:00

According to VOA News, circa 400 deaths have occurred from meningitis and measles outbreaks in the northern part of the country.

Why is Meningitis common to the northern Nigeria?

Dust storms, a common feature of the January to April dry season, are blamed for increase in respiratory infections and the spread of meningitis because the bacteria attach to dust particles.

"Northern Nigeria has experienced different epidemics in the past few years. The region is endemic to waterborne diseases like diarrhea and polio. The situation is aggravated by the low level of immunization, poor hygiene and sanitation.

Tunde Orebiyi of the Nigerian Red Cross says volunteers are helping to minimize the impact of an epidemic.

"We have mobilized volunteers in the states affected to carry out health education, enlightenment campaigns, based on the contingency plans we drew up," said Tunde Orebiyi. "We are also trying to do surveillance and getting data and information concerning the issue. It has not reached serious epidemic proportion. So it is still under control, but you cannot say. You know meningitis, it depends on how people are mobilized and sensitized."

Dust storms, a common feature of the January to April dry season, are blamed for increase in respiratory infections and the spread of meningitis because the bacteria attach to dust particles.

The disease, a potentially deadly infection of the thin lining that surrounds the brain and the spinal cord, can kill unless quickly treated, although it can be controlled through vaccination. " From http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-04-13-voa18.cfm

After Effect of Consolidation of Nigerian Banks By CBN

2008-03-12T11:59:00.000-07:00

Consolidation of Nigerian Banks by the CBN is really yeilding it result. The work of soludo is yielding positive effect to the Nigerians' Economy. Today, GTBank is to Commence Operations in UK. I am really happy to read this article from http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=105679 The Financial Services Authority (FSA) of the United Kingdom (UK), has licensed Guaranty Trust Bank UK, a subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, to commence operations as a full-fledged commercial bank, offering corporate and retail banking services in the UK. A statement from the bank said it received the operational licence from the FSA, one of the strictest financial regulatory authorities in the world, on the strength of its strong international brand equity and the consistence of its track record of professionalism, financial strength and landmark achievements over the years.By this feat, Guaranty Trust Bank thus becomes the first Nigerian bank of its generation to commence operations as a full- fledged commercial bank in the UK. The Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank, Mr. Tayo Aderinokun, who spoke on the feat, according to the statement, said: “This is another achievement for the Nigerian banking sector as it goes to show that the international community is fast acknowledging the strength and relevance of Nigerian companies in the global economy”. He added that “the bank's foray into the UK will facilitate the seamless transactions by Nigerians and corporate organisations that live or have businesses in the UK”.Guaranty Trust Bank has within its 18 years of its existence established itself as one of Nigeria's premier financial institutions with strong footprints in West Africa. The bank presently operates from 120 locations in Nigeria with subsidiaries in Gambia, Ghana and Sierra Leone. It also has four non-bank subsidiaries namely Guaranty Trust Assurance, GTHomes, GTB Registrars and GTAsset Management.The bank recently became the first African bank and first Nigerian company to be listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange following the success of its US$750 million of Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs). Prior to this landmark achievement, the bank had earlier issued a $350 million Regulation S Eurobond without the guarantee of either the Federal Government or any international financial institution.In recognition of its consistent performance over the years, Guaranty Trust Bank has an impressive award cabinet, which include the Most Respected Company in Nigeria by Price Waterhouse Coopers, Bank of the Year, Brand of the Year and most recently, Transaction of the Year (GDR) by THISDAY. The bank is also a five-time winner of the Nigerian Stock Exchange President’s Merit Award. Guaranty Trust Bank plc is rated Aaa (triple A) by Agusto & Co, the country’s premier rating agency, AA-(Double A minus) by Fitch and BB-(Double B minus) by Standard and Poor; the best ratings assigned by the two international rating agencies to any Nigerian or West African based Bank. The bank also has the distinction of being the first Nigerian bank to receive an International Standards Organisation (ISO) 9001:2000 certification from the Standards Organ-isation of Nigeria (SON). From Thisday NewsPaper

Without Consolidation of the Nigerian Bank, will this be possible?

Sexy Nigerian Girls Read This Now

2007-12-31T12:46:00.000-08:00

I think Sexy Nigerian Girls will like this article. Just Discover Mistakes that most Nigerian Girls do with Men

Ya this is ten mistakes Nigerian Girls may be making especially while on bed.

Ten Mistakes Women Make When Having Sex With a Man

ou see a lot of articles about what men can do during sex to make it better for the woman, but there's a lot less information - and opinion - on the mistakes women make. So, to set the record straight, here's our list of ten things for women to avoid.

1 Expecting him to think like a woman

We've all seen loads of books with titles like "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus" which highlight an unfortunate difference between the sexes. Men and women don't think the same way - and while we're not going to get into why this happens, it's important to remember that fact when you're in a relationship. In general, men are not as romantic as women, they don't see romance as a necessary prelude to sex, and they can divorce sex from their feelings in a way that perhaps most women can't. So there will be plenty of times when a man wants sex even if he isn't feeling romantic and connected to his partner.
For him, the physical pleasure of sex is a reward in itself. He doesn't need to be seduced into feeling desire (though he may appreciate it if you do seduce him!), at least most of the time, for his sex drive is a pretty constant part of his maleness. I think that's what women don't understand.

They know how elusive and emotional their own sex drive is, but they don't appreciate how different it is for a man. Think of it this way: men can enjoy sex with their partner whether they are feeling loving or not; in fact they often find their feelings of love for their partner when they have sex with her. By contrast, women often say they need to feel loving before they want sex - or at least before they are prepared to give themselves heart and soul to a man.

2 Not showing your sexual energy

Women who were brought up to be demure "good girls" (i.e. non-sexual) may find it difficult to express the essence of their feminine energy during sex. And a lot of women also have problems expressing their anger, an emotion which can add real spice to the sexual union between men and women. This lack of sexual energy might appear as a reluctance to initiate sex, a reluctance to be the active partner, a reluctance to make noises or thrust, or simply an overall tendency to wait for the man to lead and direct what happens during sex.

But believe me, ladies, your man will really like it when you express your passion - whether that means you getting on top for woman on top sex, moving in a way that will give you the greatest pleasure, kissing him passionately, or being assertive about what you want in bed.

3 Being too gentle when you touch his penis

Men like a firmer touch than women, especially when it comes to their penises. If you ever have the pleasure of watching him masturbate, you'll see how much pressure he uses on his penis - especially as he nears orgasm. If you're doing it for him, ask him to tell you what you're doing right and what he'd like done differently. He'll really appreciate your efforts to give him more pleasure.

4 Not experimenting with sex

The saying has it that men think about sex ten times an hour - or is it a hundred? Yes, of course that's an exaggeration, but it isn't much of one. While some women have a high sexual desire, it's true to say that women in general are much less sexy than men when they're not in the bedroom. Men fantasize all the time - about the things they see, what they'd like to do, how they'd like to do it, and so on. With such an active sexual imagination, it's not hard to understand why a bit of variation in the bedroom routine can keep a man sexually happy.

It doesn't have to be way out stuff like bondage, either. For example, try changing sex positions once in a while: take the initiative and get on top of him or let him enjoy rear entry for a change. Talk dirty to him if you've never tried that before; explore and play with new parts of his body, such as his anus and perineum, during foreplay - or even during the main event. Seduce him into a "quickie" by leaving a trail of clothes across the floor into the bedroom. Greet him at the door in sexy clothing. Phone him at work and tell him what you'd like to do to him later that day.....well, you get the idea - use your imagination!

5 Expecting him to read your mind

Yes, we know it's difficult to express your sexual desires directly. But men don't think like women. They don't read clues, they don't get hints. So stop communicating indirectly, and tell him what you want. And give him feedback when you get it! That way, he'll know exactly what he's supposed to be doing, how you feel about it, and whether to do it again. For example, if you like what he's doing during sex, let him know with your moans of pleasure.

6 Criticizing him

I think one of the reasons women can be so critical of their man is that they've never learned the art of direct communication. Than means stating clearly and directly what you want, how you want it, and whether you got it - and how you feel about it afterwards. Men appreciate that style of talk - they know where they stand and it removes the uncertainty for them.

Criticism is an indirect way of saying that your needs are not being met - but if you read number 5 above, then maybe you've begun to understand that your man won't know what you want unless you tell him. If you're judging his love for you on the basis of his ability to anticipate and meet your needs without you saying what they are, well, I'm afraid you aren't likely to be very satisfied. And it won't be his fault.

7 Letting him take responsibility for your orgasm

A lot of us think that a man somehow has a responsibility to "give" a woman an orgasm during sex. After all, that's how a lot of us were brought up - that a man somehow has to look after "his" woman. And that idea extends to making sure she has an orgasm during sex.....but the truth is that women are responsible for their own orgasms. So while it might be nice for your man to help you get there, if you don't make it to orgasm through his efforts, you can always take matters into your own hands.

8 Controlling him by withdrawing sex

One of the most unhealthy things you can do in a relationship is to use sex as a weapon. This is basically a statement that you feel powerless, that you think withholding sex is the only way you can get what you want. Rather than trying to exert some influence over your man by denying him the pleasure of your body, try communicating directly what you want and don't want. (That might even extend to simply saying you don't feel emotionally close enough to your partner to want sex.)

9 Thinking he'll feel the same way about your body that you do

It just isn't so. Men don't attach the judgments to women's bodies that women do. So, for example, even if he thinks your butt really is a bit on the large side, it won't matter to him the way it matters to you. In fact, he probably quite likes it. And he certainly won't be put off making love, or want the lights off, because of it. While you waste time and emotional energy wondering if you're completely undesirable because of some aspect of your body, he'll never give it a second thought. It's women who judge their bodies, I think for the sake of comparison with other women, not men.

10 Not making up with sex after an argument

Well, yes, I know that a lot of couples do make up with sex when they've had an argument, but in fact many more don't. As I said above, most women think that they need to be feeling loving and emotionally close before they want sex. Yet I've met a lot of couples in my work as a sexual therapist who have found that taking the risk and jumping into bed can work really well as a way of getting close again.

Even if you don't feel sexy or loving when you start making love, after a while the simple act of being physically connected in bed can really change the way you feel about each other. The other way of settling an argument (that's talking, seeking understanding, and thrashing out how you feel) is fine: but once in a while try a more direct method of getting your feelings back on track - just go to bed together!

Rod Phillips

Rod Phillips is a writer for Sex Techniques And Positions. Send your comments and ideas for better sex to tips@sex-techniques-and-positions.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sexuality-articles/ten-mistakes-women-make-when-having-sex-with-a-man-74632.html

Constitution Amendment in Nigeria

2007-12-31T12:35:00.000-08:00

Will the present talk over the amendment of the 1999 Constitution in Nigeria help to make Nigeria a better country. How will constitution amendment affect Nigeria?

Trouble in the south Nigeria

2007-12-24T22:06:00.000-08:00

2004 August-September - Deadly clashes between gangs in oil city of Port Harcourt prompts strong crackdown by troops. Rights group Amnesty International cites death toll of 500, authorities say about 20 died.

2005 July - Paris Club of rich lenders agrees to write off two-thirds of Nigeria's $30bn foreign debt.

2006 January onwards - Militants in the Niger Delta attack pipelines and other oil facilities and kidnap foreign oil workers. The rebels demand more control over the region's oil wealth.

2006 February - More than 100 people are killed when religious violence flares in mainly-Muslim towns in the north and in the southern city of Onitsha.

2006 April - Helped by record oil prices, Nigeria becomes the first African nation to pay off its debt to the Paris Club of rich lenders.

2006 May - The Senate rejects proposed changes to the constitution which would have allowed President Obasanjo to stand for a third term in 2007.

2006 August - Nigeria hands over the disputed Bakassi peninsula to neighbouring Cameroon under the terms of a 2002 International Court of Justice ruling.

2006 October - Spiritual leader of Nigeria's millions of Muslims, the Sultan of Sokoto, is killed in a plane crash, the country's third major civilian air disaster in a year.

2007 April - Umaru Yar'Adua of the ruling People's Democratic Party is proclaimed winner of the presidential election.

2007 September - The rebel Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (Mend) threatens to end a self-imposed ceasefire and to launch fresh attacks on oil facilities and abductions of foreign workers.

Ethnic Violence in Nigeria

2007-12-24T22:04:00.000-08:00

2002 February - Some 100 people are killed in Lagos in clashes between Hausas from mainly-Islamic north and ethnic Yorubas from predominantly-Christian southwest. Thousands flee. City's governor suggests retired army officials stoked violence in attempt to restore military rule.

2002 November - More than 200 people die in four days of rioting stoked by Muslim fury over the planned Miss World beauty pageant in Kaduna in December. The event is relocated to Britain.

2003 12 April - First legislative elections since end of military rule in 1999. Polling marked by delays, allegations of ballot-rigging. President Obasanjo's People's Democratic Party wins parliamentary majority.

Obasanjo re-elected

2003 19 April - First civilian-run presidential elections since end of military rule. Olusegun Obasanjo elected for second term with more than 60% of vote. Opposition parties reject result. EU poll observers cite "serious irregularities".

2003 July - Nationwide general strike called off after nine days after government agrees to lower recently-increased fuel prices.

2003 August - Inter-communal violence in the Niger Delta town of Warri kills about 100 people, injures 1,000.

Nigeria is a big oil exporter, but violence dogs the industry

2003 September - Nigeria's first satellite, NigeriaSat-1, launched by Russian rocket.

2004 January - UN brokers talks between Nigeria and Cameroon about disputed border. Both sides agree to joint security patrols.

2004 May - State of emergency is declared in the central Plateau State after more than 200 Muslims are killed in Yelwa in attacks by Christian militia; revenge attacks are launched by Muslim youths in Kano.

Abacha years in Nigeria

2007-12-24T22:02:00.000-08:00

1993 November - General Sani Abacha seizes power, suppresses opposition.

1994 - Abiola arrested after proclaiming himself president.

1995 - Ken Saro-Wiwa, writer and campaigner against oil industry damage to his Ogoni homeland, is executed following a hasty trial. In protest, European Union imposes sanctions until 1998, Commonwealth suspends Nigeria's membership until 1998.

1998 - Abacha dies, succeeded by Major-General Abdulsalami Abubakar. Chief Abiola dies in custody a month later.

1999 - Parliamentary and presidential elections. Olusegun Obasanjo sworn in as president.

2000 - Adoption of Islamic, or Sharia, law by several northern states in the face of opposition from Christians. Tension over the issue results in hundreds of deaths in clashes between Christians and Muslims.

2001 - Tribal war in Benue state, in eastern-central Nigeria, displaces thousands of people.

n October, army soldiers sent to quash the fighting kill more than 200 unarmed civilians, apparently in retaliation for the abduction and murder of 19 soldiers.

2001 October - Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, South African President Mbeki and Algerian President Bouteflika launch New Partnership for African Development, or Nepad, which aims to foster development and open government and end wars in return for aid, foreign investment and the lifting of trade barriers to African exports.

Obasanjo's - first time round in Nigeria

2007-12-24T22:01:00.000-08:00

Obasanjo's - first time round in Nigeria

1976 - Mohammed assassinated in failed coup attempt. Replaced by his deputy, Lieutenant-General Olusegun Obasanjo, who helps introduce American-style presidential constitution.

1979 - Elections bring Alhaji Shehu Shagari to power.

1983 January - The government expels more than one million foreigners, mostly Ghanaians, saying they had overstayed their visas and were taking jobs from Nigerians. The move is condemned abroad but proves popular in Nigeria.

1983 August, September - Shagari re-elected amid accusations of irregularities.

1983 December - Major-General Muhammad Buhari seizes power in bloodless coup.

1985 - Ibrahim Babangida seizes power in bloodless coup, curtails political activity.

1993 June - Military annuls elections when preliminary results show victory by Chief Moshood Abiola.

1993 August - Power transferred to Interim National Government.

The Genesis of Nigeria

2007-12-24T21:55:00.000-08:00

circa 800 BC - Jos plateau settled by Nok - a neolithic and iron age civilisation.

circa 11th century onwards - Formation of city states, kingdoms and empires, including Hausa kingdoms and Borno dynasty in north, Oyo and Benin kingdoms in south.

1472 - Portuguese navigators reach Nigerian coast.

16-18th centuries - Slave trade: Millions of Nigerians are forcibly sent to the Americas.

1809 - Single Islamic state - Sokoto caliphate - is founded in north.

1830s-1886 - Civil wars plague Yorubaland, in the south.

1850s - British establish presence around Lagos.

1861-1914 - Britain consolidates its hold over what it calls the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria, governs by "indirect rule" through local leaders.

1922 - Part of former German colony Kamerun is added to Nigeria under League of Nations mandate.

1960 - Independence, with Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa leading a coalition government.

1962-63 - Controversial census fuels regional and ethnic tensions.

1966 January - Balewa killed in coup. Major-General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi heads up military administration.

1966 July - Ironsi killed in counter-coup, replaced by Lieutenant-Colonel Yakubu Gowon.

1967 - Three eastern states secede as the Republic of Biafra, sparking bloody civil war.

1970 - Biafran leaders surrender, former Biafran regions reintegrated into country.

1975 - Gowon overthrown, flees to Britain, replaced by Brigadier Murtala Ramat Mohammed, who begins

Nigeria Net Forum - A Nice online Community for Nigerians http://www.nigerianetforum.com/index.php

2007-12-14T23:52:00.001-08:00

Today, I discover a great forum. One of the fastest growing forum on the Internet.

Nigeria Net Forum is really great. It is a forum where all Nigerians both at home and diaspora converge to help each other.

Aside this, I want to commend the beautiful Nigeria Girls at the Nigeria Forum.

You can visit Nigeria Net Forum by clicking on this link below http://www.nigerianetforum.com/index.php

Transport System in Nigeria

2007-10-10T08:52:00.000-07:00

River Transport

River Transportation in Nigeria is restricted by seasonal fluctuations in water level. Most of the rivers are only navigable for larger vessels in the rainy season, which is approximately 6 months in a year. Navigable waterways are statutorily managed by the Ministry of Transport through its Inland Waterways Department.

The Rail System

The railways were constructed between 1900 and 1960 and they are run by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).

The rail lines are the old single track system but there is currently official effort to rebuild the rail system on standard gauge, using heavier UIC60, with new signaling systems installed. On completion, it is expected that the rails will handle track speed of up to 100 km/hr.

Road Network

The road network is dense and fully developed as it is the most widely used means of transportation. Within the network, there are four road classes namely, Highways, ‘A’ Class Trunk Roads, ‘B’ Class, Trunk Roads and others. The road network totals 143,000 km, with the country having completed a significant proportion of its own commitment to the Trans-African Highway Network.

Crude Oil Terminals in Nigeria

2007-10-10T08:49:00.000-07:00

Crude Oil Terminals in Nigeria

The Nigerian oil industry is fully serviced by several crude oil terminals namely, Bonny, Brass, Escravos, Pennington, Forcados, Qual-boe, Antan, EA , Abo, Mystras, Ukpokiti.

Bonny
This is a crude oil terminal sited on the eastern side of the Bonny River Estuary, some 30 km from the Fairway Bonny. Operated by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, one of the leading upstream players and Joint Venture partners of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The terminal has three main berths, A, C and D and a standing berth. A and D have the capacity to handle vessels of up to 18,236 dwt, 310 metres in length and 15 metres draft. Berth C can handle vessels of 53,851 dwt. Loading at the berths is done by means of submarine line at an average rate of 4,004 tonnes per hour. The stand-by berth B can take vessels of 47,754 dwt and 335 metres in length. It is connected to an offshore loading buoy by pipeline.

Brass

These are two point mooring terminals operated by Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited, another Joint Venture partner of the NNPC. The terminal has a storage capacity of 3,558,000 barrels, a loading rate of 9,500 barrels per hour with booster pumps. The allowed loading draft is 30.48 metres.

Escravos

Located off the mouth of the Escravos River, this is a jetty for crude oil handling. It is operated by Chevron Nigeria Limited, another leading player and Joint Venture partner of the NNPC. The terminal has two single point mooring buoys with minimum water depths of between 21.95 metres and 32 metres. The Escravos terminal has a storage capacity of 2.8 million barrels and a loading rate of 25,000 barrels per hour. With capacity to handle vessels of any

length, the average turn-around at the terminal is about 36 hours per vessel.

Forcados

This is a terminal located off the Escravos River and operated by Shell. It has two single mooring buoys, with storage capacity of up to 7.3 million barrels and a maximum loading rate of 86,250 barrels per hour. It has no limitation on tanker length but it has a permissible maximum loading draft of 19.81 metres. The average ship turn-around is about 40

hours.

Qua-Iboe

This is a terminal owned and operated by Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, second largest crude oil producer and a Joint Venture Partner of the NNPC. The terminal is located on the Qua-Iboe River on latitude 40o and 33o N and longitude 7o and 59o E at Ibeno. There is a tank farm and a pipeline system with capacity of 500,000 barrels of crude. Average loading capacity

is 30,000 barrels per hour at the spread mooring and 65,000 barrels per hour at the single point mooring.

Antan Oil Terminal

Operated by Addax and commissioned in 1986.

EA FPSO - Sea Eagle

EA FPSO is being operated by The Shell Petroleum Developement Company (SPDC) for the prodution of crude oil from its shallow offshore well, EA. The terminal has the capacity to process 170,000 barrels per day and 100 million standard cubic feet per day of gas. It has a storage capacity of 1.4 million barrels of crude oil.

ABO FPSO

Located offshore in 500 metre water depth, Abo terminal processes 40,000 barrels per day and has a storage capacity of 800,000 barrels of oil. Operated by Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited, the FPSO has the capacity to re-inject associated gas.

FPSO MYSTRAS

Located offshore South of Nigeria, FPSO Mystras has treatment capacity of 80,000 barrels per day and re-injection of 100 MMSFD of assoiated gas. The FPSO with a storage capacity of 1,000,000 barrels of oil is being operated jointly by Agip Energy and Natural Resources and the Nigerian Petroleum Developement Company Limited, a subsidiary of NNPC.

PENNINGTON

UKPOKITI

Located offshore Ondo State, the terminal is situated at water depth 88ft, has the capacity to process 35,000 barrels of crude oil per day and also has the capacity to inject 40,000 barrels of water per day

Ports in Nigeria

2007-10-10T08:43:00.001-07:00

Ports in Nigeria

Under the recently commercialised Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigeria has two main sea ports in Port Harcourt and Lagos, the latter being one of the world’s biggest and busiest seaports. Through these ports, cash produce and mineral products are freighted out of the country, while several manufactured goods are shipped in and cleared by accredited international and local clearing agencies. In addition to these two seas ports, there are Onne, Sapele and Koko Ports which are mainly utilised by the Oil and Gas Companies.

The Lagos Port in Nigeria

The Lagos Port is the principal port of Nigeria, with capacity to handle about 750 vessels per year with imports of 5.3 million tonnes against export of 0.3 million tonnes. Ocean going vessels of up to a maximum of 9.5 metres draught can be accommodated at this port which also has modern cargo handling capacity of up to 50 tonnes. There are 4 dedicated container berths, and Roro facilities at the Apapa Wharf, with the Ijora Wharf having bulk handling facilities of up to 70

tonnes per hour for cement, coal, gypsum and fertilisers. The Lagos Port has subsidiary upland terminals located in Kano, Kaduna and Minna where containers are hauled by rail or road.

Port Harcourt in Nigeria

Located 65 km upstream from the mouth of the Bonny River, this Port is linked by a channel dredged to a depth of 11.8 metres along the river. The port has the capacity to accommodate ocean going vessels of up to 7.32 metres draught. It is complete with cargo handling facilities of up to 48 tonnes capacity. Port facilities are currently adequate for ships not exceeding 15,000-20,000 tonnes. Annual traffic at this port is about 250 vessels or 2.9 million dwt.

Onne Port in Nigeria
This port is located some 25 km south of Port Harcourt on the Bonny River Estuary. It is equipped to handle ocean going vessels of up to 9.2 metres draught maximum. On completion, the port is to be equipped with handling facilities of about 40,000 tonnes capacity. The bulk handling berth is to accommodate vessels of up to 55,000 dwt, handling imports of iron ore and cooking coal for the Ajaokuta Steel mill and Oil and gas installations.

Onne FreeTrade Zone in Nigeria

This is a pragmatic addition to the bulk handling facility expansion programme of Onne. It involves the construction of a 20 km rail ink to Port Harcourt. It is government’s response to the potentials of the area in the oil and gas trade. The Port cannot handle Panamax Vessels but the deeper draught of 8 metres could allow for vessels of 40,000 tonnes in the right configuration.

Calabar Port
Located 67 km from the mouth of the Calabar river, the Port has been recently dredged to accommodate ocean going vessels of up to a draught of 8 metres maximum. It has modern cargo handling facilities of up to 25 ton capacity.

Annual traffic at the port, which has now been given the status of an Export Free Zone by government, is put at 80 vessels or 90,000 dwt. Along with the Onne Free Trade Zone, the Calabar Export Free Zone or Free Training Zone is established with special export-friendly incentives to attract manufacturers and suppliers to set up their plants and supply bases in the country.

Warri Port
The Warri Port is about 100 km upstream from the mouth of the Warri River, accommodating ocean going vessels of up to a maximum draught of 7.5 metres, with modern handling and Roro facilities. It also has a bulk handling facility with capacity of about 1 million tonnes per year. These facilities serve the Aladja Steel Works, which is located 5 km east of Warri. Annual traffic at the port is about 550 vessels or 3.5 million dwt.

Koko Port

Thirty-two kilometres West of Sapele and on the Benin River is the Koko Port, which has an annual traffic of about 20 vessels or 75,000 dwt. This port can accommodate vessels of up to a maximum draught of 6.4 metres It has cargo handling facilities of up to 75 tonnes capacity.

Sapele Port

Located at the confluence of the Benin, Jamieson and Ethiope Rivers, about 100 km upstream the mouth of the Escravos River and 32 km upstream Koko Rivers, is the Sapele Port. With capacity to accommodate oceangoing vessels of up to a maximum draught of 6.4 metres. The port has no modern cargo handling facilities and its annual traffic is only 15 vessels or 100,000 dwt.

Transport System in Nigeria

2007-10-10T08:27:00.000-07:00

Transport System in Nigeria

Nigeria has a well developed and very extensive transport system, including road, rail, air and sea. Within the country, various centres of commercial and industrial activities from the South to the North, and vice versa, are fully interconnected by these means of transportation. Nigeria is also well linked with other parts of Africa either by road, sea or air. She enjoys the status of a big brother to these nations and the presence of a reliable transport system is paramount to the maintenance of unhindered trade relations. To the outside world, this enjoys big volume of trade with Nigeria, the location of the country close to the sea ensures that there is a reliable marine transport system, which fully compliments her international airports.

Air Transport in Nigeria

In Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt and Abuja are Nigeria’s four international airports, while the other major cities are connected to these major airports also by air. Port Harcourt and Warri, the two major oil cities, are well connected with regular flights to Lagos and Abuja. There are several private airlines competing with the national carrier not only on local routes but also on routes within the West African sub-region and some other parts of the African continent.

Telecommunications in Nigeria

2007-10-10T08:26:00.000-07:00

Telecommunications in Nigeria

In like manner, the issue of telecommunications is being addressed by government not only with the privatisation of NITEL but equally with the involvement of private telecommunication services providers. Already, there are a number of such companies like MTN, CELTEL, GLOBACOM, etc providing reliable services in competition with NITEL, which hitherto

had enjoyed the status of a monopoly. Many GSM providers are now in operation, through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The new Mobile (GSM) Communications service is Government answer to telecommunications density status in the country. The Nigerian business climate has started to enjoy the benefits which only enhanced modern communications can ensure.

The Nigerian Power Sector.

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The Nigerian Power Sector.

Modern business is hinged on infrastructural facilities like electric power and modern telecommunications. After a long but careful period of planning, the Nigerian government has started a process which is akin to a revolution in these vital sectors that are widely known to be pivotal in the growth of the nation’s economic base.

Electricity in Nigeria

The National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) now known as the Power Holding Company of Nigerian (PHCN) after privatization is the state monopoly of power generation transmission and distribution.

. The Nigerian Government has approved the involvement of private concerns and the various State Governments in the generation of electricity in the face of less-than - satisfactory performance from the monopoly of NEPA.

Labour in Nigeria

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Labour in Nigeria

Total labour force in Nigeria comprises more than 43 million people, although not all of these persons belong to the organised labour union. Nigeria boasts of a well organised and unfettered labour union just like her Press. The principle of periodic collective bargaining is well respected by both employees and employers.

Whereas there is a total of 48 unions under the auspices of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the oil and gas sector has two unions. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) and the National Union of Petroleum and Gas Workers (NUPENG).

Population/Human Resources in Nigeria

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Population/Human Resources

At about 120 million, Nigeria remains the most populous nation in Africa and certainly a main pull for people of Africa descent in the diaspora. With the largest concentration of black people in the world, it is widely held that one out of every four black persons is a Nigerian. Her population, compared to the combined population of all the countries of West Africa, is still far greater. It is nine times that of Ghana, three times that of South Africa, while, in the Commonwealth,

it is third only to India and Pakistan. It is for this reason that Nigeria is seen not only as one of the world’s best endowed in terms of natural riches/resources but as a potentially vast market and a central player in the African economic arena.

In terms of population distribution, there is noticeable concentration of humans in 3 major axes viz:

* The Oyo-Ondo axis in the South West

* The Imo-Akwa Ibom axis in the South East

* The Kano-Katsina-Sokoto axis in the North West.

Although major cities such as Ibadan, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, Kaduna and scores of others are areas of heavy human and vehicular concentration, about 80% of the population still live in rural areas, engaging in subsistence agriculture for a living. Nigeria’s population is seen by many as a big asset which is capable of taking the country to a very great height if well harnessed.

There are 53 Universities (six privately owned, the remaining are Federal and

State Universities), the country also has 47 Polytechnics. All of these institutions of higher learning turn out about 120, 000 graduates annually. Adult literacy level is 57% overall, with 65% being males and 35% females.

Political Environment in Nigeria

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Political Environment in Nigeria

Prior to the adoption of the American Presidential system of government in May 1979, Nigeria had operated the British Parliamentary System of government since she became an independent

sovereign state. With the Presidential system which still subsists to date, there is an Executive President, leading the Executive arm of government, the National Assembly where the Upper House (Senate) is headed by the Senate President and the Lower House by the Speaker. The Federal System is completed with a free judiciary. At the state level, this arrangement is replicated by the office of an Executive Governor but only one House of Assembly doing legislative duties. Nigeria currently has a 36- state structure with the Federal capital being centrally located at Abuja. There are 774 Local Government Areas (Councils) each of which has an Executive Chairman as well as an number of councillors. Election of members of the State and National Assembly as well as Governors and the President are held every four years.

Nigeria is a Federal Republic with the Federal Government maintaining healthy relations with such bodies like the United Nations, the European Union, the Commonwealth of Nations, the Group of Eight Countries, the International Monetary Fund, the International Finance Corporation and other friendly Sovereign states.

In Africa, Nigeria has shown panache in the area of responsive and responsible leadership on the continent, always ready to help in crisis resolution and maintenance of peace; even in the global arena she had earned the approval of the United Nations on several occasions in executing similar responsibilities.

Vegetation & Physical Features of Nigeria

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Vegetation & Physical Features of Nigeria

Nigeria has two broad types of vegetation, namely: Forests and Savannah. Within each of these are three sub-groups of vegetation.

A third vegetation type, called Montana type vegetation, is typical of Adamawa and Jos Plateau. The vegetation zones, climatic regions and annual precipitation are on almost equal parallels, showing the degree of interdependence or the influence of climate and precipitation on vegetation Belts.

Climate and Weather in Nigeria

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Climate and Weather in Nigeria

Nigeria derives her climate from the fact of her being on 4o and 14o latitude north, which puts her south of the path of the north Westerly winds and almost outside the southern

equatorial doldrums. Directly facing the sea to the south and the desert to the north is also obvious. This is because of her lying within the tropics. Therefore, the climate is dominated by two seasons viz: November-April/May, Dry Season; and May/June October, Wet/Raining

season. There is an unsteady period of break in August/September during which the rain may stop or reduce in intensity. Therefore, the country enjoys abundant rainfall in the south and semi-arid climate up-north. Rainfall varies from the south upward to the north. In the Niger Delta and most of the coastal area, it is an equatorial climate, becoming tropical in the middle belt and arid in the north. Temperatures vary between 230-310 C in the south, with high humidity; 18o - 40o C in the north; the Jos Plateau and the eastern highlands could experience a maximum temperature

not exceeding 28o C and 14o C minimum.

Geographical Location of Nigeria

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Geography and Location

Nigeria is situated almost at the centre of the curve on the map of the African continent. Standing tall and almost equidistant to the North, South and East of the continent, no wonder Nigeria acts almost as a natural pull to all political, social and economic underpinning of the African continent.

To the educational and cultural heartbeat of French West Africa, Nigeria is just a few hours away; ditto to Tripoli, the Libyan capital and Algiers, the Algerian capital. To the Southern axis of Africa, Nigeria’s location is almost like a stretch of the arm and this may explain also her frontline role in the dismantling of the apartheid regime in virtually all the countries of southern Africa.

Nigeria lies between 4o and 13o East longitude and 40 and 14 o North latitude. She occupies a land mass totaling 923, 800 km 2 (357,000 sq. miles). In comparison, Nigeria is 4 times the size of United Kingdom and equal to the States of Texas, Alabama, Indiana and Delaware put together. The average population density is about 96 persons per square kilometre (96 persons/km 2). Bounded in the South by the Atlantic Ocean, Nigeria shares borders with Benin Republic, 773km to the West, the semi arid country of Niger, 1,497 km to the North and the subequatorial

Cameroon, 1,690 km to the east.

Brief History of Nigeria

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History of Nigeria

Nigeria is called the Giant of Africa on the account of her size, multicolored and rich culture, boundless business opportunities as well as a long-term significance in the global diplomatic arena, Nigeria enjoys a rich history. A former colony of the United Kingdom, the country fought and won a well deserved independence on October 1, 1960.

Thus, the Federal Republic of Nigeria came about three years later, on October 1, 1963. Prior to her independence, the country had been an amalgam of two protectorates - the Northern and Southern protectorates. The amalgamation was brought about on January 1, 1914 and the name Nigeria carved from one of the two main rivers (the Niger and the Benue) which bisect the new country into nearly two equal parts as they flow from the northward part and empty into the Atlantic, through the marshy Niger Delta.

Globally, Nigeria boasts of membership and sometime active leadership of virtually all

International Organisations. Not only is she a member of bodies such as the United Nations Organisation (UNO), World Health Organisation (WHO), Commonwealth of Nations, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), among many others, she has always provided quality leaders for some of these organisations or their agencies. Of ready note is her leadership role in the emancipation of African states from colonial imperialism, her provision of Chief Emeka Anyaoku as past Secretary General of the Commonwealth as well as Dr. Rilwanu Lukman as the longest serving Secretary General of OPEC. Africa’s first Nobel Laureate (in Literature), Professor Wole Soyinka, is a son of

Nigeria and Dr. Philip Emegwali, the internationally acknowledged computer whiz kid, is also a Nigerian.

Nigeria 3 Germany 1

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Today's semi-final in Suwon was quite an acid test for the Golden Eaglets. The Golden Eaglets is now a step from securing the trophy. With today's defeat, the Golden Eaglets will be battling with it's Spanish counterpart for the finals.

Nigeria Suspends Naira Denomination.

2007-09-04T00:24:00.000-07:00

The recent plan by the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has been suspended for the main time.

According to the Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa, the plan was suspended because the President of Nigeria Umaru Yar'Adua had not given any written permission to this plan of the Federal Government.

Nigeria Silence Agentina

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I am happy that Nigeria Golden Eagles to day Silence Agentina by two goals to zero. With this defeat, the World Cup is already at the step of Nigeria.

Wach Out For Fantastic News From AAN

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We provide you with up to date news and happening from all parts of Nigeria. Expect much more from All About Nigeria

It is quite great launching this blog – All About Nigeria.

2007-09-02T17:40:00.000-07:00

It is quite great launching this blog – All About Nigeria.

Keep Watching! The Future is Bright For Nigerians