Getting There
By plane
International flights to the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport are offered by several airlines, notably, British Airways, KLM, Luftansa and Virgin. If arriving from the US, Delta Air Lines has a direct flight from Atlanta. Many visitors fly through connecting flights from Lagos. Reliable domestic airlines are Aero Contractors, Arik Air and Chanchangi. From the airport, you are best advised to take the official Green Cabs. You are advised not to share a cab with anyone you don’t know.
By bus
You can travel to Abuja by bus from major cities like Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt. Reliable services include: ABC Transport (air conditioned luxury coaches), Ekene Dili Chukwu, Chisco Transport (CTN) and Young Shall Grow. The preferred bus service would be ABC transport. However, you are advised to make day time bus journeys only from Lagos or Kano. Be aware that bus trips have safety issues (remote possibility of being attacked by robbers). If you are unfamiliar with the country, do not take a bus without an escort. It is not all doom and gloom, On the up side Buses do allow you to appreciate the terrain, the towns and cities and the subtle changes in these and culture as you drive towards the capital either from the South or the North. Journey time from Lagos to Abuja City is approximately 8 hours.
On the plane, you will be required to fill in an immigration form that will be kept by the immigration officials. You will need to show your valid passport with a visa for Nigeria upon entering the country. There are free trolleys at the baggage claim area and baggage handlers available to assist you with tour baggage. Be prepared to tip them about N100 for a trolley.
Employment Opportunities for Spouses
Spouses are technically allowed to work only if they are issued a work permit from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. To get a work permit, spouses will need a letter of invitation from the company hiring them. They will also need to provide verification that the employer has agreed to add them to their official quota for foreign employees. The most opportunities exist for technical jobs such as doctors, engineers, nurses and teachers. Occasionally, job opportunities with diplomatic missions and other international organisations arise. These are mostly clerical or secretarial work.
Embassy/High Commissions Registration
It is important for visitors who plan to spend more than just a few weeks in Nigeria to register with their Embassies and/or High Commissions. Registration is good for both social and safety reasons. Some Embassies invite their nationals to attend special events (national day, visit of dignitaries, etc) and they need to know how to contact you to let you know about these opportunities. Likewise, some Embassies have a “warden” system establishment alert their citizens on general safety issues. The warden system can also be used to contact you in the event of a personal emergency. Registration is a simple process that should not take more than a few minutes. Be sure to bring your passport and local contact information, including contact information via a neighbour and/or friend who might be able to help you in an emergency. The locations and phone numbers of the High Commissioners and Embassies in Nigeria are located at the end of this section.
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