Traveling to Northern Nigeria For The First Time: Everything You Need to Know

Given the nature of the news in recent times, I imagine that northern Nigeria would not be having a lot of first time visitors to the region. But things are not as dire as they would seem.

The scare of Boko Haram particularly hangs around the north-eastern region like a dark cloud and, as much as we'd like to point out that the reporting on them is a tad more sensational than necessary, the scourge is a real one nonetheless. But it masks, rather unfairly, the many wonderful traits that are home to the region.

So, say you have just been posted to the north for your National Youth Service, or are embarking on a business trip there. Well, no need to be all panicky and whatnot. A trip to the north need not feel you with dread, like you're being sent off to war. The experience, more often than not, will turn out to be one you will cherish.

The Locals are Accommodating

The people of northern Nigeria - predominantly of Hausa and Fulani tribes - are famous for their hospitality to strangers to the region. Their traders are especially generous to foreigners who show an interest in learning the local tongue.

Religious Diversity

While the region is predominantly of Muslim orientation, there is also a well recognized Christian community made up of a number of established churches operating in the region. Despite the crisis that seldom breaks out in the region, the religious tolerance is actually quite stable and people are allowed to practice their faiths in peace.

Sample The Food

The array of food in this part of the country is probably the most diverse from the ones in the other regions of Nigeria. From exotic fruits to the more common ones (watermelon, pineapple, apples, etc), the Fura, Tuwo shinkafa and the other numerous local cuisines, you'll get the chance to explore a new diet. If you're not so keen on being adventurous with your meals, there are various restaurants and hotels in the north that serve the meals that you are more used to.

Security

Due to the incessant attacks by the terrorist group, Boko Haram, in the last few years in north-eastern states,the NYSC promptly redeployed Corps members originally posted to Borno, Gombe, Yobe and Adamawa in 2012 through 2015 as the security risks were too high.

However, the new onslaught against the insurgents by the Nigerian army has resulted in the terrorists being pushed back and a lot of their captured regions reclaimed. Security is improving by the day as there are army patrols stationed in the affected areas to maintain the peace.

Meanwhile there are other northern states that are marginally more secure - especially those not in the north-eastern Nigerian hemisphere.