Top 5 Things tourists love to buy in Nigeria

When most tourists visit Nigeria, a lot of them would tell you they came for the scenery, the wonderful weather, the history and culture and, of course, the really delicious food. A lot of them also come to purchase for themselves the different stuff their friends and family brought back on their trips. On their way back to their respective countries, tourists who come to Nigeria are usually laden with lots of goodies and stuff that they have bought in the country. This post details the top 5 things tourists love to buy in Nigeria.

Sculptures

Nigeria has for many years been home to some of the most intriguing sculptures and artistic carvings in the world; from the Nok terracotta to the bronze sculptures of the Benin kingdom. Many of the sculptures fill galleries and museums all over the world, famous among which is the Mask of Idia of Benin Kingdom at the London Museum, a mask which, as the symbol of FESTAC ’77 has come to be known as the Festac Mask. Many visitors to Nigeria love to shop for and buy some of these masks to adorn their mantelpieces and offices back in their respective countries. Good places to purchase some of these sculptures are Benin City in Edo state, Ibadan in Oyo state, Abuja and Lagos.

Ankara print material

The Ankara print material is a coloured, vibrantly patterned fabric made of 100% cotton which is used by the natives of Nigeria and many other parts of Africa in designing many kinds of fashion attires. It is also known as African print, Africa wax print, Holland wax and Dutch wax. The print material is used to make traditional garments for men and women – buba, iro, agbada etc. and classic shirts, skirts and trousers. Since 2010, when the Ankara print gained widespread global popularity, it has become a sought-after item by tourists who practically flock to the markets of Ibadan, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt and Delta in search of them. Knowing where to look is critical though, as it can be purchased from any part of Nigeria.

Leather slippers and sandals

Leather slippers and sandals, known as *pam *slippers in Nigeria are a primary fashion statement in Nigeria. They form a part of casual dress and can be worn with any kind of informal attire and with formal native or traditional attire. Made from leather, the slippers and sandals can however be sewn into intricate patterns and designs. Tourists love these slippers as it gives a feel of the Nigerian African that is wholly original. It can be purchased from markets in every part of Nigeria.

Woven raffia mats, bags and hats

Raffia which is gotten from the fronds of certain species of palm is used to make mats, bags and hats. The fronds are gotten from the palm trees, dried in the sun and then woven into bags and other articles. The weavers make them very artistic and in many houses, especially in the Northern and Western parts of Nigeria, it is common to find lots of these objects. Tourists to Nigeria love buying raffia mats and hats. Good places to find these are in Lagos, Abuja and the Oil Mill market in Port Harcourt.

Musical instruments

With a variety of cultures and ethnic groups, numbering about 250, the country is home to a plethora of musical instruments. Some of these musical instruments such as the goje *an Hausa fiddle used for storytelling, *dundun which is a popular Yoruba talking drum and many others have found international acclaim, providing a unique sound in orchestras and rock bands. Tourists to Nigeria who love music often learn how to play and purchase these instruments. Good places to buy them are in their regions of origin, such as in the western part of Nigeria for the dundun and in the north for the goje.

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