About Nigeria

Nigeria gained independence from the United Kingdom on 1 October 1960 and has since developed into a key political, economic, and demographic actor on the African continent. With an estimated population of over 230 million people, Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and one of its most dynamic societies. The capital, Abuja, is located in the centre of the country, while Lagos, the commercial hub, is one of the largest and fastest-growing cities in the world.

Nigeria plays a leading role in regional and continental affairs. It is a central actor in promoting peace, stability, and economic integration in West Africa, including through its engagement in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), headquartered in Abuja. Nigeria also contributes actively to regional security efforts, including in the Gulf of Guinea.

The country has a large and diverse economy and is an important global energy producer. As Africa’s largest oil producer, Nigeria remains a key economic player on the continent, while also working to diversify its economy and expand opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, technology, and services. Nigeria’s growing population, entrepreneurial spirit, and expanding consumer market present significant opportunities for trade and investment.

At the same time, Nigeria continues to address a range of development challenges, including the need to ensure inclusive economic growth, reduce poverty, and strengthen governance. Regional disparities persist, and parts of the country are affected by security challenges, particularly in the northeast. These challenges have contributed to humanitarian needs and ongoing efforts by national and international partners to support affected populations.

Nigeria is also widely recognised for its vibrant culture, creative industries, and dynamic youth population. From film and music to fashion and literature, Nigerian cultural expression has a strong global influence and plays an important role in shaping the country’s international profile.

Denmark and Nigeria maintain strong and growing bilateral relations, with cooperation spanning trade, investment, governance, and sustainable development. Nigeria is an important partner for Denmark in advancing shared priorities, including green transition, economic development, and regional stability.

TRAVEL ADVISORY
The travel advisory for Nigeria (in Danish only) can be found following this link.

AIRPORTS
Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Lagos are the countries to major hubs for international and domestic air travel.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND VISAS
A valid passport and visa is required by all visitors. For visa application to Nigeria contact the Nigerian Embassy in Stockholm.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCIES
If anything goes wrong during your stay in Nigeria, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has developed some general guidelines for what to do (in Danish).