Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and good service - a great way to eat your way around the country without leaving your
table.
WARNING: BOKO HARAM
Since 2009, Boko Haram, a jihadist organisation based in the northeast of Nigeria, has waged a low-level war
against Christian communities and the central government, killing thousands. Known for bombing churches and
markets, assassinating police, and motorcycle drive-bys, the group, whose name means 'Western education is sin-
ful' in Hausa, has made travel to northern Nigeria a dicey proposition.
Attacks are sporadic and have taken place in Adawama, Gombe, Yobe, Jigawa and Plateau States, occasionally
in an outskirt of Abuja or Jos, with many incidents centred on Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.
Boko Haram's goal is ostensibly to impose sharia law. But Nigerians in the south have other suspicions about
their motivations. The 2010 death of northern-born President Yar'Adua ushered in the current president Goodluck
Jonathan - a southern native - losing the north the seat of governmental power. Boko Haram's continued terror-
ism may be seen as angling for more resources and control.
While Lagosians will tell you flat out not to go north, the astounding sites there make it alluring to explore.
Travellers should proceed with extreme caution: check the news reports and ask locals with specific knowledge
before attempting to go.
Drinking & Nightlife
As they say in Lagos, what happens in Gidi stays in Gidi. In other words, Lagos' nightlife
is legendary. Be prepared to stay up past dawn and arrive home sore. Note that what's hot
is constantly changing. Ask around for the best nights out. Drink spots are best up until
midnight when dance spots then heat up.
New Afrika Shrine
LIVE MUSIC
(Adeleye St, Ikeja (mainland); cover charge N500; Thu-Sun 6pm-1am)
Just by showing up you'll get a
political education, a scandalising lesson in shakin' it, and a contact high. Though Fela
Kuti's original Shrine was burnt down, this replacement run by his children is possibly the
best show in town. Femi Kuti plays free on Thursday night and does a paid show on
Sunday. Fela's most approximate reincarnation, the younger Seun Kuti, plays the last
Saturday of the month. Snacks, ice cream, palm wine, and more are on offer. Smoking en-
couraged.
Bogobiri II/Nimbus
BAR
OFFLINE MAP
(Maitama Sule St, Ikoyi; 8am-11pm)
Part of Bogobiri House (
Click here
), this is a lovely place
for a drink (and eat) - mellow in the day and happening at night. There's an attached art
gallery with works from local artists, and at weekends there's usually live music.
