Local Services in Nigeria

The National Economic Empowerment Development Strategy (NEEDS) has the big task of improving Nigeria’s crumbling infrastructure. Nigeria has the biggest road network in West Africa. Due to its strategic position its national road system is part of 4 routes of the Trans-African Highway network – the Trans-Sahara Highway to Algeria, Trans-Sahelian Highway to Dakar, Trans-West African Coastal Highway, and Lagos-Mombasa Highway. The main airports in Nigeria are the Murtala Muhammad Airport (Lagos) and Mallam Aminu International (Kano). Other international airports are situated in Abuja, Kaduna, and Port Harcourt. The national flag carrier of the country is the Virgin Nigeria Airways, a joint project between UK-based Virgin Atlantic Airways and Nigerian private investors. Tourists can take buses and coaches around major cities. The most common are the ABC Transport Service and BRT buses (government-operated).

As of August 2007 there are an estimated 45.5 million mobile users in Nigeria. Major wireless providers include MTN Nigeria, Celtel, Globacom, and MTel. Internet is also readily accessible with 5 or more public cyber cafes available in most towns. The youth population has also started using their mobile phones as a modem after the introduction of GPRS (General Packet Radio Service).

There are about 116 TV stations in Nigeria. Every state has its own broadcasting company that airs one or two locally operated global stations. There are also 83 AM and 36 FM stations operating in the country.