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TRAVEL REPORTS:
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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: November 29, 2006 16:33 EST
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 21:57 EST

Nigeria

1.
INTRODUCTION
2. ATTENTION
3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
4. LOCAL TRAVEL
5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9. MONEY
10. GENERAL INFORMATION
11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13. RETURNING TO CANADA
14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15. TRAVEL TIPS
16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
18. ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. Section 11 has been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the region(s) specified below. (IDW5)

You are advised against all travel to the Niger Delta and surrounding areas (including Delta, Imo, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Anambra States) due to the ongoing targeting of expatriate oil workers and the possibility of violent protests. Canadians in the waterfront areas of the Niger Delta (especially in or around Port Harcourt and Bonny) should exercise vigilance at all times. Nigerian militants have recently increased the threat of attacks and kidnappings. Expatriate workers, mainly in the petroleum sector, are often taken hostage for short periods by organized armed militants in order to redress various grievances.  A particularly high level of personal security awareness is to be maintained in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and in Warri, Delta State. The danger of being in the wrong place at the wrong time is recently amplified due to an increased military presence in the Niger Delta, where military and militants are frequently engaging in firefights. You should always maintain a high level of security awareness and inquire about local conditions when travelling in the country. Avoid large crowds and demonstrations; and follow local news reports.

Canadians in the Niger Delta should regularly review their personal circumstances to determine if their continued presence is warranted. If they feel their personal safety is threatened, they should consider departing from the region. Port Harcourt International Airport is currently closed. Highway checkpoints are frequent and abuse by some law enforcement officers and others to extort bribes is common.

A state of emergency has been declared in south-west Ekiti State, where a political crisis is taking place. Canadians in Nigeria should monitor local news reports closely, as states of emergency and curfews may be declared in other regions affected by civil unrest.

Canadians in any of the large cities of Nigeria, including Lagos and Abuja, should exercise vigilance at all times. Violence and unrest, often sparked by tensions between ethnic and religious communities, occur without warning in various parts of the country and can result in casualties and acts of vandalism against businesses and churches. In September 2006, an event of this nature occurred in the northern State of Jigawa and resulted in a temporary curfew being imposed in the capital city. Plateau State is also an area where unrest is common. A general increase in tension has been recently observed and is believed to be due in part to the upcoming federal and state-level elections that are slated to occur in April 2007, as well as to ongoing sectarian conflicts. Visitors to Nigeria are advised to exercise vigilance at all times.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians who choose to travel to the region(s) specified despite this warning should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting other areas of the country for three months or more should also register. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Armed robbery, hostage taking and violent assault occur. These may be committed by persons posing as police or military personnel. Several incidents of armed robbery resulting in deaths have occurred at Ikeja domestic airport in Lagos. You should remain particularly cautious when undertaking road travel to and from all International Airports in Nigeria, regardless of the time of day. Attacks and armed robberies have occurred, including on Bill Clinton Dr. near Abuja International Airport. As these areas tend to be scarcely monitored by local authorities, ensure you are accompanied by an escort vehicle with police when arriving to or leaving from an airport.

House robberies are common in the expatriate areas of
Lagos and are on the rise in Abuja. Theft from hotel rooms can also occur. Personal belongings, travel documents and original identification documents should be stored in hotel safes. Carry photocopies of passports, visas, and travel documents needed daily at all times. Avoid carrying large sums of money. You should visit beaches only in large groups and during daylight hours, particularly those in the vicinity of Victoria Island (Lekki and Bar Beaches).

Canadians intending to conduct business in
Nigeria or with Nigerians should be aware of the high rate of commercial fraud. Further details are available in section 17 of this report. Canadians are reminded never to accept, under any circumstances, requests to carry envelopes or small parcels into Nigeria.

When travelling to
Nigeria, you should inform your relatives in Canada before you leave that scams in which fraudulent calls are made to relatives in Canada from alleged hospitals/doctors in Nigeria, are frequently committed. Typically, relatives in Canada are advised that their travelling relative is in hospital in Nigeria and that money is required for medical treatment. It is recommended that relatives in Canada verify that calls of this nature are genuine before any money is transferred.

Canadians should be aware of other scams that are being conducted frequently via the Internet. These involve a Canadian “target” (victim) and a Nigerian scammer meeting via a chat room or online network and forming a cyber-romance relationship. The person in Nigeria expresses intentions to come to Canada, pretends to have applied or been granted a visa to do so or feigns to be a Canadian (male or female) who is stuck in Nigeria due to unfortunate circumstances. For example, the scammer pretends to have been robbed, that he/she had a serious accident, or that he/she is being held against his/her will. In all cases, the scammer claims that he/she has no relative or friend to turn to and asks for funds for different reasons, such as the need to pay hotel bills, hospital services, visas and/or airfare. Fake names, pictures, and contact details are used and copies of fraudulent passports and identification documents are sometimes sent to the victim. The funds are usually requested to be sent via
Western Union, often not to the name of the person with whom the Canadian has been corresponding. These scams last as long as the victim continues to send money. Canadians should exercise care when corresponding with a person they have never physically met and should never share personal information such as banking and credit card details.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Public transportation is unsafe and dangerous due to poorly maintained vehicles and the risk of petty theft. Cases exist where passengers in taxis have been driven to secluded areas where they have been attacked and robbed. As of August 2, 2005, unmarried men and women are no longer allowed to ride together on public transportation in Kano state in northern Nigeria. This applies to buses, taxi motorcycles, and taxi cars.

Overland travel between cities is not recommended after dark. Road travel can be dangerous due to robberies and carjackings which sometimes include physical violence. Many strategies may be used to stop cars on the road. Nails can be scattered on the road, or individuals, including pregnant women, may pretend to be injured. Carjackings have occurred on Ikoyi and
Victoria Islands in Lagos, as well as in Abuja. There have been reports of attempted armed robbery on the Warri-Port Harcourt road, on the Jos-Bauchi road, on the Maiduguri-Gombe road, and on the road from Lagos to the border with Benin. Road checks are frequent, may worsen traffic congestion and may be intimidating to foreigners.

Traffic congestion on the road to the
Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos may put travellers at risk because armed attacks have occurred on this road. You should arrange to arrive during the day and be met at the airport by reliable contacts. If transportation is not arranged by hosts, you should hire cars and drivers with local knowledge from reputable companies, if at all possible, prior to arrival. Rental cars (self-drive) are not available in Nigeria. When arranging the hire of a car and driver, be sure to agree on a price and all details prior to accepting.

Across
Nigeria, roads are generally in poor condition and lack adequate lighting. Excessive speeds, unpredictable driving habits, and the lack of basic maintenance and safety equipment on many vehicles pose hazards. As roadside assistance is not available, you should carry a mobile phone. Road travel may be disrupted due to chronic fuel shortages. In the event of an accident and when possible, do not stay at the scene or leave your vehicle to enter into a discussion with onlookers or others involved. If the vehicle is disabled, remain in the vehicle and contact help with a mobile phone. Proceed to the nearest police station and contact the Canadian government office in Abuja or Lagos (see section 7 below).

Some airlines, particularly those of Nigerian registry, may not maintain their aircraft to international standards. In light of recent crashes, sometimes fatal, Canadians should carefully evaluate implications for their security and safety before deciding to undertake domestic air travel.

During the dry season, the Harmattan winds lead to high amounts of sand and dust in the air. Air travel within
Nigeria can sometimes be restricted due to limited visibility. Occasionally, flights must be rerouted from their original destinations.

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the
Weekly Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.


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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The rainy season extends from May to October. Roads may become impassable during this period. In summer, northern Nigeria periodically experiences heat waves. During the dry season, the Harmattan winds lead to high amounts of sand and dust in the air. You should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.However, Canada and Nigeria are signatories to the Commonwealth Scheme for the Transfer of Convicted Offenders, which enables a Canadian imprisoned in Nigeria to request to be transferred to Canada to complete the sentence in a Canadian prison. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Nigerian authorities.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes
A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Canadians should be wary of Internet romances. Marrying a Canadian citizen does not automatically bestow Canadian citizenship on the new spouse. The process is long and costly, and travel documents for the waiting spouse will not be issued while the file is under review. For additional information, consult Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

In the Northern region of
Nigeria, Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country’s customs, laws, and regulations. Sharia law has been adopted in twelve Northern States, namely Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in behaviour and visitors should dress conservatively. It is recommended that, in the north, women keep their legs covered and travel with a scarf which can be used to cover their head and arms, when required. Cross-dressing is prohibited and punishable under the Prostitution and Immoral Acts law. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. The use of drugs and alcohol is prohibited. The Sharia penal code may be applicable to non-Muslims in some parts of the country. Transgressions could be punished by detention or other penalties.

Homosexuality is illegal.


It is illegal to import beer, mineral water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, fruits, vegetables, cereals, eggs, textile fabrics, mosquito netting, jewellery, and precious metals. It is illegal to export pieces of African art, particularly antiques, without written authorization from the Department of Antiquities. You should contact the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Ottawa (see below) for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Smoking in public is illegal.

Photography of airports, government buildings and military installations may lead to arrest.


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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

A Canadian warden system is in operation. Please contact the Canadian High Commission in Abuja or the Canadian Deputy High Commission in Lagos (see below) for details on the warden in the area you will be visiting.You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Nigeria - ABUJA, High Commission of Canada
Address: 15 Bobo Street, Maitama, Abuja,
Postal Address: Abuja, Nigeria
Tel.: 234 (9) 413-9910
Fax: 234 (9) 413-9932
E-mail:
abuja@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.nigeria.gc.ca

Nigeria - LAGOS, Deputy High Commission of Canada
Address: 4 Anifowoshe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Postal Address: Lagos, Nigeria
Tel.: 234 (1) 262-2512, 262-2513 or 262-2515
Fax: 234 (1) 262-2517
E-mail: lagos@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.nigeria.gc.ca

Nigeria - PORT HARCOURT, Consulate of Canada
Address: 15, Ahoada Street, Rumuibekwe Housing Estate, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Postal Address: Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Tel.: 234 (8) 461-0434; 461-1601
Fax: 234 (8) 461-0899
E-mail: phconsul2004@yahoo.com

For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Abuja. You may also call Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Nigerian authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on October 13, 2006. However, these requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.
 
Foreign Affairs
Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the
High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Nigeria. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa.

Tourist/Visitor/Transit Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required
Employment Visa: Required
Temporary Work Permit: Required


Travellers are required to carry evidence of yellow fever vaccination if they are arriving from infected areas.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

The economy of Nigeria is cash-based. The currency is the naira (NGN). U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted at some major hotels in Lagos and Abuja, however you are strongly advised against the use of credit cards and debit cards due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. Traveller's cheques may be difficult to cash outside Lagos and Abuja.  The exportation of naira is limited to certain amounts by law.

Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the
VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Nigeria (capital: Abuja) is located in western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin and Cameroon. The official language is English. Tourist facilities are limited.

Power shortages and low water pressure are common. Telecommunications are somewhat unreliable. There are a significant number of mobile phone companies in
Nigeria and it is the preferred method of telecommunications due to the unreliability of the government-owned telecom company, NITEL.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The
Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Current Issues on Avian Influenza.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) continues to monitor the status of poliovirus transmission globally.  Until 1988, polio occurred throughout the world and the virus was endemic to over 125 countries. Polio has since been eradicated in many parts of the world.

Health Canada is also following the incidence of meningitis in and around the African meningitis belt. This belt extends from Guinea to Senegal in the west to Ethiopia and western Eritrea in the east. Epidemics most often occur during the dry season (December to June) in this region. Since the mid-1990s, meningitis has occurred on an unprecedented scale and has spread beyond the usual boundaries. Additional information and health recommendations concerning meningitis and
poliomyelitis (polio) can be obtained through the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site .

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities are basic and limited outside major centres. Due to the high incidence of fake medications, prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs, Canadians should not purchase drugs in Nigeria unless from a well-known, reputable clinic. You are strongly encouraged to bring all basic medications and prescription drugs with you, in their original containers.

Leprosy is a chronic contagious bacterial disease still prevalent in
Nigeria.

During the dry season, with the Harmattan winds, there are high amounts of sand and dust in the air. Persons with chronic asthma or breathing problems should also take this into consideration if travelling to
Nigeria from November to February.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the
Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the
CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our
Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your
provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

TIPS FOR BUSINESS TRAVELLERS TO NIGERIA

Recognizing a Business Scam

The Canadian High Commission, along with many other embassies in
Nigeria, frequently handles scam cases. Business people, many of them experienced in overseas transactions, have lost thousands of dollars to scams. Occasionally, persons who have gone to Nigeria to "finalize" deals have been threatened or assaulted. Local police and other officials have not provided assistance to those caught up in scams.

Caution should be exercised when contemplating any business transaction involving
Nigeria. The scams range from attempts to engage business people in fictitious money transfer schemes to fraudulent solicitations to supply goods in fulfillment of non-existent Nigerian government contracts. The scams are very sophisticated and may take victims to staged meetings, often held in borrowed offices at Nigerian government ministries or at overseas locations. The persons involved do their research and can often provide plausible, but non-existent, orders written on seemingly genuine government stationery, replete with official stamps and seals.

Nigerian business scams are not always easy to recognize, and any unsolicited business proposal should be carefully scrutinized. There are, nevertheless, some indicators that are warnings of a probable scam. Look out for:

Any offer of a substantial percentage of a large sum of money to be transferred into your account in return for your "discretion" or "confidentiality";

Any deal that seems too good to be true;

Requests for signed and stamped blank letterhead or invoices or for bank account information;

Requests for urgent air shipment, accompanied by an instrument of payment whose genuineness cannot immediately be established;

Solicitation letters or e-mails claiming that the soliciting party has personal ties to senior Nigerian officials;

Requests for advance payment in U.S. dollars, in advance of transfer taxes or incorporation fees;

Statements that your name was provided to the soliciting party either by someone you do not know or by a "reliable contact";

Promises of advance payment for services to be provided to the Nigerian government;

Claims that a Nigerian visa is not necessary or that arrival in Nigeria should be overland from a neighbouring country;

Resistance by Nigerian partners to your checking in with the local Canadian government office;

Any offer to supply oil; and

Any offer of a charitable donation.

These indicators are some of the most common hallmarks of Nigerian scam operations. The list is not all-inclusive, as scam operators are constantly weaving new elements into their schemes. The best rule is to carefully check any unsolicited business proposal originating from
Nigeria or involving Nigerians before any funds are committed, before any goods or services are provided, or before any travel is undertaken.

How Do the Scams Work?

Nigerian business scams are confidence schemes, designed to exploit the trust you develop in your Nigerian partner and defraud you of goods, services, or money. The scams are flexible, and operators adapt them to take the greatest advantage of the target.

Solicitation letters or e-mails received in
Canada may sometimes originate in countries neighbouring Nigeria (i.e. Benin or Côte d'Ivoire), in Europe, or in North America; however, you may be requested to visit Nigeria to finalize the deal.

Here is a brief description of some of the most common schemes:

Money Transfer: The operator claims to have a large sum of money, usually millions of dollars, that needs to be transferred to a "safe" bank account abroad. The Central Bank of
Nigeria is often, though by no means always, mentioned. You, as the bank account owner, are promised a percentage of the huge sum, just for allowing the use of your account. You may be asked to provide blank, signed invoices, letterhead, and bank account information, or to send money for transfer taxes. Some businesses have found their accounts looted by the persons to whom they sent account information.

Fraudulent Order: The operator usually places a small order, paying with a genuine cashier's cheque drawn on a foreign bank. The operator then places another, somewhat larger order, again paying with a genuine instrument. Then you receive an order by courier. Your Nigerian partner urgently needs a large quantity of your product air-shipped. Confident in your partner, you ship, but this time the cashier's cheque (which looks the same) is a forgery.

Experienced business people usually require full payment in advance of shipment or an irrevocable letter of credit confirmed by a reputable international bank.

Charitable Donation: The operator offers to make a donation to your organization, asking for bank account information (see Money Transfer, above). Then the operator loots the account or asks for advance payment of a fee to ensure conversion of naira into dollars.

Contract: The operator claims to have a Nigerian government contract and needs your company's expertise to carry out the job. The operator scams you by collecting thousands of dollars in "fees" before you can do business.

Crude Oil: The operator claims to have an allocation of crude oil to sell. Sometimes the operator claims to be working on behalf of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Then come demands for various fees to supply you with the crude; of course, you never get your cargo. Businesses lacking experience with
Nigeria's petroleum industry should approach with great caution any proposal involving crude oil sales.

Business
Opportunity: The operator convinces you to explore a business opportunity by visiting Nigeria. Once you arrive, the operator takes charge of your life, trying to keep you from contacting friends, family, or the Canadian government office in Lagos or Abuja. By various means, sometimes including violence or threats of violence, the operator extracts money from you. This type of scam becomes particularly dangerous for a victim who has entered Nigeria without a valid Nigerian visa, issued by a Nigerian High Commission, Embassy, or Consulate.

All travellers MUST have a visa prior to arrival in
Nigeria and must pass through immigration formalities upon entry into the country. Letters addressed to immigration officials have no validity.

CONTACT INFORMATION

International Trade
Canada
Africa and Middle East Trade Division
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0G2

Ask for the Commercial Officer responsible for Nigeria at 613-944-4000. If you already have a contact name, you can also fax your request at 613-996-9709.

High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
295 Metcalfe Street
Ottawa, ON
K2P 1R9
Tel.:
613-236-0521
Fax:
613-236-0529

Criminal Operations Branch
Economic Crime Directorate
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
1200 Vanier Parkway
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0R2
Tel.:
613-998-6050 or 613-998-6069
Fax:
613-993-4299

Phone Busters National Call Centre
P.O. Box 686
North Bay, Ontario
P1B 8J8
Tel.:
1 888 654-9426 or 705-495-8501
Fax:
1 888 654-9426 or 705-494-4008
Web site:
www.phonebusters.com

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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