Eighth E- 9 Ministerial Review Meeting, Abuja, Nigeria, 21-24 June 2010
Practical Information Note
Venue
The meetings will take place at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, 1 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria, from 21 – 24 June 2010.
Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria. It is located in the center of Nigeria in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Abuja is a planned city, which was built mainly in the 1980s and officially became Nigeria's capital on 12 December 1991, replacing the role of the previous capital, Lagos. The Federal Capital Territory has a population of 1.4 million.
Language
Nigeria is a multi-ethnic federal state with over 300 languages and dialects. English is the official language and is widely spoken. Foreigners with no knowledge of the local languages can get around without much difficulty. The official language of the Meeting will be English, although interpretation can be available during Plenary sessions and in one of the two individual breakout workshop sessions. Kindly contact the E-9 Secretariat well in advance of the meeting to confirm if your Minister would prefer interpretation in his/her language.
Requirements and Formalities for Entry into Nigeria
Visa and health requirements
Visa
- Completion of visa application form - fully completed and signed
- Valid passport (with minimum 6 months validity)
- Recent passport photographs
- Proof (ticket and documents) of onward or return transportation
- Applicable visa fee
- Letter of invitation.
Passport (with minimum 6 months validity) of citizens of countries for which Nigeria requires visas must obtain entry information and visas in advance from Nigerian embassies or consulates in their countries. Visas cannot be obtained aboard planes or at the airport. Overseas, inquiries may be made at the nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate. Passport holders from ECOWAS member countries are exempted from visa requirements.
Health
Vaccination for yellow fever is mandatory for travelers who enter Nigeria from infected areas. International certificates of yellow fever vaccination will be checked upon arrival at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos; Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja; and all other entry ports. Travelers from infected areas who do not have proof of vaccination will be vaccinated, for a fee, before entering Nigeria.
Airport Tax
Airport tax is collected at all airports. For domestic flights, the tax is N50 while for all international flights, the tax is US$20 or it's equivalent. The rates are subject to change from time to time. A visitor should find the rate at the time of travel.
Currency
The currency is the naira (N) which is divided into 100 kobo. Currency notes are issued in denominations of N5, N10, N20, N50, N100, N200, N500 and N1,000. Except for hotel bills, foreigners can do their shopping and other businesses in the local currency. There are a number of Bureaus de Change and banks at each International airport where the visitor can convert from local to foreign currency, and vice versa.
Business Hours
Government Offices are open Monday to Friday 8 am - 4pm. But in the northern states, it is advisable to conclude all business before 1.00 pm on Fridays as Moslem workers have to go for the Jumat services at 2.00 pm, but return to work thereafter.
Electricity
Main voltage in Nigeria is 220 volts (domestic) and 400 volts (industrial). If a visitor plans to bring any electrical equipment using 110 volts, then a converter is needed.
Travel, accommodation and airport transfers
UNESCO is pleased to cover the travel costs for the Head of Delegation and one accompanying person. The Government of Nigeria will provide hotel accommodation for the Head of Delegation and two accompanying persons. Kindly communicate the names of those who comprise your Delegation as soon as possible to so that necessary arrangements can be made.
The organizers of the meeting suggest other participants stay at one of the following four hotels, at which negotiated rates have been secured and a transport service will be available to/from the conference venue. Please note that transport service will not be possible for those choosing to stay at another location. Participants are requested to make their hotel reservations themselves, but asked that their choice of hotel be communicated in the registration form provided to the organizers, in order to ensure proper airport pickup.
Hotels
Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja –
Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, Nigeria
Regular FloorExecutive Floor
Twin Hilton Guest Room$279$457
King Hilton Guest Room$308$498
King Hilton Guest Room +$392$593
King Hilton Deluxe Room$498$774
Royal Room$558
King Business Suite$834
- Please note that the above rates are exclusive of Breakfast, 10% service charge and 5% VAT.
- Rates are not accessible online. Please call +234 9 461 3000 or +234 803 901 3000 for booking and mention UNESCO Special Rates to have these rates applied for you.
Sheraton Abuja Hotel –
Classic King $290
Super room$367
Junior suite$510
Executive suite$719
Diplomatic suite (2 bedrooms)$1,033
Ambassador suite (2 bedrooms)$1,173
Presidential suite (2 bedrooms)$1,337
- Special rates are available for groups through the sales department
- All rates are exclusive of 10% service charge and 5% tax
- These rates are subject to change without notice.
- Rates are payable in foreign currency at prevailing exchange rate in the hotel.
Rockview Hotels Abuja (Royale) –
Deluxe room$170
Premium deluxe room$178
Royale room $187
Alcove room$204
King size room$221
Diplomatic suite$305
Business suite$322
- All rates are inclusive of VAT and Service charge
New Chelsea Hotel Abuja –
Standard Room$268
Superior Room$322
Executive Room$337
Regal Room$368
Panoramic Room$414
Junior Suite$668
Presidential Suite$1,004
- Rates are subject to 10% service charge and 5 % VAT
Airport Transfers
Ministers and VIPs will be received by Protocol/officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. All transfers to/from the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, will be arranged for those who have submitted their travel information through the registration form. In order to ensure this, kindly ensure all travel details have been accurately submitted in your registration form.
Weather
Abuja experiences rainy season in June, and during this time average daytime temperatures reach around 28C to 30C (82F to 86F) while nights are relatively warm.
Individual Requirements
If you have any particular requirements (e.g. access; dietary; medical) please give details in the registration form.
For specific questions or further information, kindly contact the E-9 Conference Secretariat at
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