Nigeria is a pulsating powerhouse: as the most populous nation on the continent – nearly every fifth African is Nigerian – it dominates the region. Recently, though, the boom has shown a few signs of bust: the economy has been hit by the drop in crude oil prices. But Lagos, the main city, is resurgent: with burgeoning tech industries, posh restaurants and clubs, and an exploding arts scene, this megacity is the face of modern Africa.

Kano

Kano is blessed with abundant tourism resources which include historical monuments and sites, as well as unique places of great interest, such as Kurmi market established in the 15th century is in the heart of Kano City, the centuries-old city wall with some of its gates still standing.

Other places of interest for relaxation and picnicking abound in the state. They include the Rock Castle, strategically located, over looking the famous Tiga Dam, Rurum Tourist Lodge, Kano Zoological Garden, Gidan Makama Museum, etc. Tourists to Kano should not miss witnessing the Durbar, unique in the world because it is the largest procession of colorful horses and also portrays the Emir's Regalia which is one of the most impressive dating back to Emir of Kano Muhammadu Rumfa. This Durbar is held during both the Eid-el-fitr at the end of the holy month of Ramadan and Eid-el-Kabir which is an event marking the 10th day of Dhul Hajj (the 12th month of the Islamic Calendar).

Lagos

The economic and cultural powerhouse of the country thanks to an influx of oil money, Lagos has an exploding arts and music scene that will keep your yansh engaged far past dawn. If you're headed to Nigeria, you'll have no choice but to jump right in.
As well as brilliantly buoyant culture, Lagos has bumper-to-bumper cars, noise and pollution beyond belief, a high crime rate, and maxed-out public utilities. Elevated motorways ringing the island city are jammed with speed freaks and absurd traffic jams ('go-slows') on top, and tin-and-cardboard shacks underneath. It's a divided city, but an undeniably exciting one.

Named after the Portuguese word for lagoon, Lagos has been a Yoruba port, a British political centre and, until 1991, Nigeria's capital.

Oshogbo

This very special city has been a traditional centre for Yoruba spirituality and, since the 1950s, the birthplace for much contemporary Nigerian art. The best sight is the Osun Sacred Grove, believed to be the dwelling of Osun, the Yoruba fertility goddess.

Benin City

Benin City, which served as the capital of the Benin kingdom, starting in the 15th century, gave rise to one of the first African art forms to be accepted internationally – the Benin brasses (often given the misnomer bronzes). Today the city is the centre of Nigeria's rubber trade, and a sprawling metropolis.
Virtually nothing of the historic city survives: it was destroyed by the British in an epic act of vandalism in 1897. But the culture and the royal family is still deeply venerated here, with the oba (king) held in higher esteem than any mere politician.

Calabar

Tucked into Nigeria's southeastern corner, the capital of Cross River state has a rich history and is well worth a trip. Originally a cluster of Efik settlements, Calabar was once one of Africa's biggest slave ports, and later a major exporter of palm oil. A popular stopover for travellers heading to Cameroon, this tourist-friendly city has a fantastic museum and an excellent primate-conservation centre.