Australian High Commission

Nigeria

Telephone: +234 (0) 9 461 2780 Office Mobile: +234 (0) 803 307 3519 Fax: +234 9 461 2782 Address: 5th Floor, Oakland Centre, 48 Aguiyi Ironsi St, Maitama, Abuja

Australian High Commission, Nigeria

Further Australian support for polio eradication

Australia will provide further funding of $80 million to help eradicate polio worldwide. The Australian Prime Minister Ms Julia Gillard has announced that the funding will be delivered over four years from 2015 to 2018 through the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). This contribution follows a $50 million commitment to the GPEI from 2011 to 2014 announced by the Prime Minister at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth in October 2011. Read the full text of the press release here.

Australia promotes Nigeria's leaders of tomorrow

On 27 May 2013, the Australian chapter of the Australia Awards African Women in Leadership Network was officially launched in Abuja by the Australian High Commissioner, H.E. Jonathan Richardson, and the Minister for Education, Honourable Minister Professor Mrs Ruqayyatu Rufai. The Network will promote Australia Awards scholarships to potential female applicants from eligible countries, including Nigeria, and support scholarship recipients going to Australia to pursue their post-graduate studies. Read the full text of the press release here.

High Commissioner Jonathan Richardson and Minister for Education, Honourable Minister Professor Mrs Ruqayyatu Rufai, with Australia Awards alumni at the launch of the African Women in Leadership Network.

Australia Awards commits to Africa on African Union Golden Jubilee

As the African Union celebrates its 50th anniversary under the theme ‘Investing for Sustainable Success’, Australia Awards, the Australian Government scholarship program, continues to contribute to sustainable development in Africa through educating and training African professionals to help them prepare for leading roles in the development of their countries. Read the full text of the press release here.

Australia supports access to water in FCT

The Australian High Commission is proud to support access to safe drinking water in the village of Pazamu in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory. Working with the Society for Africa Education, Economic and Social Cultural Development through our Direct Aid Program, the Australian High Commission was able provide Pazamu with a new borehole. The village, with around 130 people, previously had no access to potable water. On 7 May 2013, members of the High Commission team attended the commissioning of the project, which included local officials, community leaders, and a wonderful local dance performance.

Australia supports education in Nassarawa state

High Commissioner Jon Richardson with teachers and pupils of Mada Station LGEA Primary School in Nassarawa State, following the commissioning of a project to renovate of a completely dilapidated class room block at the school. The project, was funded by the High Commission's Direct Aid Program and local non-governmental organisation Youth For Change (YFC). Mr Richardson's attire was presented when awarded the title of Garkuwan by His Highness Hakim Mada Station, Alhaji Musa Ahya, during the commissioning ceremony.

Australian Federal Election - 14 September 2013

The Australian federal election will be held on Saturday 14 September 2013.

Early (in-person) voting will be offered at this post from Monday 2 September 2013. Election arrangements including voting times will be published on this page closer to the election.

In the meantime, you can find information relating to being overseas at election time on the Australian Electoral Commission’s website.

ANZAC Day commemoration in Abuja

On 25 April 2013, the Australian High Commission in Abuja held an ANZAC Day Memorial Service to remember the servicemen and women who have served their nation in times of war, and in conflicts and on peacekeeping operations. Read the full text of the press release here.

Australian High Commissioner and Rear Admiral A. A. Sam-Sele, representing the Chief of Defence Staff, after the ANZAC Day service. (Photo: Sunday Aghaeze/This Day)

High Commissioner presents credentials to President Jonathan

On 19 February 2013, Australian's High Commissioner to Nigeria, H.E. Jon Richardson, presented his letters of credence to the Nigerian President, H.E. Goodluck Jonathan, during a ceremony at the State House in Abuja. Also present at the ceremony was Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru. Follow the ceremony, the High Commissioner and the President discussed the strong and growing relations between the two countries. President Jonathan affirmed Nigeria's strong interest in Australian participation in the country's mining sector and commended Australia on its support of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, to which Australia has committed $A 50 million. The President also warmly recalled his visit to Australia in October 2011.

The High Commissioner was accompanied at the ceremony by Australia's Honorary Consul in Lagos, Alan Davies, and members of the Australian High Commission team: Third Secretary Dr Chris Watkins; Executive Assistant, Jane Heatherington; and Research and Public Affairs Officer, Mirella Mahlstein Ajibade.

Marrying in Nigeria

Please note the following guidelines on how to register a marriage in the Federal Republic of Nigeria under Nigerian law.

Expatriate residence permits

The Nigerian Immigration Service has provided information in relation to residence permits for expatriates in Nigeria. More details are available here.

Are you an Australian citizen or permanent resident travelling or living outside Australia?

We encourage you to register with us so that we can contact you in an emergency. Please see http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au for details and online registration. You can also register in person at the Australian High Commission, Abuja. Please don't forget to include your e-mail and mobile phone contact details.

International financial scams

International scammers continue to tempt people around the world with promises of lucrative rewards, usually in return for assistance in transferring vast sums of money. Read the Smartraveller Travel Bulletin.