The centre of the country is densely forested whilst lagoons and swamps dominate the coastal regions. The southern lowlands merge into the central hills and plateaus, mountains in the southeast and the plains to the north. Nigeria's national wildlife parks are a popular attraction amongst foreign and local tourists. Major geographical features include the Shebshi and Mandara mountains. The highest elevation within Nigeria is Chappal Waddi at a height of 2,419 m. The Kaduna and Benue rivers merge into the great Niger River, which eventually fizzles out into the Gulf of Guinea in a series of complex deltas.

Lying in the middle of the country, Abuja is the capital city although larger Lagos on the south west coast claims to be the true heart of Nigeria. Ibadan and Ogbomosho are amongst other important Nigerian cities. The Yankari National Park is perhaps the prime attraction for visitors to Nigeria. It lies 220km east of Jos and is reputed to be the finest of all West Africa's nature parks, boasting wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, lions and elephants.

Nigeria is rich in oil and is currently experiencing a reform in this industry, following a previously disastrous collapse in the oil market during military rule within Nigeria. Other industries include crude oil, coal, tin, palm oil, peanuts, cotton, rubber, wood, hides and skins, textiles, cement and other construction materials. Agriculture also plays a large part in the Nigerian economy. Agricultural products include cocoa, peanuts, palm oil, corn and rice.

The climate is tropical, very humid and quite complex. The wettest region is the coastal delta of the Niger River. In this area, the drier months are between December and January. The north of Nigeria is hot and dry year-round. Here, the wet season lasts between April and September. Average daily temperatures in Lagos are a sweltering 37°C.