Maiduguri

Understand

Maiduguri is the principal trading hub for north-eastern Nigeria. Its economy is largely based on services and trade with a small share of manufacturing. Maiduguri is home to three markets which include a modern "Monday market".

Getting there

1 Maiduguri International Airport (MIU IATA). It handles domestic flights from Lagos via the capital Abuja, and Yola. (updated Mar 2019) There have been no passenger services to Maiduguri, the government wants to reestablish the rail link and have made several promises of renewed traffic "soon". Don't hold your breath, though as the lines are targeted by organized armed groups. The old 2 Maiduguri railway station is north of city center. Buses are the main form of land transport and ABC Transport amongst others offers overnight from Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and daytime buses from Kano and Jos. Travelling by car is not possible, due to insecurity on all national highways in and out of Maiduguri preventing travel by anyone except local people. NGOs, UN and government staff are forbidden from travelling more than a few kilometers out of Maiduguri by road, and attacks, robberies, and informal checkpoints either by Islamist insurgents or common criminals is extremely common. National roads A3, which continues towards N'Djamena, and A4 passes by the city.

Getting around

You will occasionally see large convoys of military jeeps, passenger vans, and black SUVs driving through the city at high speeds with sirens on. Do not attempt to overtake or cut into these convoys, which mainly transport government officials between the airport and Government House. To pass the time, try to count the number of vehicles in the convoy: the higher the number, the more important the person. Yellow kekes (tuk-tuks), blue buses and tricycles are local ways of transportation. Count 1USD (1,500NGN) for 45mins of keke, and 20cents (300NGN for the same by tricycle). Sitting on the side of the tricycle can be dangerous though, and expose you to robbers.

See

1 Borno State Museum. M-Sa 8AM-5PM. Antiquities, contemporary art works, crafts and other historical artifacts of the people of Borno State. (updated Apr 2022) 2 Emir Palace Maiduguri. This is the palace of the Borno Emirate. This realm dates from the early 20th century, but its rulers stem from the Bornu Empire, which was founded in the 1380s. The Emir is a ceremonial ruler rather than an absolute monarch, but he is an influential figure, honoured by 4 million Kanuri. (updated Jul 2024) 3 Indimi central mosque, Maiduguri-Numan Road. Indimi Jummu'at mosque, it's very beautiful place that everyone would like to watch. (updated Aug 2024) 4 Mai Deribe Palace, Maiduguri-Old Maiduguri GRA. An oil baron's palace from the 1970's. The palace is very richly decorated, including gold in many walls, Louis XV-style furniture and features a lion's skin carpet. It welcomed Lady Diana and Juan Carlos II. Prices are informal, you can expect to pay 1500-2000NGN per person for the guards and the same for the visit. Visits should be arranged before by a local who knows the family. (updated Oct 2024) 5 Central Mosque Maiduguri. (updated May 2026)

Do

1 Al-Ansar University Maiduguri, Damasak Road, Near Baga market, ☏ +234 703 238-6932. (updated Jan 2025)

Buy

1 Gomboru Market, Gamboru, ☏ +234 814 444-5946. General market to buy foodstuff, clothing materials and other essentials. 2 Today's Store, Maiduguri Rd, ☏ +234 805 500-5324. Daily 7AM-10PM. In-store shopping. In-store pick up. Delivery. (updated Jun 2021) 3 Maiva's Shop, University of Maiduguri Teaching hospital quarters, ☏ +234 809 321-3118. Daily. In-store shopping. (updated Jun 2021) 4 Caps Market, Damboa Rd, ☏ +234 802 747-9008. Daily 8AM-6PM. In-store shopping. (updated Jun 2021) 5 AMH & Sons, Monday Market,B2, ☏ +234 706 363-0882. Daily 10AM-5:30PM. In-store shopping. (updated Jun 2021) 6 Najma Superstore, Magaram Rd. Daily. In-store shopping. (updated Jun 2021) 7 Baga Road Market Maiduguri (Baga road), Along Maiduguri-Baga road, ☏ +234 912 797-9558. Baga road Market is a marketplace where you can buy food stuff like rice, beans, fish, fresh vegetables and fruits. (updated Jul 2024) 8 Local crafts market (Close to epidemiologic, close to trucks loading-unloading leaving for nearby countries.). Small shops of local crafts, wallets, bags, necklaces, and other traditional items. Always negotiate and ask for last price. (updated Sep 2024)

Eat

1 Downtown Restaurant, Lagos st, ☏ +234 806 157-5295. Daily 10AM-10PM. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery. (updated Jun 2021) 2 City Star Restaurant, Yerima Rd, ☏ +234 906 868-8875. Daily 10AM-10PM. The menu with the largest options in the city. Lebanese, seafood and local food. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery. (updated Oct 2024) 3 Al-heri Restaurant, Opposite University of Maiduguri gate two, ☏ +234 703 006-4172. Daily 8AM-4:30PM. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery. (updated Jun 2021) 4 Favour Restaurant, Kashim Ibrahim Rd. Daily 9AM-7PM. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery. (updated Jun 2021) 5 Unimaid Students Center., Bama-Maiduguri Rd, ☏ +234 706 318-7305. Daily. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery. (updated Jun 2021) 6 BinMak Cafe, Damboa Rd, opp. Habib yoghurt OR carpet deport (in front opposite of Habib Yogurt, there's a small entrance leading to the restaurant), ☏ +234 802 313-4043. Tu-Su 11AM-8PM. Very good fried chicken, loaded fries and breakfasts. Contrary to its name, there is no coffee. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery. (updated Oct 2024) 7 Kayat Restaurant, Shehu Bukar Road, close to the intersection with the circular road. Nice terrace, good salads, Indian dishes upon availability. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery. (updated Oct 2024) Chill In Restaurant, Shehu Lamido way, opposite gidam zoo main gate, MMC, ☏ +234 706 561-9534. Daily 7AM-10:30PM. It typically serves most dishes and drinks. It has an outdoor seating and reservations as well. (updated Jul 2024) Hadiza Bulongu Restaurant, Damboa Rd, opposite eye hospital, MMC, ☏ +234 814 733-7838. Daily. Serves a wide variety of mainly local dishes with good ambience. (updated Jul 2024) StreetSide Xpress, Metropolitan City, Nipost Quarters, Circular Road, ☏ +234 808 608-8053. Daily. Great food taste with customer friendly environment. Offers kids menu too. (updated Jul 2024) Hannas Restaurant, Kashim Ibrahim Rd. Daily 7AM-9PM. Offers a variety of dishes. It’s very conducive for solo or joint dining. Has a fireplace too. (updated Jul 2024) LM Restaurant & Bakery, Lagos St, ☏ +234 906 131-8362. Serves vegan dishes amongst other tasty dishes. Has a fireplace too. Feel free to try their pastries anytime. (updated Jul 2024) Hebron Foods, 4 Krika Sama Road, ☏ +234 912 666-6934. Daily 8AM-9PM. Clean and cozy environment with tasty meals. (updated Jul 2024) Al-Hana Restaurant and Patisserie, Suite A38 / A39, Zara City Plaza, Lagos St, ☏ +234 802 992-0840. M-Sa 8AM-10PM, Su 10AM-10PM. Serves happy-hour food with great cocktails. (updated Jul 2024) El-Habib Restaurant, Opposite university of maiduguri gate two, ☏ +234 916 268-5157. Dail

Drink & nightlife

1 City Star Bar, Yerima Rd, ☏ +234 802 733-7732. Daily 10AM-10PM. Dine-in. Takeaway. (updated Jun 2021) 2 Sahel Hotel & bar, Bama-Maiduguri Rd. 24 hours. Takeaway. Delivery. (updated Jun 2021) 3 NAF Mess, Circular Rd. 24 hours. Within the National Air Force compound. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery. (updated Oct 2024) 4 RB Hotel, At the junction between Agoja Road and Harang Road. 24 hours. Nice terrace. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery. (updated Oct 2024) 5 Amada International Hotel, Shehu Sanda Kyarimi Primary School, crescent, Maiduguri. 24 hours. Nice terrace (no light at night, you need to go to the bamboo floor). Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery. (updated Oct 2024) 6 Amada International Hotel annex, Close to Gumbudali Shopping Complex, Off Circular Road, ☏ +234 812 229-8227. 24 hours. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery. (updated Oct 2024) 7 Lake Chad Club, Right by the City Star Hotel entrance. 24 hours. Upon invitation from a member, or by paying a fee. The entrance is 1,000 NGN, lifelong membership 60,000NGN. Dine-in. Takeaway. Delivery. (updated Oct 2024)

Sleep

Usually, fancy places with 24/24 electricity and AC prices range from 50,000NGN. Cheaper hotels prices range from 25,000NGN, but electricity and ACs may never work during your stay (October 2024).

1 Grand Pinnacle Luxury Hotel, Maiduguri International Airport, ☏ +234 803 892-1433, [email protected]. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. Pool, free breakfast, free parking, air conditioning. ₦14,000. (updated Jun 2021) 2 Nanne and Boi Suites, Onitsha Rd, ☏ +234 708 306-1470. Pool, free breakfast, free parking, airport shuttle. (updated Jun 2021) 3 Dujima international Hotel, Kashim Ibrahim Rd, ☏ +234 802 924-4328. Check-out: noon. Free breakfast, free parking, air conditioning, restaurant. ₦13,500. (updated Jun 2021) 4 Barwee Luxury Suites, Maiduguri-Potiskum Rd, ☏ +234 812 841-9388. Check-out: noon. Pool, free breakfast, free parking, Air conditioning. ₦27,600. (updated Jun 2021) 5 Safari Hotel, 21 Should Laminu way, ☏ +234 814 421-3015. Check-out: noon. Free parking, free wifi, room service. (updated Jun 2021) 6 Satus Hotel, Mai Bukar Street, ☏ +234 903 355 6066. (updated Jan 2025) 7 Amada International Hotel Annex, ☏ +234812 229 8227. (updated Nov 2025)

Go next

Damaturu Damagum Potiskum Bauchi Gombe Yola Benisheikh Monguno