Back on the road

Sir Michael Palin embarks on an epic adventure across Nigeria – at the age of 80

NEW TRAVELOGUE
Michael Palin in Nigeria
Tuesday, 9pm, Channel 5

He might be 80, but that hasn’t dimmed Sir Michael Palin’s passion for travel and exploration. Now, for his latest three-part travelogue, he’s taking a 1,300-mile journey across Nigeria, known as the ‘Giant of Africa’ – all the way from the chaotic energy of Lagos to the tropical landscapes of the south.

‘I wanted to test myself physically to see if I could still do this at 80, but I also found it was very good for me in terms of my mental capacity – you’re seeing something new and hoping to find out what’s really happening in a country,’ says Palin, whose wife, Helen, sadly died last year after 57 years of marriage.

‘Nigeria has a population of nearly 220 million, it’s the most prosperous country in Africa, and Lagos is going to be the biggest city in the world by 2098. All these things give it tremendous clout, and yet 60% of Nigerians live in poverty.’

Here, Palin guides us through his intriguing Nigerian adventure…

Vibrant energy in Balogun Market, Lagos

EPISODE ONE

After landing at Lagos' international airport, Palin is immediately thrown into the crowded chaos of the country's biggest city. There, he visits the vast slum of Makoko as well as the luxury bars of Lekki in the city's southeast.