Michael Palin explores Nigeria

Paramount-owned Channel 5 in the UK has commissioned Michael Palin: Into Nigeria (working title), marking its third travel series with the Monty Python star.

The 3×60′ series, made by ITN Productions, follows on from the success of Michael Palin: Into Iraq and Michael Palin in North Korea.

It sees the actor, comedian and broadcaster embark on a 1,300-mile journey across the African country, encountering its people, cultures and controversies.

Palin starts his adventure in Lagos, where he observes both wrenching poverty and huge wealth. He then flies to the Islamic north, a land of Sharia law and Boko Harem strangleholds.

Guy Davies, factual commissioning editor for non-scripted UK originals at Channel 5 and Paramount+, said: “It’s one of the most extraordinarily visual and heartfelt series you’ll ever see, and who better than Michael to listen and learn as he meets the people of a country whose significance and influence will rise over the coming decades.”

Will Smith, head of factual at ITN Productions, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Michael again as he explores one of the most important yet least understood countries in the world.”