Nigeria Travel Safety

Road safety

Across Nigeria, roads are generally in poor condition and lack adequate lighting. Excessive speeds and unpredictable driving habits pose hazards. Arrange to arrive at the airport during the day and be met there by reliable contacts. Be extremely cautious when travelling to and from the airport. If transportation is not arranged by hosts or the hotel, hire cars and drivers from reputable security providers. Drivers should be experienced, have local knowledge and be familiar with alternative routes. When arranging to hire a car and driver, be sure to agree on a price and all details before accepting. Rental cars are available in Nigeria, but you should avoid them. Major hotels and the customer service centres at the airports in Abuja, Kano and Lagos offer reliable car-hire services complete with drivers. Avoid travel after dark, unless it is essential. Road accidents pose a serious risk and you should exercise great caution, especially when travelling on highways and outside major urban areas. All arrangements should be made prior to your arrival in Nigeria.

Swimming

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides are common. Several drownings occur each year. Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities.

Public transportation

You should not use public transportation due to the risk of petty theft and armed attacks. Motorbike taxis, known in Nigeria as "okadas", are a typical form of public transportation in many cities and are dangerous to motorists, their own passengers and pedestrians. In several cities, okada drivers and passengers are required to wear helmets.

Taxis

If you must use a taxi, verify that nobody is hiding in the trunk before entering the vehicle. Locals have been known to hide in the trunk and then emerge through the back seat once the taxi is in motion to rob the passenger. Passengers in taxis have been driven to secluded areas to be attacked and robbed.

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the Nigeria, women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of precaution during travel.

Fraud

Cases of attempted fraud are common.

Scams

Foreigners have been committed by persons posing as police or military personnel. Carjacking Incidents of armed carjacking occur along main roads throughout the country but are of particular concern on the roads leading to international and domestic airports, on main highways between state capitals and in main cities, including Lagos and Abuja. Many strategies are used to stop cars on the road, such as nails being scattered on the road or individuals, including pregnant women, pretending to be injured.

Crime

There is a high level of crime throughout Nigeria, including armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom,and violent assault. Robberies and muggings conducted by large, well-armed groups, in places frequented by expatriates, are common. Use caution when travelling to and from banks and be particularly discreet when using automated teller machines, as criminals could follow you to rob you. House robberies are on the rise in Abuja, and remain a serious concern in residential areas of Lagos Petty crime is common in crowded places, especially in public markets, as well as popular tourist sites. Criminal activity is high in urban areas, including the city of Lagos. You should visit the beach, particularly around Victoria Island (Lekki and Bar beaches), or sign up for a fishing excursion, do so only during day light and in large groups.

Kidnapping

Kidnappings of foreign and Nigerian nationals occur throughout Nigeria. Kidnappings for ransom targeting Westerners have increased in the affluent areas of Lagos and the surrounding states of Ogun, Osun and Ondo. Throughout the Niger Delta states, numerous Westerners, mainly oil and gas facility workers, have been abducted, and, in some cases, killed. Remain especially vigilant in Warri, Delta state. Kidnappping is particular threat in North, North-East and Southern Nigeria. In Port Harcourt, Rivers state, you should avoid going to public places frequented by expatriates, including bars and restaurants, and avoid the waterfront at all times. The states of Abia, Anambra and Imo are at risk for kidnappings for ransom as well as violent acts. Residents and foreigners alike have been abducted and held captive, sometimes for days, until ransom was paid. Deaths have also been reported. Numerous mass kidnappings in the North and North-East have been linked to Boko Haram.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism, particularly in the northern and northeastern area of the country. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks. Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Targets could include:government buildings, including schools, places of worship, airports and other transportation hubs and networks, public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners.

Sharia law

Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in Nigeria's customs, laws and regulations. Sharia has been adopted in 12 northern states (Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara). Exercise common sense and discretion in behaviour, and dress conservatively. In the north, women are advised to keep their legs covered and travel with a scarf that can be used to cover their head and arms when required. The Sharia penal code may be applicable to non-Muslims in some parts of the country. Transgressions could be punished by detention or other penalties.

LGBT

Homosexuality is generally viewed as unacceptable in Nigeria. The "Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill" allows lengthy prison sentences for those entering into a same sex marriage, those witnessing, aiding or abetting a same sex marriage, the operation and support of gay clubs, societies and organisations and the public display of same sex relationships.

Illegal or restricted activities

It is illegal to import: beer, mineral water, soft drinks or sparkling winefruits, vegetables, cereals or eggsfabrics, including mosquito netting jewellery and precious metals. It is illegal to export pieces of African art, particularly antiques, without written authorisation from the Department of Antiquities. Possession, use of or trafficking in illegal drugs is a serious offence and can result in lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines.

Driving

An International Driving Permit can be used for 2 months. After that you must obtain a Nigerian driving permit.