Nigeria

If you travel to Nigeria, you're at risk of: 

• terrorist attack
• kidnapping
• civil unrest
• crime

The security situation could change suddenly. You could get caught up in violence directed at others. If you travel to high-risk areas despite our advice, it is unlikely we will be able to provide you consular services. Seek professional security advice and arrange personal security measures.

Violent crime is common in Nigeria, including in parts of Lagos and Abuja. Politically-motivated violence, including terrorist bombings and armed attacks, occurs frequently.

Police maintain patrols and checkpoints in many locations in Nigeria, including at entry points into, and key junctions within cities. Police officers, or people posing as police officers, may ask for bribes. It's illegal to pay bribes to foreign officials. Intimidation may be used, including a display of weapons. We strongly recommend you don’t drive at night (see 'Travel').

For more information on the situation in Nigeria: 

• United States State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs: Nigeria
• United States Embassy in Nigeria Security Alerts
• United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office travel advice: Nigeria
• Global Affairs Canada Travel Advice: Nigeria

There's a high risk of terrorist attacks in Nigeria by various militant groups. Further attacks are likely. 

Terrorist attacks:

• can happen anywhere and at any time
• may specifically target religious and public holidays
• may be indiscriminate
• may target venues frequently visited by foreigners

Potential targets may include:

• hotels, bars, restaurants, markets and shopping malls
• political meetings and government buildings
• law enforcement and military facilities
• religious gatherings and places of worship
• schools and universities
• international organisations
• sports, concerts and other events
• transport hubs (including air, bus and train networks)
• camps for displaced people
• other places where crowds gather

Terrorists may seek to target the staff of, or locations closely associated with, foreign governments. Australian officials rarely travel outside of Abuja and Lagos, due to the high-risk security environment. Australian officials always use enhanced security measures when they travel.

Attacks can be large, simultaneous, and might include:

• explosives, including suicide bombers
• knives, machetes or other sharp-edged weapons
• gunfire
• kidnapping

Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province have been active across Nigeria, especially in north-eastern states, including Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe and Yobe. However, they have shown an intent and capability to launch attacks further afield, including Abuja. Over 10,000 people are estimated to have been killed by extremists in over 10 years of conflict.

Armed criminal bandit groups conduct attacks on civilians, motorists and local communities throughout Nigeria.

Armed groups often target transport routes. Avoid intercity transport by road and rail. If despite our advice you undertake travel within Nigeria, research routes and get professional security advice and support before departing.

To protect yourself from terrorism:

• always be alert to threats, especially in public places
• avoid non-essential travel
• avoid crowds, and if you must go to a crowded place, have a clear exit plan
• monitor the media for threats, curfews and other restrictions
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local news and security authorities.

If you're in a 'do not travel' area, leave if it's safe to do so.

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

More information:

• Terrorism

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnappings can happen anywhere, anytime. Victims may be held for extended periods, and in some cases executed. 

The threat of kidnapping is high in all parts of Nigeria, including in Lagos and Abuja. 

Terrorist organisations and criminal groups engage in kidnapping throughout Nigeria. 

Seaborne kidnapping in the Niger Delta and Gulf of Guinea regions is also a significant risk.

Kidnappers usually target locals, but foreigners have been kidnapped in the past, including Australians. Businesspeople, workers in extractives industries, tourists, journalists and humanitarian aid workers may be seen as legitimate targets.

If despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping, you should be aware that our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations is limited. 

You are responsible for your own safety. To reduce the risk of being kidnapped:

• always be alert to your personal security and surroundings - avoid distractions. Be prepared to take evasive action if you sense danger
• get professional security advice for travel in locations with a heightened kidnap risk. It is essential to have a contingency plan
• check your accommodation has appropriate security measures
• vary your movements so you don't set predictable patterns
• keep a low profile – including online. Drawing attention to yourself in high-risk areas may signal to kidnappers that you are worth taking
• avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone. There is safety in numbers, and you should try to travel with someone else, especially at night
• notify family or friends of planned travel; provide them with regular updates; and share your location and emergency contacts that they can rely on if something happens
• avoid talking about your money or business affairs in public
• only use ATMs in public places and during daylight hours
• avoid giving personal details to strangers online or over the phone. Criminals have been known to search social media for victims
• If you are confronted by armed criminals, it is best to surrender and cooperate – resistance tends to make the situation worse

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Ransom payments to terrorist groups are likely to contravene Australian counter-terrorism financing laws. 

More information:

• Kidnapping
• Scams that affect travellers
• Reducing the risk of piracy

Elections

The risk of election related violence in Nigeria is high. Politically motivated murders and kidnappings have occurred. Clashes between political supporters and their opponents or government authorities are common.

While foreigners are not expected to be specifically targeted by election related violence, you may become caught up in election related events.

Demonstrations, protests and inter-communal violence

Foreigners generally aren't the target of civil unrest. However, you could get caught up in violence directed at others. Avoid public demonstrations, rallies and gatherings. These can occur at short notice and may turn violent. They have sometimes been subject to forceful suppression by government security forces, including the use of tear gas, rubber bullets and live fire. Government authorities may also impose local curfews, states of emergency or suspend communications networks with little warning.

Long-standing tribal, ethnic, religious, political and community arguments can lead to violence and unrest. Recent civil unrest has included conflict between cattle herders and villagers in many rural locations of Nigeria competing over access to land and resources. In urban settings there may be clashes between rival gangs known colloquially as ‘Area Boys’. 

We continue to advise against all travel to Rivers state. If despite our advice you travel there, comply with all directions from authorities and monitor local media reporting for updates on the situation. Security forces have maintained a heightened presence in Rivers state, resulting in restrictions on movement, searches and seizures, and questioning and detainment of persons. 

There have been strikes and protests over the cost of living in Nigeria in recent years. These could resume with little warning.

Trading and business disruptions have occurred as a result of strike and protest action. You should maintain stocks of essential supplies, such as food, water and petrol in anticipation of periods of unrest.

To protect yourself if you encounter a protest or local tension:

• leave and avoid the immediate affected area
• monitor local media and other sources for updates
• plan for interruptions to phone and internet services
• follow the instructions of local authorities.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Nigeria's crime rate is high. Crime increases at night, particularly in major cities and on highways. Criminals have targeted foreigners, as their perceived wealth makes them attractive targets. The following forms of crime are common:

• kidnapping (see 'Kidnapping')
• violent and sexual assault
• armed robbery and banditry
• home invasion or burglary
• carjacking
• assaults and robberies on public transport or in taxis
• attacks on motorists travelling between cities (see ‘Road travel’).

If you're a victim of violent crime, especially rape, get immediate medical attention. Nigeria has a higher rate of HIV/AIDS infections than Australia.

To protect yourself from crime:

• avoid travel alone or after dark
• avoid conspicuous displays of money, devices including mobile phones, smartwatches or laptops, jewellery or expensive looking watches, in public places or in the presence of persons unknown to you
• take care when changing money or using ATMs
• secure valuable personal items when leaving hotel rooms
• arrange airport and hotel pick-ups with someone you know or by using the airport transfer arrangements of a major hotel. If you don't know the driver, make sure you check their credentials before you leave the airport
• use hotel car services rather than local taxis or rideshare apps

Cyber security

Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks. See our advice on partying safely while overseas.

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Commercial and internet fraud often originates in Nigeria. ATM, debit and credit card fraud is also common (see 'Money').

Criminals often seek details of 'safe' bank accounts overseas, such as yours. They claim they will transfer large sums of money into the account. Victims believe they will get a percentage of the amount involved.

Be aware of other scams where criminals:

• give fake cheques for 'urgent' shipments of goods
• ask for large fees for fake government contracts
• pretend to be calling from your financial institution
• extort money from people the scammers convince to travel to Nigeria for a business opportunity
• promise IVF or fertility treatments that involve staged births or ‘miracle babies’.

To protect yourself against a scam, be wary of:

• any request to send money to a person in Nigeria, including people you know
• any invitation to Nigeria to meet someone you have met over the internet.

Be careful about giving out personal information or disposing of personal documents while in Nigeria.

Scammers can access your personal data when you use open networks. Be careful when and where you use internet banking and other sites that transmit or store your data or passwords.

If you're travelling to Nigeria, your family and friends may receive bogus phone calls and emails from Nigeria. Scammers may claim that you're in legal, financial or medical trouble and that you need money.

Some scammers may pretend to work for the Australian High Commission in Abuja and ask you to transfer money to the High Commission. Check with the High Commission first through its official contact details if you're asked to send money or information to them (see 'Local contacts').

Don't travel to Nigeria to try to get your money back or to seek justice or revenge. You could be in danger.

Bogus dating schemes 

Scammers in West Africa operate fake online friendship, dating and marriage schemes to defraud and threaten foreigners. They do this by targeting Australians and other foreigners on internet dating sites or chat rooms. They may pose as a prospective friend or partner and may use a false identity.

Once a friendship develops, the scammer may ask for money to allow them to travel to Australia. In some cases, the scammer ends the relationship once the money has been sent. There's little chance of getting the money back.

In other cases, foreigners are lured to Africa to meet their prospective friend or partner. Once in Africa, they may become the victim of kidnapping, assault, robbery or extortion.

There have also been cases of sextortion, where scammers develop a fake romantic relationship and then ask to exchange revealing photographs or videos. Once they have these, the nature of the relationship will often change abruptly, and the scammers will demand payment in exchange for not releasing these items to the victim's family, friends or work colleagues.

More information:

• Australian Government E-Safety Commissioner

Nigeria experiences a rainy season from May to October. In past years, there have been significant casualties and widespread damage to infrastructure caused by severe flooding. Essential services may be disrupted. Follow the advice of local authorities and check the media for updates. 

The dry season is from November to April. Temperatures may be higher than 40°C for multiple days, especially in the north.

Nigeria experiences the Harmattan from December to March. This seasonal wind blows sand and dust in the air. Dust storms are common and flights can be affected due to bad visibility.

Strong ocean currents occur along the coast. Conditions can change quickly and be challenging, even for strong swimmers. Beaches are generally unsupervised and have no warning systems in place for unsafe conditions. Many people drown each year.

If a natural disaster or extreme weather happens, follow the advice of local authorities.

More information:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• National Emergency Management Agency 

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is common in Nigeria.

Take precautions if you engage in activities that may expose you to the virus.

Polio

Poliovirus outbreaks have occurred in the last 12 months (Circulating Vaccine Derived Poliovirus Type 2). Consider a booster if it has been 10 years since your last polio vaccine.

Insect-borne diseases

Yellow fever is common in Nigeria. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination, which is a requirement for entry into Nigeria. You must provide proof of vaccination in the form of a 'yellow book'. Get vaccinated before you leave.

Other common insect-borne diseases include:

• malaria
• dengue

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothes
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria.

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

Other health risks

Lassa fever occurs in several states in Nigeria. Monitor local media and the World Health Organization for updates.

Lassa fever is spread through contact with rodents or bodily fluids of infected people. To protect yourself:

• avoid contact with rodents and their droppings
• keep food in clean, rodent-proof containers
• don't eat any food if it could be contaminated
• avoid contact with the blood and body fluids of infected people
• avoid contact with items that may have come in contact with an infected person's blood or body fluids (clothes, bedding, needles, medical equipment).

Other infectious diseases:

Common waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases include:

• cholera
• typhoid
• hepatitis
• mpox
• bilharzia (schistosomiasis)
• tuberculosis
• rabies
• measles
• meningitis
• diphtheria

Serious outbreaks occur from time to time.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food or food that may have been washed in untreated water, including salads
• don't swim in fresh water.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

There’s no agreement between Australia and Nigeria for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

Medical facilities throughout Nigeria can be basic.

You may need to pay cash up-front before doctors, ambulances and hospitals will treat you, even in an emergency.

If you're seriously ill or injured, you'll need evacuation to a place with better facilities. 

Make sure you get travel insurance that covers hospital stays and medical evacuation, as these can be very expensive.

When you travel to another country, you must follow their laws. Even if they seem strict compared to Australia's. Before you go, learn about the local laws in that country.

The Australian Government is limited in how and when we can help if you're arrested overseas. We can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They may include long jail terms and large fines.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Death penalty

The death penalty can apply for serious crimes like murder and armed robbery in Nigeria.

Sharia law

Sharia law operates in 12 northern Nigerian states:

• Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara.

Sharia law is increasingly enforced in these areas.

Serious crimes, including stealing, adultery and blasphemy may also lead to harsh punishment under Sharia Law, including corporal punishment. They may even attract the death penalty. Cases of extra-judicial executions have been noted in Sharia law jurisdictions. 

LGBTQIA+ laws

Same-sex relationships are illegal in Nigeria and largely regarded as socially unacceptable. 

It's illegal to:

• enter into a same-sex marriage or civil union
• plan or take part in a same-sex marriage ceremony
• register, operate or visit gay clubs, societies or organisations
• make any public show of a same-sex relationship
• cross-dress

Same-sex sexual activity between adults can carry severe penalties in states operating under Sharia law.

LGBTQIA+ persons are generally discriminated against in Nigeria and have been subject to harassment, verbal and physical abuse, across the country. Extra-judicial executions of LGBTQIA+ persons have been carried out in the past. 

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Other laws

It's illegal to photograph or film around:

• government buildings
• military and police sites
• diplomatic premises
• airports

Restricted areas may not be well defined or signposted. Avoid taking pictures of military or police personnel.

It's illegal to:

• smoke or litter in public places
• export African art, artefacts and antiques without a permit from the relevant authorities.

See further information on items subject to import and export restrictions for travellers from Nigeria’s Customs service, including under ‘passenger concessions’.

Local SIMs for use on the mobile phone network must be linked to a Nigerian Identification Number (NIN). Before you travel, get guidance from your network operator on whether you can use your existing number while roaming in Nigeria.

Some Australian laws still apply even if you’re in another country. You could be charged in Australia if you break these laws overseas.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

While dual nationality is recognised in Nigeria, it may impact our ability to offer you consular services.

If you're an Australian-Nigerian dual national and aged between 18 and 30, you may be required to join the National Youth Service Corps program.

Nigerian authorities may insist dual nationals enter and exit on a Nigerian passport.

Contact an embassy or consulate of Nigeria for advice before you travel.

More information:

• Advice for dual nationals

Nigeria is ethnically and religiously diverse. Avoid behaving or dressing in ways that might offend conservative local standards or religious sensitivities, especially outside of urban areas and for women travelling alone. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws. 

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is observed in Nigeria, especially in northern Nigeria. 

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal in public during the day (see 'Sharia Law'). If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Visas

You'll need a valid visa or Nigerian residence permit to travel to or reside in Nigeria. You can check visa conditions and apply and pay for a visa online through the Nigeria Immigration Service website. To complete the process, you may need to provide your passport by mail or in person to the appropriate Nigerian diplomatic mission in your country.

Significant penalties, including fines and detention, may apply for people who overstay their visa terms.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Nigeria for details about visas, customs and quarantine rules.

Border measures

Expect enhanced security and health screening measures at airports. The Nigerian Immigration Service has an online system for foreigners to complete their landing and departure cards  before entering or exiting the country, you may be asked to show these at airports. 

You may also need to fill in a Health Declaration Form prior to arrival. 

Yellow fever vaccination

You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Nigeria. Some airlines may want to see your vaccination certificate prior to boarding your flight to Nigeria.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

The local currency is the Nigeria Naira (NGN). 

Nigeria is still largely a cash-based economy. Cash shortages have occurred in the past.

You must declare amounts of currencies, negotiable instruments, or precious stones/metals in excess of US$10,000 or its equivalent brought into or out of Nigeria.

Facilities for changing traveller's cheques and Australian dollars are very limited.

US dollars, British Pounds and Euros are easily exchangeable in Nigeria, and usually accepted at:

• major hotels
• banks
• foreign exchange services.

ATMs are widely available in major cities only. However, non-Nigerian debit and credit cards are rarely accepted outside of major hotels. Most transactions need to be conducted using local cards, bank transfers or cash.

Fraud and skimming are high risks when using debit and credit cards with ATMs or EFTPOS machines. Pay careful attention when using these or when others are handling your cards. Report any unauthorised transactions to your bank immediately.

Travel services in Nigeria are not reliable. Not all travel providers accept credit or debit cards. You should reconsider your need to travel and have back-up options. 

Land borders

Avoid travelling over land borders to and from Nigeria, these can be lengthy and require additional checks. Nigeria's land borders may open and close at short notice. Check with local authorities if the specific border you propose to travel through is open at the time of travel. Most destinations bordering Nigeria also have a high travel advice level. If despite our advice you travel overland, read the travel advice of the destination you're entering or exiting.

Driving permit

International Driving Permits are recognised in Nigeria for up to 3 months, provided they are accompanied by a valid driver's licence.

After this period, you must obtain a local driver's licence.

Road travel

Driving in Nigeria is dangerous due to:

• poorly maintained roads and vehicles
• poor local driving habits
• unpredictable pedestrians, including street vendors and beggars
• poor signage
• lack of working traffic lights
• poor road lighting
• high number of carjackings

Be alert to security threats, particularly in traffic jams and at traffic lights. Keep your doors locked and windows up at all times.

Avoid travel by domestic road transport between urban centres due to the high incidence of attacks on motorists by criminal gangs, bandits and terrorists. They may attempt to stop travellers using nails and branches on the road, by seeking assistance for fake breakdowns and injured people, and by setting up fake checkpoints. If despite our advice, you decide to travel via domestic road transport, you should engage professional security for support and planning. Travelling in an armoured vehicle with a trusted security provider is the safest domestic road transport option.

Expect delays when you travel. This can include:

• authorised and unauthorised police and military roadblocks
• checkpoints
• traffic diversions
• parking restrictions
• fuel shortages and queues

These happen both in major cities and rural areas, including after dark.

If you can't produce your identity documents, car registration or ownership papers, police may fine you or ask for a bribe. It's illegal to pay bribes to foreign officials.

If you're in a traffic accident, nearby crowds may gather quickly. They may also overreact if they think you're at fault or use this as an opportunity to assault you or steal from you.

Rental cars may be available but should be avoided as their maintenance record and insurance coverage cannot be assured.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Motorbikes are banned in some cities – for example in Lagos. Check with your travel insurer if your policy includes coverage for riding a motorcycle.

Taxis and public transport

We recommend using car hire services that include a driver, organised through a major hotel or reputable security provider. Don’t use local taxis and ride-sharing services, including motorcycle and tricycle (Tuk-Tuk style) taxis called ‘Okada’ and ‘Keke’ respectively, due to poor safety standards and the risk of petty crime. Don't use public transport including bus and rail services, to travel within or between cities. 

Public transport is often unsafe, due to:

• unqualified and uninsured drivers
• poor vehicle maintenance
• high speed driving
• overcrowding
• being targeted by criminal gangs, bandits and terrorists

Travelling in an armoured motor vehicle with professional security support is the safest option.

Sea travel

At sea or on ships in port, you may encounter:

• piracy
• hijacking
• kidnapping
• armed robbery

Do not travel in the Gulf of Guinea or coastal areas around the Niger Delta. Criminals with speedboats and high-calibre weapons commonly target pleasure craft, cruise liners, oil tankers, container ships and other large vessels in these areas.

The Nigerian Navy has limited capacity to respond to piracy incidents. The International Maritime Bureau issues piracy reports.

Safety and reliability of some domestic and inter-country ferry services is a concern. Maintenance procedures and safety standards are not to Australian standards. If you travel on these services, insurance may not cover you.

Air travel

Domestic and international flights are often overbooked, delayed or cancelled with little notice.

Safety and reliability of domestic airlines cannot be guaranteed. Airlines may not have strict maintenance procedures and safety standards. If you travel on certain airlines, you may not be covered by insurance. Check with your insurance provider before booking flights.

Check Nigeria's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, in the first instance it may be best to contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline
• hotel

National emergency numbers, 119 and 112, can be unreliable.

Fire and rescue services

Call 119 or 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 119, 112 or go to the nearest hospital.

There is no national ambulance service. Some hospitals own and operate their own services. Ambulance service response times are unreliable and may not be available outside of major cities.

Police

Call 119, 112 or go to the nearest police station.

Police can be slow to respond to reports of criminal activity. Sometimes they may not investigate your report. Sometimes they don't respond at all.

Always try to get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

There are limits to what consular assistance we can provide in high-risk locations. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

Australia has a High Commission in Abuja. However, it may be limited in terms of the consular and passport services it can provide.

Australia has an Honorary Consulate in Lagos. It provides limited consular assistance and doesn’t issue Australian passports. You should first contact the High Commission in Abuja for consular enquiries. 

Australian High Commission, Abuja

Phone: +234 (0) 9460 6960
Email: ahc.abuja@dfat.gov.au

Website: nigeria.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Nigeria
X: @AusHCAbuja

Check the High Commission website for details about services, opening hours, appointments and any temporary closures.

Australian Honorary Consulate, Lagos

8th Floor, Union Marble House
1 Alfred Rewane Road (formerly Kingsway), Falomo
Ikoyi Lagos, Nigeria

Phone: (+234 0) 803 300 7291
Email: alandavies@jamescubittgroup.com

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia