Nigeria

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

• terrorist attack
• kidnapping
• violent 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 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 on both security forces and innocent bystanders, can occur throughout Nigeria.

Police maintain patrols and checkpoints in many locations in Nigeria, including in Abuja and at city entry points. Police officers or people posing as police officers may ask for bribes. Intimidation may be used, including a display of weapons. We strongly recommend you don’t drive at night, due to the presence of official and unofficial checkpoints. See 'Travel'.

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, and
• may target venues visited by foreigners.

Potential targets include a wide range of venues, facilities and locations. Attacks could be indiscriminate and could affect foreign interests as well as places visited by tourists. Avoid places where crowds gather, this includes:

• political meetings and government buildings
• religious gatherings and places of worship
• schools, law enforcement facilities and international organisations
• markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants
• athletic gatherings
• transport hubs (including train networks)
• camps for displaced people.

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

Attacks can be large, simultaneous, and might include:

• explosives
• suicide bombers
• gunfire
• kidnapping

Secondary attacks sometimes target first responders.

Boko Haram is active in north-eastern Nigeria, especially Borno State. Boko Haram also operates in adjacent north eastern states including Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe and Yobe, and, in the past, has launched attacks further afield such as in Abuja. No location in Nigeria should be viewed as being outside the scope for potential Boko Haram activity. Around 10,000 people are estimated to have been killed by Boko Haram over more than 10 years of conflict.

The Islamic State West Africa Province is more active than Boko Haram. They can conduct operations in most parts of Nigeria, including on the outskirts of Abuja.

Bandit groups are active throughout Nigeria. Attacks on civilians, motorists and local communities can involve gunfire, explosives and kidnapping.

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 an attack, leave the area immediately. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

More information:

• Terrorism

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

Boko Haram and associated groups such as the Islamic State West Africa Province engage in kidnapping throughout Nigeria.

There is an increasing risk of kidnapping throughout Nigeria by ‘bandit’ groups, and an ongoing risk of kidnapping in the southern delta/riverine regions of Nigeria.

Maritime piracy and seaborne kidnapping in the Gulf of Guinea region is a significant risk.

We advise do not travel to several areas of Nigeria, especially the north, south, and south-east.

Kidnappers usually target locals, but foreigners have been taken, including Australians in the past. Aid workers may be targets. Kidnapping in Nigeria can be motivated by both financial and terrorist reasons.

If you travel to a high-risk area despite our advice, we may not be able to provide consular services. Seek professional security advice and arrange personal security measures.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

• Kidnapping

Elections

The risk of post-election related violence remains high. There have been numerous instances of deaths and injuries from election related violence during past elections.

Since the commencement of the official election period in September 2022, offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission across the country have been targeted by bombing, shooting and arson attacks. These locations should be avoided at all times. Politically motivated murders and kidnappings have also occurred, and the threat of further attacks remains high.

The potential for clashes between political supporters and their opponents or government authorities is high. Violence may last until after the Presidential inauguration.

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

Avoid all protests, demonstrations and political gatherings. Follow the instructions of local authorities. 

Demonstrations and protests

Foreigners generally aren't the target of political violence. However, you could get caught up in violence directed at others. Public demonstrations and protest activity have sometimes been subject to forceful suppression by government security forces, including live firing. Government authorities may also react by imposing local curfews suddenly.

Protests have the potential to occur spontaneously and in several locations at once. Protests can occur anywhere in Nigeria, including in Abuja and Lagos, resulting in violence, looting and deaths. Monitor reputable local and international media. The security situation can change rapidly.

Long-standing tribal, religious, political and community arguments can lead to violence and unrest. Recent civil unrest has also included conflict between cattle herders and villagers in many rural locations of Nigeria, including the risk of violence to bystanders. 

There have been protests over the cost of living and tensions in parts of Nigeria as a result of petrol shortages. Exercise caution and avoid large groups at petrol stations, where tensions can boil over leading to personal injury and property damage. Queues at these locations can number in the hundreds and last for hours. Those standing in queues may not always be successful in obtaining petrol.

Trading and business disruptions have occurred as a result of shortages. You should maintain stocks of essential supplies during this time.

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

• monitor local media and other sources for updates, including for advice on curfews imposed by authorities
• plan for interruptions to phone and internet services
• avoid areas affected by protests or unrest
• follow the instructions of local authorities.

Under all circumstances, exercise caution and avoid locations where protests or street gatherings may be occurring.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Violent crime

Nigeria's crime rate is high. Crime increases at night, particularly in major cities and on highways. The following forms of crime are common:

• kidnapping (see 'Kidnapping')
• violent assault
• armed robbery and bandits
• home invasion or burglary
• assaults and robberies on public transport or 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.

Petty crime

To protect yourself from petty crime:

• avoid travel alone or after dark
• avoid conspicuous displays of money 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 from a major hotel
• use hotel car service arrangements rather than local taxis.

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information:

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Commercial and internet fraud often originates in Nigeria.

Online scammers defraud victims. Victims who have travelled to the originating country have put their lives in danger.

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 donation or 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 Africa for a business opportunity.

To protect yourself against a scam, be wary of:

• any request to send money to a person in Nigeria
• 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 scams ask you to transfer money through the Australian High Commission in Abuja. Some scammers pretend to work there.

Check with the Australian High Commission in Abuja if you're asked to send money or details to them (see 'Local contacts').

Do not travel to Nigeria to try to get your money back or seek revenge. You could be in danger.

Bogus dating schemes

Criminals in West Africa operate fake online friendship, dating and marriage schemes.

Scammers use these schemes to defraud and threaten the lives of Australians. They do this by targeting Australians and other foreigners on internet dating sites or chat rooms. They may pose as a prospective friend or spouse.

Once a friendship develops, the scammer asks 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 marriage partner. Once in Africa, they may become the victim of kidnapping, assault, robbery or extortion.

The rainy season is from May to October. 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.

Strong ocean currents occur along the coast. Conditions can change quickly. Several people drown each year.

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 change due to bad visibility.

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

More information:

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

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor. 

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Nigeria. Take enough legal medication for your trip. Do not assume the same medication will be available in Nigeria if your supply runs out.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is common in Nigeria.

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

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 also a requirement for entry. 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.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

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 body 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).

Monkeypox is endemic in parts of Africa. In areas where monkeypox is found, you should avoid contact with animals (especially primates and rodents), infected people and items that may have come into contact with them.

Common waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases include:

• cholera
• typhoid
• hepatitis
• bilharzia (schistosomiasis)
• tuberculosis
• rabies
• measles
• meningitis
• COVID-19

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• don't swim in fresh water

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Medical facilities

Medical facilities throughout Nigeria can be basic.

You may need to pay cash up-front before doctors 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. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

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.

Sharia law

Sharia law operates in 12 northern states:

• Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara in the north west
• Niger in the north
• Bauchi, Bomo, Gombe, and Yobe in the north east

Sharia law is increasingly enforced in these areas.

Same-sex sexual activity between adults can carry severe penalties in these states under Sharia law. Stealing, adultery and blasphemy may also lead to harsh punishment under Sharia Law, including extra-judicial execution.

LGBTI laws

Same-sex relationships are illegal in all parts of Nigeria. They are also regarded as socially unacceptable by many in Nigeria.

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

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Other laws

It's illegal to photograph or film around:

• government buildings
• military sites
• diplomatic premises
• airports
• bridges

Restricted areas may not be well defined or signposted.

It's also illegal to:

• smoke in public places
• litter
• export African art or artefacts 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’.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

If you're an Australian-Nigerian dual national and aged between 18 and 30, you may need 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:

• Dual nationals

Nigeria is ethnically and religiously diverse. Avoid behaving or dressing in ways that might offend local expectations or religious sensitivities, especially outside of urban areas.

The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan is observed in Nigeria, especially in northern Nigeria. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

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.

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Visas

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

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

Border measures

Expect enhanced screening measures at airports. Check the Nigerian International Travel Portal for the most up to date entry requirements.

More information:

• Nigeria Immigration Service 

Yellow fever vaccination

You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Nigeria. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

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

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 74KB)

Australian residents

Australian expats in Nigeria must register with Nigerian immigration authorities.

More information:

• Nigeria Immigration Service

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

More information:

• LGBTI travellers

The local currency is the Nigeria Naira (NGN). 

Nigeria is still largely a cash based economy.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed the redesign and issue of new N200, N500 and N1,000 Naira notes. There have been reported shortages of the new notes. Distribution of the new notes is expected to continue into December 2023.

Old notes are gradually being removed from active circulation and will stop being legal tender from 1 January 2024. Be aware that some vendors may not accept old notes. 

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 are easily exchangeable in Nigeria, and usually accepted at:

• major hotels
• banks
• foreign exchange services.

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

Fraud is a risk when using debit and credit cards

Travel disruptions have also occurred in recent weeks due to difficulties in obtaining fuel for vehicles or cash to pay for travel. Not all travel providers accept credit or debit cards. You should reconsider your need to travel and have back-up options. 

Land borders

Some of Nigeria's land borders are now open for personal travel, but you should check if the specific border you propose to travel through is open at the time of travel. Avoid travelling over land borders to Nigeria. Most destinations bordering Nigeria have a high travel advice level. If despite our advice you travel overland, read the travel advice of the destination your entering or exiting.

Driving permit

International Driving Permits aren't recognised in Nigeria.

You must have 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
• poor signage
• lack of working traffic lights
• poor road lighting

Be alert to security threats, particularly in traffic jams and at traffic lights.

Avoid travel by domestic road transport between urban centres due to the high incidence of attacks on motorists by criminal gangs, bandits and terrorists. If despite our advice, you decide to travel via domestic road transport, engage with professional security for support and planning. Travelling in an armoured motor vehicle is the safest domestic road transport option.

Armed robbery happens on highways. Criminals stop travellers with nails and branches on the road, fake breakdowns and injured people.

Expect delays when you travel. This can include:

• authorised and unauthorised police and military roadblocks
• vehicle checkpoints
• traffic diversions
• parking restrictions

These will often happen in major cities and after dark.

If you can't produce your identity documents, car registration or ownership papers, police may fine you or ask for a bribe.

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.

Nigeria is experiencing constant fuel shortages. Long lines at service stations often block traffic in urban centres.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Motorbikes are banned in some cities – for example in Lagos. Check with your travel insurer if your policy covers you to ride a motorcycle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis and public transport

We recommend using car hire services organised through a major hotel. Do not use local taxis and ride-sharing services due to poor safety standards and risk of petty crime.

Public transport is often unsafe, due to:

• unqualified and uninsured drivers
• poor vehicle maintenance
• high speed driving
• overcrowding

Don't use public transport.

Travelling in an armoured motor vehicle is the safest option.

Sea travel

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

• piracy
• hijacking
• kidnapping
• armed robbery

This risk has increased in the coastal areas of the Gulf of Guinea, including the Niger Delta. Criminals with speedboats and high-calibre weapons are common in these areas.

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

Air travel

Domestic and international flights are often overbooked, delayed or cancelled suddenly.

Safety and reliability of some domestic airlines is a concern. Airlines may not have strict maintenance procedures and safety standards. If you travel on these airlines, insurance may not cover you.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

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

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

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

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.

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.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia has a High Commission in Abuja. However, it's currently only providing limited consular and passport services. Check before you visit.

Australia has a consulate in Lagos. It provides limited consular assistance and doesn’t issue Australian passports.

The High Commission and Consulate don't process visa requests.

Australian High Commission, Abuja

Phone: +234 (0) 9460 6960
Email: ahc.abuja@dfat.gov.au
Website: nigeria.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Nigeria
Twitter: @AusHCAbuja

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

Australian 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