Nigeria Travel Information Guide: Comprehensive Overview of Political Situation · Security Risks · Medical Tips
Nigeria is Africa's most populous nation with over 200 million people, a hyper-diverse society where more than 250 ethnic groups and 500 languages coexist. While crude oil exports form the backbone of its economy, price volatility and issues like corruption, security, and infrastructure gaps directly impact daily life and the travel environment.
It is a country with complex risks, including threats from armed groups in the north and northeast, opportunistic crime in major cities, and nationwide civil unrest. While business and travel are possible with risk management, nighttime movement restrictions, pre-arranged transportation, and insurance covering medical evacuation costs are practically essential. This article provides an actionable checklist of where to avoid and what to prepare for a safe trip.
Country Overview & Current Climate
- Nigeria is a mega-sized federal state with a population exceeding 200 million. Bola Tinubu was elected president in the February 2023 general election and is currently serving his term. Opposition parties alleged electoral fraud, but the official results stand.
- A complex risk structure where crime, terrorism, and kidnapping coexist. Particularly high-risk areas include the northeast (Borno, Yobe, Adamawa), parts of the northwest and central states, and the Niger Delta coastal region (travel should be avoided or reconsidered unless essential).
- While maritime piracy incidents have decreased compared to the past (due to international cooperation and escort services), the risk of armed robbery and kidnapping throughout the Gulf of Guinea has not completely disappeared. Verifying the latest shipping route information is essential.
Key Risk Factors
Terrorism
- The primary threat stems from armed groups like Boko Haram/ISWAP operating in the North and Northeast (Borno, Yobe, Adamawa). The Federal Capital Territory (FCT, Abuja) and major cities like Kaduna and Kano also face intermittent threats. Tactics vary, including IED/VBIED, shootings, arson, and suicide attacks.
- Reports of kidnappings and attacks in the Borno area continued in 2024–2025 (e.g., March 2024 IDP camp kidnapping). Limit long-distance land travel to daytime and essential trips only; verify official markings when approaching checkpoints.
Crime
- Pickpocketing, vehicle theft, armed robbery, and express kidnappings are reported nationwide. Exercise particular caution on airport access roads and major highways, at banks/ATMs, and in crowded commercial areas (markets), including Lagos/Abuja. Cases of criminals impersonating police exist; verifying ‘ID + call-out device’ is crucial.
Civil Unrest
- Protests frequently occur due to fuel subsidy removal, rising prices, and security grievances. Crowd dispersal using tear gas and live ammunition has been reported; immediately leave any gathering. Heightened risk of congestion and clashes near Lagos' Lekki Toll Gate around October 20th (#EndSARS anniversary) requires caution.
Regional Travel Advice
- Strongly Recommends Reconsidering/Avoiding Travel: Borno, Yobe, Adamawa (northeast), frequent kidnappings/terrorism. Prohibit travel except for essential purposes.
- High-Risk States (Limited to Essential Purposes): Gombe, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, and other northwest/central states, plus Delta, Rivers, and other Niger Delta ‘riverine areas’. Separate security plans essential for maritime travel and areas near oil infrastructure.
- Major Cities (Lagos·Abuja): Relatively safe, but avoid airport access, nighttime long-distance travel, solicited taxis, and street currency exchange. Arrange hotel pickups in advance, use indoor bank ATMs, and avoid displaying valuables.
Medical & Health
Medical Accessibility
- Advanced medical facilities are primarily available at select private hospitals in Lagos and Abuja. Prepayment requirements and high treatment costs are common. For critical cases, international medical evacuation is a realistic option, making travel insurance covering medical evacuation costs essential.
Vaccinations/Diseases
- Yellow Fever: Entry requirement (≥9 months/1 year old) + carry proof of vaccination.
- Recommended: DTP, MMR, Typhoid, Hepatitis A/B, Meningococcal (ACWY, especially northern dry season).
- Malaria Year-round risk (nationwide): Mosquito avoidance + antimalarial medication recommended. Lassa Fever follows annual epidemic patterns (rodent-borne); check NCDC situation board for updates. Cholera risk ↑ during northern/central rainy season (May–September).
Culture·Laws·Practical Information
- LGBTQ+: Severe penalties (up to 14 years) for same-sex acts, marriage, and associations are common. Public sexual expression/gatherings are legally risky. Exercise restraint in expression and prioritize personal safety.
- Carry original/copy of ID, comply with security checks. Avoid bars with ‘forced sales/bar traps’, counterfeit alcohol, and street currency exchange. For airport/hotel transfers, use pre-arranged vehicles exclusively.
Emergency Contacts
- National emergency number: 112 (police, fire, ambulance, free from mobile phones). In Lagos, also use 767. Local response quality varies significantly by region, so simultaneously secure direct contact numbers for your accommodation and guide.
📌 Final Summary
✅ Politics: Tinubu government system maintained after 2023 general election. Protests frequently occur over issues like elections and fuel subsidies → Immediately leave any gathering if crowds form.
✅ Terrorism: High risk in northeast (Borno, Yobe, Adamawa); intermittent threats in capital region, Kaduna, etc. → Limit long-distance travel to daytime and essential trips only.
✅ Crime: Reports of pickpocketing/armed robbery/express kidnapping near airport access roads, major highways, and crowded commercial areas → Use pre-arranged vehicles, indoor ATMs; avoid exposing cash/valuables.
✅ Civil unrest: Frequent protests over fuel, prices, security → Tear gas/live ammunition used to disperse crowds → Avoid protests/roadblocks; prepare for accidental clashes.
✅ Medical care: Advanced treatment concentrated in Lagos/Abuja; critical cases realistically require international transfer → Travel insurance covering medical evacuation costs is essential.
✅ Vaccinations: Yellow fever ‘mandatory for entry’ (≥9–12 months) + DTP, MMR, typhoid, Hepatitis A/B, Meningococcal ACWY (dry season/north) recommended.
✅ Infectious Diseases/Hygiene: Malaria year-round; Lassa fever/cholera seasonal → Use DEET/mosquito nets/long clothing + drink bottled water/fully boiled.
✅ Culture/Laws: Severe penalties (up to 14 years) for same-sex acts/associations → Avoid public displays or gatherings.
✅ Emergency Numbers: National 112 (free, unified) / (Lagos 767 concurrently). Secure direct contact numbers for accommodation/guide.
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