Nigeria Country Report

Nigeria is a HIGH RISK country. The security environment of Nigeria is precarious, with high crime and unrest in urban areas; terrorism, inter-ethnic conflict, and kidnapping pose threats in the periphery.

Essential Precautions:

• Avoid travelling through unlit areas or travelling alone at night.
• Avoid demonstrations and protests as they often turn violent.
• Avoid street food in general and only drink bottled water.
• Do not photograph government buildings, civil infrastructure, or military installations.
• Do not use public transportation; secure transportation is required.
• Whilst it is advised that travel to areas such as Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara should be avoided, we understand our clients may need to go to these places for work. We express to our clients to exercise extreme care in such cases.

Insurance becomes a priority if you intend to travel or work in Nigeria. Travelling to Nigeria involves various risks due to security concerns, political instability, and health hazards. The situation can change rapidly, so it's essential to consult up-to-date travel advisories from your government or reliable sources like the U.S. State Department or the UK Foreign Office.

Crime and Security Concerns

Sectarian tensions, extreme corruption, and multiple active insurgencies contribute to the high levels of insecurity and instability in Nigeria. Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA) control large swathes of northeastern Nigeria and have the ability and intent to conduct attacks nationwide. Piracy and banditry are major security concerns in the southern states along the Gulf of Guinea. Communal clashes occur in Middle Belt states, and there is a risk that these tensions may escalate into more widespread violence due to the central government's failure to counteract Fulani herders' attacks on farmers. Civil unrest is very common and often turns violent, as demonstrated by the nationwide anti-police protests in October 2020. The rates of violent crime are high, with foreigners frequently targeted for armed robbery, assault, burglary, carjacking, sexual assault, kidnapping, and extortion. Organised crime maintains a strong presence in Lagos and the Niger Delta region. Pickpocketing is a problem in markets, busy streets, crowded areas, and on public transport.

Terrorism

Nigeria has experienced terrorist attacks by groups such as Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and other militant groups. These attacks have targeted government institutions, security forces, religious gatherings, and civilian populations. Travellers should be vigilant, particularly in crowded places, religious sites, and areas with a history of terrorist activity. The risk of kidnapping is high in regions with active terrorist groups, and the threat of violence can escalate quickly.

Political Instability

Nigeria's political landscape is characterised by frequent elections, political tensions, and occasional protests. Political rallies, demonstrations, and election-related violence can occur, disrupting travel and posing risks to personal safety. Travellers should avoid participating in political activities or gatherings and monitor local media for updates on the political situation.

Medical and Health Risks

Standards of medical care in Nigeria are below international standards. Travellers should seek out private hospitals when possible. Blood supplies may be contaminated, and blood transfusions should be avoided if possible. Emergency response services are limited. Cholera, dengue, hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS, Lassa fever, loiasis, pertussis, polio, rabies, rubella, schistosomiasis, trypanosomiasis, and tuberculosis are common. Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in Nigeria. The tap water is not safe to drink.

Infrastructure and Road Safety

While the roads in the Lagos region are of decent quality, road infrastructure is typically poor. Road travel is highly dangerous due to carjacking, robbery, and poor road conditions. Air travel is recommended for inter-city transport. Roadblocks erected by both security forces and criminal or terrorist groups are common. Both taxis and public transport should be avoided due to security concerns. The country's infrastructure is poor, and the electrical grid is not always reliable.

Corruption and Bribery

Nigeria has a reputation for pervasive corruption, with bribery and extortion occurring in various sectors, including law enforcement, customs, and business. Travellers should be prepared to encounter corruption and bribery attempts and handle such situations with caution and discretion.

Environmental Risk

Flooding during the rainy season between March and September presents the most serious risk to travellers in Nigeria. Flooding may cause damage to infrastructure, mass displacement, water contamination, and the proliferation of diseases such as malaria and cholera.

Ethnic and Religious Tensions

Nigeria is ethnically and religiously diverse, with over 250 ethnic groups and a roughly equal division between Muslims and Christians. Tensions between different ethnic and religious communities can sometimes escalate into violence, particularly in the Middle Belt and Jos Plateau regions. Travellers should be aware of local sensitivities and avoid discussions or activities that could exacerbate ethnic or religious tensions.
Overall, while Nigeria offers cultural diversity and economic opportunities, travellers should be aware of the risks and challenges associated with travelling to the country. By staying informed, exercising caution, and taking necessary precautions, travellers can mitigate risks and have a safe and rewarding experience in Nigeria.

Choosing the Right Cover for Your Trip to Nigeria

Many insurers restrict cover for travel to Nigeria. It is vital to check that your policy includes journeys to this nation. Ascertain that your policy coverage includes medical expenses, repatriation, crisis management, and kidnap-for-ransom cover. Standards of medical care in Nigeria are below international standards. It will be necessary to evacuate you for medical and other critical care.

Required Vaccinations:

• Polio and Yellow Fever.

Pre-Trip Checklist:

• Carry a copy of your passport.
• Bring a necessary supply of prescription medication
• Bring a copy of your prescription in case medication is lost or stolen.
• Consider bringing mosquito repellent, long sleeves, and pants.

LGBT Travel Advice for Nigeria

Travelling to Nigeria as an LGBTQ+ individual presents significant risks due to conservative societal attitudes, legal frameworks, and safety concerns. Overall, LGBTQ+ travellers to Nigeria should exercise extreme caution. It's advisable to research local laws and customs, avoid overt displays of affection in public, and maintain a low profile regarding sexual orientation or gender identity. Connecting with local LGBTQ+ communities or support networks is not recommended due to the risks involved. As travel to Nigeria is discouraged due to security concerns, LGBTQ+ individuals should prioritise their safety and consider alternative travel destinations.