Nigeria : Safety by City
Warnings & Dangers in Nigeria
OVERALL RISK : HIGH
Nigeria is not the safest country to travel to. It is recommended to hire a local guide in order to protect your stay in this country. You always need to keep track of your belongings, avoid walking after dark, lock your home, and park your cars in secure parking lots.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : HIGH
Public transport in Nigeria is not a reliable and safe means of transportation. Buses are sometimes attacked. Taxis are generally safe, but use the only hotel recommended and licensed taxi services. Make sure the driver turns on the taximeter.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : HIGH
There are a lot of pickpockets in Nigeria; travelers are advised not to leave their things unattended and to communicate with strangers with caution. Anyone who asks or offers help can be a scammer. Be careful.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
Nigeria is exposed to natural hazards and disaster events, the most prominent being soil and coastal erosion, flooding, desertification, drought, air pollution as a result of gas flaring, heatwaves, deforestation, and soil degradation due to oil spillage.
MUGGING RISK : HIGH
Grave robberies and armed attacks in Nigeria are not uncommon. Unfortunately, kidnapping, including tourists, is periodically reported. That is why it is essential to have a local guide or friend in Nigeria. Traveling around the country at night is very unsafe and not recommended.
TERRORISM RISK : HIGH
The risk of terrorism in the country is still very high, especially in the northern and northeastern parts of the country. Travelers are better off avoiding these areas of Nigeria. Avoid any political and religious rallies, and also study the situation in the country before your trip here.
SCAMS RISK : HIGH
Fraud is another common type of crime in Nigeria. Extraordinarily often, fraud occurs precisely with tourists. Check everything twice, use only licensed services and services, withdraw money only at ATM with banks to avoid fraud with your credit card.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : HIGH
Solo traveling women are not advised to go to Niger alone. It can be very unsafe. Plan your trip to be in the company of like-minded people, preferably men, and avoid any walks at night.
How Safe Is Nigeria for Tourists?
Nigeria is not the safest country to travel to.
The crime index here ranges from medium to high.
The main problems are hacking, carjacking, theft, drug problems, vandalism, and a high level of corruption.
For a safe trip to Nigeria, it is better to get a local guide who will also serve for your safety of movement.
You should always be on the lookout and monitor your surroundings.
In the capital of Nigeria – Abuja – the safest, there are numerous dignitaries and politicians, so the money has a high level of security compared to other parts of the country.
The most unsafe part of Nigeria is considered Lagos.
The crime rate here is very high, and the police are prone to corruption and do not respond to incidents quite quickly.
At night, it is better not to leave the hotel and carefully lock your lodging.
The Niger Delta is unsafe for tourists.
Between the government and the militant groups, there is ongoing low-level violence, and there have been several abductions of foreign oil workers.
Northern Nigeria is unsafe for foreigners (especially Westerners) due to ethnic and religious tensions, lawlessness, and the ongoing activities of Islamic groups such as Boko Haram.
Eastern and Western Nigeria are safer for foreigners.
Water outside Nigeria is one of the most likely places to attack modern pirates.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Nigeria?
Visitors to Nigeria require a visa unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries. All visitors must hold a passport valid for six months.
Which Currency Is Used in Nigeria?
The naira is the official currency of Nigeria. It is subdivided into 100 kobo. It has sign: ₦ and code: NGN.
How's the Weather like in Nigeria?
The best time to go to Nigeria in November to January dry season. This is a vast country, however, and the climate varies hugely by latitude as well as altitude; the arid Sahel in the north sees little rainfall, beginning in April, whereas in the humid south, the rains can start as early as March or even February.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Nigeria?
Nigeria has 31 airports, five of which are functional international airports. Murtala Muhammed International Airport is an international airport located in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria, and is the primary airport serving the entire state. It’s the most significant and busiest airport in Nigeria.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
Just like anywhere else, the travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.
What Are Some Things to Do in Nigeria?
Nigeria is the largest country in Africa. Tourists come here to see the wildlife of Africa, wildlife in the savannah, the Lekki Conservation Reserve, visit Victoria Island or climb Zuma Rock.
Is the Water in Nigeria Safe to Drink?
Much of Nigeria’s drinking water is unpurified groundwater; it usually contains pollutants and chemical contaminants like heavy metals responsible for debilitating diseases like dysentery, typhoid, and cholera. Tap water isn’t drinkable.
Is Uber Safe in Nigeria?
Nigeria has an Uber taxi service. You can call a taxi from the application on your smartphone. The tariff will depend on the time of day and the distance.
