Latest advice, 22 Jan 2016

An outbreak of Lassa fever in Nigeria is more widespread than in previous years. You should ensure you take appropriate precautionary and sanitary precautions

Overall country Risk Rating: 

 

C -There is a real possibility of a violent act occurring over the short to medium term. Corruption risk is elevated and likely to affect the casual traveller. HSE risk is significant as there is no regulation or culture in country. Terrorism risk is high with almost daily attacks in the North. Other parts of the country are benign, but with significant residual risk.The country scored 136/175 on the corruption perception index, with a score of -0.992 on corruption control.(Point estimates range from -2.5 to 2.5. Higher values correspond to better governance outcomes)

Although there are many foreign workers within the country, they are protected by professional security support and advice as well as government troops.

 

At the current time Nigeria is not a place for the casual traveller.

 

We advise against all travel to:

• Borno State

• Yobe State

• Adamawa State 

• Bauchi State

• Gombe State

• Kano city 

• riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States

• within 20km of the border with Niger in Zamfara State 

We advise against all but essential travel to: 

• Kano State

• Kaduna State

• Jigawa State

• Katsina State

• Kogi State

• within 20km of the border with Niger in Sokoto and Kebbi States 

• Jos City in Plateau State

• Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State

• Non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers State 

• Abia State

 

On 2 October 2015, bombs exploded in the Kuje and Nyanya suburbs of Abuja. There is a continuing high threat from terrorism. 

Most attacks occur in the north east, particularly in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe States. There have also been significant attacks in Kano, Kaduna, Jos, Bauchi, Abuja and Gombe. Further attacks could occur anywhere. Major towns and cities remain particularly at risk, including Bauchi, Kano and Kaduna, and Abuja as the federal capital.

Attacks have taken place around religious and public holidays in public or crowded places, including places of worship. You should be particularly vigilant during these periods. 

You should avoid public places where crowds gather, including religious gatherings and insecure public spaces like markets and transport hubs. A heavy security presence often indicates areas of particularly high risk. Avoid affected areas in the immediate aftermath of any attack

 

There is a high threat of kidnap throughout Nigeria especially in the Kogi region. Recent terrorist kidnaps have occurred mostly in northern Nigeria, but could occur anywhere in Nigeria. Kidnaps can be for financial or political gain, and can be motivated by criminality or terrorism

 

 

Local travel

 

You should follow news reports and be alert to developments that might trigger civil unrest. Violence can erupt quickly and without warning. If you are working in Nigeria, you should follow your employer’s local security guidelines. You are strongly advised to take professional security advice, be vigilant at all times and review your security measures regularly. Keep others informed of your travel plans and vary your routines. Make sure your accommodation is secure and consider pre-deployment training on travelling under close protection.

 

Inter-communal violence can occur throughout Nigeria. Many incidents occur in the central belt states. You should be alert to local government announcements and media reporting, and seek advice before travelling to the affected areas.

 

Swimming is dangerous off the coast of Nigeria due to rip tides and undertows, drownings occur each year. You should take care and seek local advice.

 

Take particular care if you’re visiting crowded public places or attending events which attract large crowds. Criminals often use these situations as cover for robbery and theft.

 

Northern Nigeria

 

Travelling anywhere in the north of Nigeria is potentially dangerous. You could get kidnapped or find yourself caught up in a terrorist or other violent incident. Taking the right precautions will help reduce the risks, but won’t eliminate them all together. Make sure you are not the one who gets in trouble. Don’t have regular patterns of travel or movement.

 

If you live, or work, in the North, you’re particularly at risk and will need a high level of security. Are you confident that the security you have in place is adequate? The risks, particularly from terrorism, have grown in the past few years. Westerners have been kidnapped from protected compounds. Good security two years ago is unlikely to be adequate now. Make sure your employers provide an adequate level of security and ask them to regularly review their security arrangements.

 

Regular military operations are ongoing in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states. If you live or work in Nigeria you should monitor developments in these states and announcements by the state governments as there is an increased threat of retaliatory attacks elsewhere in Nigeria as a result of these military operations.

 

Curfews

 

There are often curfews in parts of Maiduguri, Borno State and Adamawa State. Curfews, and restrictions on the movement of vehicles, can be imposed, amended and lifted at short notice throughout Nigeria.

 

Failure to comply with all curfews and movement restrictions could put you at significant risk. You should check with the local authorities or someone with local knowledge for up to date information on curfews and restrictions before you travel.

 

Criminal kidnaps

 

Since 2013 at least 6 British and dual British nationals, and many other foreign nationals have been kidnapped in the Niger Delta area. One British national has been killed. In 2015, several foreign nationals have been kidnapped in Kogi State.

 

There is a high threat of kidnapping and other armed attacks targeting oil and gas facilities and workers. This also applies to ships and oil rigs at sea off the coast of the Niger Delta. Foreign nationals of Nigerian origin visiting friends and relatives are often perceived as being wealthier than locals and are at particular risk of kidnap for ransom.

 

When arranging meetings in Nigeria make sure those who attend are known to you and hold the meeting at a secure location.

 

Maritime security

 

There have been armed robberies against ships at anchor in Nigerian waters and at many of the rivers and harbours in the Niger Delta area. Mariners should seek professional security advice and take appropriate precautions.

 

Crime

 

There are high levels of violent street crime (muggings, kidnappings, car-jackings and armed robbery).

 

Criminals have targeted visiting foreign nationals as their perceived wealth makes them an attractive victim.

 

You should therefore limit road travel at night as far as possible. Be vigilant at all times, even if staying with friends and family, and follow the security guidance offered by employers or hosts. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and don’t wear valuable watches, jewellery or items of sentimental value. If you suspect danger, move to a safer area.

 

There have been a number of robberies and kidnappings in Abia, Edo and Anambra States, particularly along the Enugu-Awka-Onitsha expressway in Anambra State.

 

Experience has shown that if you’re caught up in an armed robbery, you should immediately comply with the attackers’ demands. Those who have suffered injury or worse during such attacks have been perceived as not complying fully or quickly enough.

 

Scams

 

Foreign nationals are increasingly being targeted by scam artists operating in West Africa. The scams come in many forms (romance and friendship, business ventures, work and employment opportunities) and can pose great financial risk to victims. You should be very cautious about any requests for funds, a job offer, a business venture or a face to face meeting from someone you have been in correspondence with over the internet who lives in West Africa.

 

If you or your relatives or friends are asked to transfer money to Nigeria you should make absolutely sure that it is not part of a scam and that you have properly checked with the person receiving the money that they are requesting it. If the caller claims to be in distress, you should ask whether they have reported the incident (by phone or e-mail).

 

People have received scam e-mails claiming to be from a British High Commission office in Nigeria and other diplomatic offices. If you receive an email that appears to be from any British High Commission office in Nigeria asking for bank details or money, you should immediately contact the Consular Section of the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos.

 

You should be cautious if you’re considering fertility treatment in Nigeria. There have been a number of staged fake births (commonly called ‘miracle babies’) which result in visitors being falsely led to believe they have given birth. You should be aware of the risks associated with bringing a child who is not biologically related to you into  your home country without following appropriate legal procedures.

 

Road travel

 

Traffic can be chaotic and slow moving. Take a mobile telephone with you when travelling by car so that you can stay in touch with others. Keep a supply of bottled water in your vehicle at all times.

 

Limit travel after dark outside city centres as far as possible; and take care if you do travel after dark. Avoid quieter and poorly lit roads. Be particularly vigilant when sitting in traffic jams or at traffic lights. Keep car windows up and doors locked, and make sure valuables are out of sight. If you feel your vehicle is being followed, drive to the nearest place of safety (eg the nearest police station).

 

Take care when driving outside cities, consider travelling in convoy, and if possible avoid making journeys that involve travel after dark.

 

In Lagos, eating, smoking or using a mobile phone while driving and riding a motorcycle without a helmet are prohibited. Motorists face fines or imprisonment for violations.

 

There are authorised and unauthorised vehicle checkpoints throughout Nigeria. Some are for security checks, others to extort small payments of money. You should slow down at any type of checkpoint and use common sense at all times.

 

There are frequent reports of robberies and car-jackings, some involving armed gunmen, on Nigeria’s urban and rural road network.

 

Public transport is dangerous. Taxis and long distance buses are often poorly maintained, uninsured and driven by unqualified drivers. Most major hotels offer cars for hire with drivers. You should use these where possible.

 

If you are expecting a greeter or driver to collect you at any of Nigeria’s international airports, make sure they have properly identified themselves before you set off. Bogus greeters are a problem.

 

Air travel

 

There are concerns about the safety and reliability of some airline companies operating domestic flights within Nigeria. You can find a list of recent incidents and accidents on the website of the Aviation Safety network.

 

Airlines flying between Nigeria and Europe can occasionally become overbooked.

 

Local laws and customs

Homosexuality is generally viewed as unacceptable in Nigeria. The ‘Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill’ allows lengthy prison sentences for those entering into a same sex marriage, those witnessing, aiding or abetting a same sex marriage, the operation and support to gay clubs, societies and organisations and the public display of same sex relationships.

 

Possession, use of or trafficking in illegal drugs is a serious offence and can result in lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines.

 

It is illegal to import beer, mineral water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, fruits, vegetables, cereals, eggs, textile fabrics, jewellery, and precious metals. It is illegal to export pieces of African art, particularly antiques, without written authorisation from the Department of Antiquities. .

 

Nigeria has the largest Muslim population in sub-Saharan Africa. You should behave and dress modestly, particularly in the north and when visiting religious sites.

 

In 2015, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on 18 June and finish on 18 July. 

 

Photography of government, military buildings and airports may lead to arrest.

 

Money

Nigeria is mainly a cash economy although the use of credit and debit cards is increasing - especially in the big cities. If you intend to use cash, make sure you bring enough foreign currency to cover costs. It is illegal to change money on the street and travellers cheques are difficult to cash. Credit card fraud is common, so take care if using your card. You should take advice from your card issuer before travelling if you intend to use your credit or debit card in Nigeria.

 

Health

Basic medical facilities are available in some parts of Nigeria. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

Visas

 

All Foreign nationals travelling to Nigeria must hold a valid visa. You can’t apply for a visa on arrival.

 

If you have a valid Nigerian residence permit (CERPAC or Green Card) you don’t need a visa to enter Nigeria.

 

For further information on entry requirements, contact the Nigeria High Commission in your home country..

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Nigeria.

 

The Nigerian authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs)

 

ETDs are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Nigeria providing they are endorsed with the appropriate visa.