Is It Safe To Travel To Nigeria right now? Many tourist ask this question and here is an answer from Travel Visa Nigeria.
Is It Safe To Travel To Nigeria?
Whether you’re traveling to Nigeria for business or pleasure or for sightseeing, you must have made up your mind already before searching for this article.
So in this article we will be discussing the safest way to explore Nigeria as a country and the risk involved.
Is it safe to travel to Nigeria right now? The answer is yes and no.
Let me explain.
Safest Place in Nigeria
Contrary to all the reports you see in the news, Nigeria still have some decent places that are safe for travel where you will definitely enjoy and feel the rich culture of Nigeria.
1. Lagos, Lagos State
Lagos currently ranks 8th amongst the safest cities in Africa.
Although Lagos is well known for its busyness, it also has some of Nigeria’s safest neighbourhoods. This is because of the excellent security provided by neighbourhoods like Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Lekki, portions of Lagos are not only serene but also among the safest locations to reside in Nigeria. This answers partly of the question ‘is it safe to travel to Nigeria right now?’
2. Federal Capital Territory, Abuja
Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, is renowned for being one of the best cities in the nation, as well as for having state-of-the-art infrastructure and being among the safest locations. Residents appreciate peace and stability because of its well-organised districts and security measures. It is also among Nigeria’s most populated cities.
3. Oyo State’s Ibadan
Ibadan continues to uphold its reputation for peace even though it is one of the most economical and largest cities in Nigeria in terms of landmass. It is regarded as one of the safest cities in the nation due to its relaxed culture and generally low crime rates.
4. Ogun State’s Abeokuta
Abeokuta gives its citizens a serene, secure atmosphere while fusing modernity with tradition. People live in this calm city with few worries about their safety.
5. The state of Imo, Owerri
Eastern Nigeria’s Owerri is a lovely, tidy, and secure city. Well-known for its friendliness and well-planned cityscape, it provides a tranquil setting that attracts people to its serene streets.
* Due to its proximity to Anambra and other Eastern states, there has been reports of spill-over of conflicts, which is always tackled head-on by the government.
6. Ondo State’s Akure
Akure provides the ideal balance of peace and progress. The city of Akure is clean and safe compared to other Western States in Nigeria.
7. Osun State’s Oshogbo
In addition to being well-known for its rich cultural legacy, Oshogbo is among the calmest cities in southwest Nigeria. It is a safe and peaceful location to live because of the slow pace of life and the low crime rate.
8. Zamfara State, Gusau
One of the calmest cities in northern Nigeria is Gusau. The city has remained a safe place to live and work in spite of regional difficulties.
* Though, there are reports of unrest but nothing serious that the state government hasn’t been able to suppress.
9. Edo State’s Benin City
With its rich cultural heritage and history, Benin City has developed into a tranquil centre in southern Nigeria. It is now a safe and tranquil place to live thanks to advancements in urban planning and security.
10. Jalingo, State of Taraba
Taraba State’s capital, Jalingo, provides a serene and safe setting. The city is regarded as one of the most tranquil in northeastern Nigeria because of its amiable citizens and gorgeous surroundings.
So contrary to all the negative reports to receive about Nigeria, the above states are quite safe to travel and explore.
Yes we will not dispute the fact that we have some places in Nigeria that is split with terrorism, bandits, gangs, religious intolerance and violence which we will also disclose below.
Dangerous Places to Visit in Nigeria
The term dangerous might not be fair but this is just for you to be cautious when visiting these places.
Some of these places might not be totally or outrightly unsafe, but I it will be of great help to you as a tourist to avoid these places especially if you are not familiar with their customs and norms.
- Abia
- Akwa Ibom
- Anambra
- Borno
- Zamfara
- Bauchi
- Adamawa
- Bayelsa
- Delta
- Jigawa
- Kaduna
- Gombe
- Imo
- Kaduna
- Kebbi
- Kano
- Rivers
- Niger
- Plateau
- Cross River
- Yobe
- Taraba
Not to be an agent of Doom or bad news, some of these regions might actually go months or even years without any negative report; however, from news and updates coming out from these areas, it is better to be safe than sorry.
In Nigerian traveling to these places might not have any issue whatsoever, but a foreigner or tourist might not be familiar with how to escape all the dangers on the way or in the city.
For example if as a Nigerian you face police blockage on the road to any of this route, there are things you can say or do to avoid being delayed. As a tourist you might think it’s part of the fun of sight-seeing and not see the impending danger.
Top Dangers of Travelling to Nigeria
* Well, not the entire Nigeria but the unsafe places we’ve listed above.
1. Terrorism and Bandits
Bandit organisations are becoming more active in the northwest, and terrorism poses a serious concern, particularly in the northern and northeastern states.
It is incorrect to assume that any part of Nigeria is immune to terrorist organisations. In Nigeria, terror incidents happen frequently. Numerous attack have occurred leading to a considerable number of fatalities and injuries.
These include Large-scale attacks by the terrorist organisation called Boko Haram, such as bombs, gun attacks, killings, arson, and mass kidnapping of girls, are frequently carried out throughout the region.
Attacks in the future are quite likely to be carried out by Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) or Boko Haram. Terrorist organisations may use firearms, bombs, machetes, and kidnapping in their attacks on residents, drivers, and local communities.
2. Kidnapping and Abduction
Abduction and kidnapping is a serious issue in Nigeria, especially in the states of the Niger Delta and in northern and northeastern Nigeria. Go through the list of dangerous places we’ve listed above again.
Attacks are frequently indiscriminate; both locals and visitors have been reported kidnapped, imprisoned, and some have even been killed by these attackers. They might attack humanitarian relief workers, road construction workers, teachers, students, and the list goes on.
Bandit organisations are becoming more likely to abduct people across Nigeria, notably in Abuja and Lagos while transferring them outside the state.
Most Transport routes are vulnerable to kidnapping, which is usually motivated by financial gain.
Some foreign employees working in oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta states have had to negotiate their way with local militia and groups.
3. Civil Unrest and Discontent
In Nigeria, severe civil discontent and intercommunal violence have resulted in numerous deaths and injuries in recent years.
Reports of kive ammunition has occasionally been used by government security personnel to break up protests in the past. E.g End SARS protest of October 20, 2020.
Violence is constantly more likely to occur, especially in the northern areas and some Eastern states.
It is possible for bystanders to become or get entangled in acts of violence against others.
4. The act of piracy
In Nigerian waterways and seas, piracy is a serious issue, notably targeting offshore oil workers working the rigs. Ships have been the subject of violent robbery in the Niger Delta and other Gulf of Guinea coastal regions for years and these crimes are on the increase.
It is recommended that sailors take the necessary safety precautions before venturing these routes.
5. Fraud
Nigeria has a high rate of online and offline fraud, particularly scams involving online relationships, internet scams .
Any offer that look too good to be true could be a scam in Nigeria.
Surviving Nigeria as a Tourist
It’s very easy to survive in Nigeria as a tourist or someone visiting Nigeria for the very first time.
Firstly before coming to Nigeria it is advisable for you to have a tall guide or use any agency that is real now for their tour guides.
If you have visiting Nigeria with a friend who understands the terrain in Nigeria, this is very good and gives you an advantage.
1. From the Airport
Right from the airport, your survival instinct should kick in if you are alone.
Don’t go acting over familiar with every cap you see, get as fast as possible to your booked hotel.
2. Use only accredited hotels and facilities
Once you are in Nigeria make use of accredited facilities hotels and transport services.
All these information can be gotten from your home country embassy here in Nigeria.
3. Avoid buying Street foods yourself
Ok, the beauty of Nigeria is the food and culture, however, when you want to take a meal, please use your hotel’s staff to get a meal outside for you instead of going yourself.
This reduces the pressure of you getting attacked or poisoned as no one will know who is buying the meal.
This way, you enjoy the street life in a safe place.
In conclusion Nigeria is a very safe place and meant to be enjoyed.
We have a lot of places that can be enjoyed as listed above. Just don’t go exploring the danger zones.