Africa is becoming more and more accessible with new e-visa regimes and better stability in some places (obviously not everywhere). Africa has a reputation for being dangerous with crimes like kidnapping, acts of terrorism, mugging etc prevalent on government travel warning sites. So, what applies to Nigeria? Is it safe? Is it ok to travel? And most importantly where should be avoided?
Where is it safe to travel?
Overall, it is safe to come to Nigeria in most areas, however there are definitely things you need to be aware of beforehand. If you are in Lagos (specifically Victoria Island) or Abuja during the day, then it safe to move around by yourself. We would still recommend taking an uber as it will be difficult for you to blend in as a foreigner and therefore this is the easiest most hassle-free way to get around the cities. This is the same case in most cities in the centre and south of the country. Travelling at night in uber is highly advised and we would not recommend walking around (especially solo) at nighttime.
You will likely have people want to sell you things and talk to you constantly, but in our experience, it is rarely too aggressive. Just accept that you will get hassled as a foreigner in Nigeria and smile. Nigerians are overall very happy people with a great sense of humour, and rarely have we encountered a situation that was too crazy to laugh off or leave with a smile.
Overall, the safest cities to visit in the country will be Lagos, Abuja (very safe), Ibadan, Oyo, Makurdi, and Benin City. Places that are considered a little more risky are in Igbo State such as Port Harcourt (fine with a guide) and Kano (also ok with a guide but not the most welcoming place). We recommend to not visit the northeast at all.
Where should I avoid?
The northern part of Nigeria is quite risky to travel, and some areas are downright dangerous even for locals. If you are wishing to visit Kano we recommend doing so only with a guide as locals here are very suspicious of foreigners and it will only take one misplaced photograph to wind you up in a police station for a few hours. We do not recommend traveling at all to Maiduguri area as there are many issues with insurgents and groups associated with Boko Haram and ISIS. Not just Kano or Maiduguri, but travel to the entire northern part of the country should be done so with great caution and definitely with a guide.
What should I be aware of?
People will ask you for money everywhere and this shouldn’t be seen as anything aggressive or scary. People here are trying to hustle and will usually offer to do something for almost nothing. It is highly recommended that if someone assists you with something then you should tip them. Anything from 500-1000 Naira is usually fine depending on what they have done for you.
Another thing to note is that in huge cities like Lagos there are big differences in where is safe. Just like mega cities anywhere there are places that you should avoid. Going to mainland Lagos is considered a little riskier, however if you are going in the day with an uber and if you have a guide, you will have no issue. Further if you are venturing out to Fela Shrine in the evening for a performance an uber there and back will be no issue.
Lastly, it is common for there to be checkpoints throughout the city. Usually as a foreigner they will wave you through however they may try and get something from you, but if you great with a smile generally it is fine. Eventually though you will have someone that may make your life difficult. But that’s all a part of the journey. TIA.
What can I do to minimise my risk?
By far the best way to avoid issues when traveling is to have a local guide with you. We understand some people like to do things independently, but a local guide in a huge city such as Lagos will give you a valuable local insight to things you would never find as a foreigner.
If your guide says it’s too dangerous, follow their advice.
How to travel to Africa with Saiga Tours?
We have several locations available now for group and individual tours in Africa and you can see these departure dates with pricing on
our website here
.
For more information on how to travel in our African destinations, you can also read our
Africa destination guides
which are also on our website.
To secure your place on a Saiga Africa group tour, send us an email to
[email protected]
.
