Nigeria
Is Nigeria safe to visit? Advice, scams and health
Travel to Nigeria is possible for most tourists if you stay in advised states, use reputable transport, avoid night travel in high‑risk zones and keep up‑to‑date with your government’s advisory; change plans if a state moves to a higher threat level.
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GuideNigeria
Key facts
- Capital
- Abuja; Lagos is the largest city and business capital
- Language
- English (official); Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo and Nigerian Pidgin are the big street languages
- Currencycheck
- Naira (NGN, ₦), about ₦1,400–1,600 per US$ in 2026
- Plugs
- Type G (UK three‑pin), some type D; 230 V 50 Hz
- Driving
- Right‑hand side; many checkpoints; traffic is dense in Lagos
- Tipping
- Expected for service ('something for the weekend'); 5–10% in restaurants
- Emergency
- 112 national emergency; Lagos also 767
- Time zone
- UTC+1 (West Africa Time), no daylight saving
Quick safety answer
Most major tourist areas (Lagos, Abuja, Calabar, Ibadan) are safe during daylight with standard precautions. Avoid the North‑East and parts of the North‑West where travel advisories often warn of kidnapping and armed conflict.
- Stay in recommended neighborhoods (e.g., Victoria Island, Ikoyi in Lagos).
- Use hotel‑arranged transport or reputable ride‑hailing apps.
- Do not travel after dark in unfamiliar areas.
- Carry a copy of your passport and emergency contacts.
Common scams and how to avoid them
Pick‑pocketing and bag snatching occur in crowded markets and transport hubs; keep bags zipped and close to your body.
Fake police officers may ask for bribes; request identification and, if in doubt, go to the nearest police station.
Currency exchange scams: use banks or licensed bureaus; avoid street exchangers offering rates far above the market.
Tour operator fraud: book through verified agencies or the official tourism board; verify registration numbers.
Government travel advisories (2026)
US State Department: advises heightened security in the North‑East and parts of the North‑West; recommends standard precautions elsewhere (check).
UK Foreign Office: similar warnings, with specific alerts for Lagos traffic congestion and petty crime (check).
Canada Travel Advisory: notes risk of kidnapping in certain northern states; recommends travel insurance with evacuation cover (check).
Australia Smartraveller: advises against non‑essential travel to the North‑East; otherwise, follow local security advice (check).
New Zealand SafeTravel: recommends monitoring local news and using registered guides in high‑risk zones (check).
Ireland DFA: aligns with UK advice; stresses keeping travel documents secure (check).
Questions people ask
Is Nigeria safe for tourists?
Yes, in most southern and central states with normal precautions; avoid the North‑East and any area under a travel warning.
What are the most common scams in Nigeria?
Pick‑pocketing, fake police bribes, unlicensed currency exchange and fraudulent tour operators are the most reported scams.
What do government travel advisories say about Nigeria?
They warn of kidnapping and armed conflict in the North‑East and parts of the North‑West, and advise standard safety measures elsewhere.
Do I need travel insurance for Nigeria?
Yes, especially one that covers medical evacuation and theft, as many advisories recommend it for high‑risk zones.
Is it safe to use ride‑hailing apps in Lagos?
Generally yes, if you use the official app, verify the driver’s details and avoid sharing rides with strangers.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
Ask about Nigeria
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