Nigeria🇳🇬
Nigeria, located in the western part of the African continent, is bordered by four countries: Benin to the west, Niger to the north, Chad to the northeast, and Cameroon to the east. It is known for its diverse culture, ethnic groups, dynamic traditions, and evocative landscapes. From the vibrant city of Lagos to the tranquil beaches of Calabar, Nigeria offers a rich blend of natural and cultural heritages. The country is renowned for its music, particularly Afrobeat, led by the legendary Fela Kuti. The Aso Rock and Zuma Rock are famous attractions alongside the wildlife reserves like Yankari National Park. Nigerian Nollywood industry is the third largest in the world, further testifying to its vibrant culture. A trip to Nigeria would never be complete without tasting their traditional dishes like Jollof rice and Egusi soup.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid walking in isolated areas at night to mitigate risks of robbery and assault.
- Do not drink tap water, opt for bottled or boiled water instead.
- Avoid travelling to the northeastern states because of the ongoing conflict with Boko Haram and ISWAP.
- Avoid swimming in waters without lifeguards due to risks of rip currents and waterborne diseases.
- Avoid engaging in discussions or acts that could be construed as supporting LGBTQ+ rights due to severe legal penalties.
- Avoid political gatherings or protests due to potential violent clashes.
- Avoid public transport that appears overcrowded or poorly maintained to minimize accident risks.
- Avoid flashing wealth or valuable items in public to deter potential theft.
- Avoid consuming street food without inspecting the hygiene condition of the vendor.
- Avoid participating in illegal activities, especially scams and internet fraud, as Nigerian authorities actively prosecute such cases.
Overall
4
Crime 🔫
3
Nigeria has a relatively high crime rate, with the most unsafe cities being Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja. Crimes range from petty theft, armed robbery, to advance fee fraud. Kidnappings for ransom have also escalated in the country. The populous nature of the cities coupled with socio-economic disparities contribute to crime rates.
Terrorism 💣
2
Nigeria battles with significant terrorism threats, especially from Islamist extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Terror attacks have frequently occurred in the northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe. The 2014 abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls and the 2020 Kankara schoolboys kidnapping are among the heinous terrorist incidents in the country.
War ⚔️
6
Nigeria is not currently engaged in war with any neighboring country. However, internal conflicts persist, like the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeastern states and communal clashes in central Nigeria, often due to disputes over land and resources.
Natural Disasters 🌊
7
Nigeria experiences fewer destructive natural disasters compared to other countries. However, it grapples with environmental issues like flooding, especially in the Niger Delta region, erosion, and deforestation. More recently, climate change has amplified heatwaves and drought conditions in the northern part of the country.
Medical Care 🏥
4
The quality of healthcare in Nigeria varies across the country with more sophisticated facilities available in urban areas than rural ones. The public healthcare system often suffers from inadequate funding, resulting in poor infrastructure, lack of equipment, and shortages of staff. However, private clinics and hospitals offer a better standard of care but are expensive.
Tap Water Quality 💧
2
Nigeria's tap water is generally not safe to drink, particularly in rural areas where access to clean water is a significant challenge. In major cities, the tap water often goes through treatment processes, but poor pipe maintenance could lead to contamination. It's recommended to drink bottled or boiled water.
Disease Burden 🤒
3
Nigeria faces a high disease burden, with tropical diseases like malaria, yellow fever, and dengue being common. HIV/AIDS is also a significant concern, with Nigeria having the second-largest number of people living with HIV/AIDS after South Africa. COVID-19 has further strained the health sector.
Corruption 💸
3
Corruption remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, affecting different sectors like health, education, and law enforcement. Despite multiple administrations pledging to combat corruption, scandals have persisted, including the $2bn arms deal scandal during the presidency of Goodluck Jonathan.
Safety for Women ♀️
4
Safety for women, particularly in isolated areas and at night, can be a concern. Incidents of sexual assault, harassment, and discrimination occur. Furthermore, the ongoing conflict in the northeastern states has exacerbated violence against women and girls.
Safety for Queer People 👬
2
Nigeria poses safety risks to queer individuals due to strict laws criminalizing homosexuality with social and religious sentiments heavily against LGBTQ+ rights. Queer individuals face the risks of discrimination, violence, and legal repercussions.
Censorship 📺
4
Despite having a relatively vibrant press, Nigeria experiences issues with government censorship and attacks on journalists. Notable incidents include the suspension of Twitter in 2021 and the arrest of journalists for critical reporting. Internet shutdowns have also occurred, particularly during protests.
Public Transportation 🚌
5
Public transport is widely available in Nigeria, but its safety and reliability vary. Buses, taxis, and motorcycles are common means of transport. However, poor road maintenance, overloaded vehicles, and reckless driving often result in road accidents.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Safety in Nigeria varies significantly depending on the location. Urban areas tend to be safer than rural areas, and the South is generally more secure than the North due to insurgencies. However, petty crimes like theft are common, especially in large cities. Additional caution should be taken while using public transport due to frequent road accidents. For queer individuals and women, Nigeria poses significant safety concerns due to societal norms and values.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Several foreign embassies are located in Nigeria, mainly in the capital city, Abuja. These include the U.S. Embassy, British High Commission, Canadian High Commission, and Australian High Commission.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Nigeria: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, and influenza.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Nigeria is home to some dangerous animals such as lions, leopards, hyenas, and snakes like the Puff Adder and African Rock Python. Mosquitoes are widespread and can carry diseases like malaria. Avoid walking without protection in dense forests, always hang mosquito nets, and be cautious when viewing wildlife.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Most non-African visitors to Nigeria require a visa. It is advised to visit the Nigerian embassy in your country to learn more about visa regulations. A passport valid for at least six months is also required.
💲 Currency
The currency of Nigeria is the Naira. Money can be exchanged at banks, hotels, or at the Bureau De Change. Always insist on getting a receipt after transactions.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are widely accepted in Nigeria, particularly Visa and Mastercard. However, it's always good to have local currency for small vendors and rural areas.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Working while travelling in Nigeria is possible, but it requires specific work permits for foreigners. English teaching and developmental work are popular job options.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
The cost of travel and living in Nigeria is generally lower compared to western countries, although large cities like Lagos can be comparatively expensive. Food, transport, and accommodations are relatively affordable.