Is Nigeria Safe for Travelers in 2025? My Honest Safety Guide After 8 Visits - Xplrverse

The Reality of Traveling in Nigeria Today

I’ll never forget my first arrival at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. It was 2017, and despite having traveled extensively through East and Southern Africa, I was admittedly nervous about Nigeria. The immigration officer looked at my visa suspiciously, asked why an American would want to visit Nigeria, then unexpectedly broke into a smile: “Welcome to the Giant of Africa. You’ll be back again, I promise.” He was right – I’ve returned seven times since, most recently in January 2025.

That initial apprehension I felt is shared by many potential visitors, and I’m not going to sugarcoat it: Nigeria presents unique safety challenges. But the narrative that Nigeria is universally dangerous oversimplifies a complex, vibrant, and incredibly rewarding destination.

Understanding Nigeria’s Safety Landscape

Nigeria’s safety situation varies dramatically by region, time of day, and how you approach travel there. Having explored everywhere from the coastal megacity of Lagos to the northern historic city of Kano, I’ve developed a nuanced perspective on navigating Africa’s most populous nation.

Current Safety Situation (2025 Update)

The security landscape in Nigeria has evolved significantly since my first visit. In 2025, certain improvements are notable:

Reduced incidents of express kidnapping in major cities
Better security infrastructure at major hotels and tourist sites
Improved road conditions on major intercity routes
More reliable emergency response systems in urban centers
Expanded network of trusted tour operators and guides

However, persistent challenges remain:

Regional conflicts in parts of the northeast (Borno State) and northwest
Occasional civil unrest and protests in urban centers
Petty crime targeting foreigners, especially in crowded areas
Road safety concerns on rural highways
Inconsistent police presence and enforcement

Regional Safety Breakdown

Nigeria’s safety varies significantly by region. Here’s a current assessment based on my recent travels and conversations with local contacts:

Region	Safety Level	Key Concerns	Traveler Notes
Lagos	Moderate	Petty theft, traffic scams	Safe with precautions; stick to tourist areas
Abuja (Federal Capital)	Good	Minimal concerns in central areas	The safest major city for travelers
Southwestern States	Moderate to Good	Occasional robberies	Generally tourist-friendly; includes Oshogbo, Abeokuta
Southeastern States	Moderate	Civil tensions, roadblocks	Exercise caution; research current situation
Northern States	Variable (Poor to Moderate)	Religious tensions, insurgency in extreme NE	Avoid Borno State; others require careful planning
Niger Delta	Moderate to Poor	Environmental protests, kidnapping risk	Travel with local guides; avoid remote areas

Navigating Lagos Safely

As Nigeria’s largest city and main entry point for most travelers, Lagos deserves special attention. This pulsating megalopolis of over 21 million people can be overwhelming but is navigable with the right approach.

Safe Areas in Lagos

During my visits, I’ve found these areas to be relatively safe for foreign travelers:

Victoria Island and Lekki: Upscale neighborhoods with better security infrastructure
Ikoyi: Embassy district with heightened security presence
Ikeja GRA: Government Reserved Area with better roads and security

Here’s a map of these safer areas in Lagos:

Areas to Avoid or Exercise Extra Caution

From experience, I’d recommend avoiding or being extremely cautious in:

Ajegunle and Mushin: Higher crime rates, especially after dark
Oshodi Market area: Known for pickpocketing (though worth visiting with a guide during daylight)
Bar Beach after dark: Better during daytime with groups
Mainland bridges at night: Occasional reports of robberies

Transportation Safety in Lagos

Getting around Lagos safely requires strategy. Based on my experiences:

Recommended Options:

Uber/Bolt: The safest option for most travelers (₦1,500-4,000 for typical journeys)
Hotel transportation: Reliable but pricier (₦5,000-8,000)
Pre-arranged drivers: I use Lagos Ride through local recommendations

Avoid Unless Necessary:

Danfo (yellow minibuses): Crowded, targets for pickpockets
Okadas (motorcycle taxis): Now banned in many areas; unsafe due to traffic
Random street taxis: Unpredictable pricing and safety

Insider Tip: I always ask my hotel to save a trusted driver’s contact in my phone before arrival. During my 2023 trip, this saved me when my phone died and I needed to get back from the Nike Art Gallery in Lekki – my backup driver option was invaluable when ride-hailing apps weren’t available.

Common Scams and How to Avoid Them

One aspect of Nigerian travel safety is recognizing and avoiding common scams. I’ve encountered several over my visits:

Airport Scams

The moment you land at Lagos or Abuja airports, you may encounter:

“Official” helpers: Men in unofficial uniforms offering to expedite your entry (for a fee)
Currency exchange scams: Offering terrible rates or miscounting notes
Taxi overcharging: Quoting 5-10x the normal rate to foreigners

How I avoid them: I arrange airport pickup through my hotel in advance (typically ₦8,000-12,000 from Lagos airport to Victoria Island). If that fails, I walk directly to the official taxi stand inside the terminal or use the Uber pickup point.

Police Encounters

While many Nigerian police officers are professional, some may:

Request to “check” your documents, suggesting “fees” to resolve invented issues
Stop vehicles at unofficial checkpoints, particularly at night

My approach: I always carry photocopies of my passport and visa (keeping originals secured at the hotel). I remain polite but firm, asking for identification and receipts for any “fees.” When riding with a trusted driver, I let them handle interactions.

In 2022, I was stopped three times in one day while traveling between Lagos and Abeokuta. I found that speaking a few words of Yoruba (“Ẹ nlẹ” – hello) and mentioning my meeting with a respected local university professor immediately changed the tone of the interaction.

The Notorious “Nigerian Prince” Scam

While this is more something you’ll encounter online before your trip rather than in Nigeria itself, it’s worth noting that Nigerians are often embarrassed by this stereotype. In four visits to Nigeria, no one has ever approached me with anything resembling this scam in person.

Essential Safety Practices for Nigeria Travel

Over my eight visits, I’ve developed these core practices that have kept me safe:

Pre-Trip Preparation

Register with your embassy’s citizen services (like the STEP program for Americans)
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation coverage
Research current regional security situations via official advisories
Save emergency contacts including your hotel, embassy, and a trusted local
Get necessary vaccinations (Yellow Fever certificate is required) and bring anti-malarial medication

On-Ground Safety Habits

Digital Safety:

Use a VPN for secure internet connections
Keep location sharing enabled with trusted contacts
Maintain a basic phone with local SIM for emergencies (I use MTN or Airtel)
Avoid using ATMs on the street; use those inside bank branches during business hours

Physical Safety:

Dress modestly and avoid displaying valuables or large amounts of cash
Limit nighttime travel, especially between cities
Use hotel safes for passports and extra funds
Carry a photocopy of your passport and visa rather than originals
Trust your instincts – if something feels wrong, leave the situation

Money-Saving Safety Tip: Instead of carrying extra cash (which makes you a target), I use the Wise app (formerly TransferWise) with a Nigerian recipient who can transfer Naira to me at better rates than currency exchanges, and only when needed. This saved me about 15% on exchange rates during my last visit compared to airport exchanges.

When Things Go Wrong: Emergency Responses

Despite precautions, emergencies can happen. Key emergency numbers in Nigeria:

Police Emergency: 112 or 199
Medical Emergency: 112
Fire Service: 112 or 117

In 2021, I experienced a medical emergency (severe food poisoning) in Lagos. The hotel doctor was my first contact, followed by transfer to Lagoon Hospital in Ikoyi. Having both cash and credit cards was essential, as was having my travel insurance details readily accessible.

Beyond Lagos: Other Nigerian Destinations

Nigeria offers so much more than just Lagos. Here’s my safety assessment of other notable destinations:

Abuja: Nigeria’s Planned Capital

The Federal Capital Territory is Nigeria’s safest major city for tourists. Wide streets, organized layout, and better security infrastructure make it less intimidating than Lagos.

Safe Areas: Central Business District, Maitama, Wuse II, and Asokoro districts

Notable difference from Lagos: You can safely walk around these districts during daylight hours, something I rarely do in Lagos.

Calabar: Cultural Capital of Cross River State

Calabar offers a different pace from Nigeria’s largest cities. With its colonial history and proximity to ecotourism sites, it’s increasingly popular with visitors seeking cultural experiences.

Safety notes: Generally safe during daylight hours in the main city. The annual Calabar Carnival (December) has excellent security. Arrange transportation to nearby attractions like Obudu Mountain Resort through established operators such as Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation.

Jos: Temperate Highland Escape

Located on the Jos Plateau, this city offers cooler weather and beautiful landscapes. While historically a tourist destination, periodic communal tensions require careful planning.

Current situation (2025): Check the latest security updates before traveling here. During calm periods, it’s a wonderful escape from Nigeria’s heat, but tensions can flare unpredictably. My last visit in 2023 was trouble-free, but I stayed in tourist areas and traveled with local contacts.

Safety in Northern Nigeria

The historic northern cities like Kano, Sokoto, and Kaduna have rich cultural heritage but present additional safety considerations:

More conservative dress codes, especially for women (I recommend long sleeves and pants/long skirts)
Religious sensitivities during prayer times and Ramadan
Heightened awareness of regional tensions

When I visited Kano in 2022, I found it fascinating but noticeably different from southern Nigeria. I arranged my trip through a reputable tour company (Svani Tours) with excellent local connections, which made a huge difference in both safety and cultural understanding.

Hidden Money-Saving Tip: In northern cities like Kano, I’ve found that local artisans often offer fairer prices on handcrafts like leather goods compared to Lagos, with savings of 30-40%. The key is visiting with a trusted local who can introduce you and help navigate fair pricing. I purchased a handmade leather bag for ₦12,000 that would cost ₦20,000+ in Lagos tourist shops.

Special Considerations for Different Travelers

Safety considerations vary based on who you are and how you travel. Here are specific notes based on traveler types:

Solo Female Travelers

While I’m a male traveler, I’ve gathered these insights from female colleagues and travelers I’ve met in Nigeria:

Dress conservatively to minimize unwanted attention (especially in northern regions)
Consider hiring female guides through organizations like WTConnect
Be prepared for curious questions about marital status (having a simple answer ready helps)
Book accommodations with 24-hour security and front desk service
Exercise extra caution with nighttime activities

A British female colleague who regularly visits Lagos for work uses the phrase “Mo n lo si ibi kan” (“I am going somewhere” in Yoruba) when assertively ending unwanted conversations.

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Nigeria presents significant challenges for LGBTQ+ travelers:

Same-sex relationships are illegal, with severe penalties in theory (though tourists are rarely targeted specifically)
Public displays of affection should be avoided regardless of orientation
Discretion is essential, especially in public settings
International hotel chains generally provide safer environments

I’ve met LGBTQ+ travelers in Nigeria who successfully navigated their visits by being discreet about their orientation and private lives.

Family Travel

Traveling with children requires additional planning:

Book accommodations with pool or recreational facilities (hotel grounds are safer spaces for children)
Bring essential medications and first aid supplies
Consider private transportation rather than public options
Schedule activities during daylight hours
Prepare children for attention from locals (Nigerians generally adore children)

The kids I’ve seen traveling in Nigeria often become instant celebrities, with locals offering treats and wanting photos. While mostly harmless, parents should maintain appropriate supervision.

Cultural Safety: Respecting Nigerian Customs

Sometimes safety is about avoiding cultural misunderstandings that can lead to tension. My personal missteps have taught me valuable lessons:

Key Cultural Do’s and Don’ts

Do	Don’t
Greet elders with respect (slight bow)	Offer or receive items with your left hand (considered unclean)
Remove shoes when entering someone’s home	Take photos of government buildings or officials
Accept small gifts or food when offered	Point your finger directly at someone (offensive)
Ask permission before taking photos of people	Refuse an elder’s request outright (politely defer instead)
Learn basic greetings in local languages	Rush business discussions (relationships come first)

Useful Local Phrases That Helped Me

“Ẹ nlẹ” (Yoruba: “Hello” to elders/respected individuals) – Shows respect
“Sannu” (Hausa: “Hello”) – Useful in northern regions
“Ka mma” (Igbo: “Welcome/well done”) – Appreciated in eastern regions
“Abeg” (Nigerian Pidgin: “Please”) – Universal softener in tense situations

During my 2023 visit, I was photographing in a market in Ibadan when a vendor became agitated. Using “Jọwọ” (“please” in Yoruba) and immediately showing him the photos while offering to delete them instantly defused what could have become a confrontation.

My Biggest Cultural Mistakes

Learning from my errors might save you some awkwardness:

Rushing greetings: During my first business meeting in Lagos, I launched directly into discussion topics rather than observing the customary 5-10 minutes of personal greetings, asking about family, etc. This made me appear rude and transactional.
Declining food offerings: In 2019, I politely refused snacks offered at a meeting, which was interpreted as rejection of hospitality. I now accept at least a small portion of whatever is offered.
Public frustration: Showing visible annoyance at a lengthy delay at a government office made things worse. Patience and maintaining a pleasant demeanor actually speeds things up.
Photographing without permission: Taking candid street photos led to an unpleasant confrontation. Always ask first, especially around traditional markets or religious sites.

Finding Reliable Information and Support

One of the challenges with Nigeria travel is finding current, accurate safety information. These resources have proven reliable:

Online Resources

UK Foreign Office Nigeria Advisory – Generally more nuanced than US advisories
Expats in Lagos Facebook Group – Current on-the-ground insights
TripAdvisor Nigeria Forum – Recent traveler experiences
Visit Nigeria Instagram – Highlights safe tourist destinations

Local Support Networks

Tour Operators: Touchdown Travels and Naija Tourism provide reliable services
Hotel Concierges: Major international hotels have well-informed staff
Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation: Official but sometimes outdated information

Sustainable Money-Saving Tip: Instead of bottled water (which creates plastic waste), I bring a water purifier bottle (like LifeStraw) and refill at my hotel. This saves about ₦1,000 per day while reducing plastic waste. In 2023, I calculated savings of ₦14,000 over a two-week trip compared to buying bottled water.

Conclusion: Is Nigeria Safe for Travelers in 2025?

After eight visits spanning nine years, my honest assessment is that Nigeria is conditionally safe for informed travelers. The country offers extraordinary cultural richness, warm hospitality, and experiences you simply can’t find elsewhere in Africa. However, it demands more preparation, awareness, and in-country adaptability than many destinations.

The rewards are substantial: connections with some of Africa’s most entrepreneurial and creative people, exposure to Nollywood (the world’s second-largest film industry), incredible music scenes, rich traditional cultures, and food that will redefine your understanding of West African cuisine.

5-Step Action Plan for Safe Nigeria Travel

Pre-trip research: Study current regional security updates, join expat forums, connect with recent visitors
Arrival planning: Arrange airport pickup, first few nights’ accommodation in safer areas, and a trusted local contact
In-country orientation: Spend your first 48 hours getting oriented with shorter outings during daylight, using reputable transportation
Gradual exploration: Expand your activities as comfort increases, always informing someone of your plans
Constant reassessment: Remain flexible and willing to modify plans based on local advice and changing conditions

The smell of suya (spiced grilled meat) cooking on roadside stands, the pulsating rhythm of Afrobeats emerging from passing cars, the vibrant patterns of traditional fabrics in the markets, and most of all, the irrepressible energy and optimism of Nigerians themselves make this challenging destination ultimately rewarding.

For travelers willing to exercise appropriate caution while maintaining an open mind, Nigeria offers an authentic African experience that will challenge your preconceptions and likely leave you, like me, planning your return visit before you’ve even departed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Safety in Nigeria

Is it safe to visit Nigeria as an American/European?

Yes, with proper precautions. Western visitors should register with their embassies, stay in secure accommodations, arrange reliable transportation, and research current regional conditions. Americans and Europeans regularly visit Nigeria for business and tourism, particularly Lagos and Abuja, with minimal issues when following security guidelines.

Which parts of Nigeria should tourists definitely avoid?

As of 2025, the northeastern regions (particularly Borno State), parts of the northwest experiencing banditry issues, and certain areas of the Niger Delta should be avoided by tourists. Border regions near Niger, Chad, and Cameroon also present elevated risks. Always check current travel advisories before finalizing itineraries.

Is Lagos safe for solo female travelers?

Lagos can be navigated safely by solo female travelers with additional precautions. I recommend staying in established hotels with good security, using reputable transportation services rather than public transport, dressing relatively conservatively, and exercising heightened awareness, particularly after dark. Connecting with female expat networks or hiring female guides can enhance both safety and experience quality.

How prevalent is the risk of kidnapping for tourists in Nigeria?

Tourist-targeted kidnappings are rare in major cities and established tourist areas. The risk is higher in certain rural regions and areas with active insurgencies. Express kidnappings (brief abductions for quick payment) occasionally occur in urban areas but typically target wealthy locals rather than tourists. Following security protocols and staying in safer regions minimizes this risk considerably.

What vaccinations do I need for Nigeria?

Yellow Fever vaccination is legally required for entry. Additionally, the CDC and WHO recommend typhoid, hepatitis A and B, meningitis, polio booster, routine vaccines (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus, etc.), and rabies for extended stays. Malaria prophylaxis is essential as Nigeria has high malaria transmission rates year-round. Consult a travel health specialist 4-8 weeks before your trip.

Is it safe to use ATMs and credit cards in Nigeria?

ATMs inside bank branches, upscale hotels, and shopping malls are generally safe during daylight hours. Credit card usage is best limited to major hotels, established restaurants, and formal businesses. Inform your bank of travel plans, bring multiple payment options, and consider using a separate travel card with limited funds rather than your primary accounts. Be vigilant for card skimming devices.

How should I handle police checkpoints in Nigeria?

Remain calm and polite at checkpoints. Keep windows partially up and doors locked while visible. Have photocopies of your passport and visa accessible (keep originals secured at your accommodation). If traveling with a driver, let them handle the interaction. If asked for money directly, politely request a receipt or ask to speak with a superior officer. Having a local contact’s phone number ready can help resolve difficult situations.

What’s the safest way to travel between Nigerian cities?

Domestic flights are the safest option for long-distance travel between major cities. For shorter distances, hiring a driver from a reputable company with a well-maintained vehicle is recommended. If possible, travel during daylight hours and on major highways. Coach services like ABC Transport and God Is Good Motors are acceptable for certain routes but research current safety records before booking.