Nigeria

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 112 for police or ambulance

Terrorism

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad.

Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists use knives, firearms, and vehicles to target crowds more effectively at:

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Schools 
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation (subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights)

Demonstrations 

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays and during large events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations.  
• Past demonstrations have turned violent. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime

• Muggings, assaults, burglaries, car-jackings, rape, kidnappings, and extortion are common.
• Police may respond slowly to crime. They often do not have the resources to investigate crimes or support victims.
• The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Abuja and Lagos, or their immediate surrounding areas. 
• Due to security risks, U.S. government employees are subject to travel constraints

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  Financial scams and Internet romance scams are common in Nigeria. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. 

Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help. 

Common scams include: 

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating 
• Money transfers 
• Grandparent and relative targeting  
• Nigerian Letter or “419” Fraud
• Free trip or luggage 
• Lotteries 
• Inheritance notices 
• Work permits and job offers

If using dating apps or websites in Nigeria: 

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery, kidnapping, or assault.[FD15.1]
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your phone’s location.  
• Meet in a popular public place. 
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and what app you used. 
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person. 
• Avoid locations where you can be alone, like hotel rooms, private apartments, or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule. 

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 112.

Review our information for Victims of Crime.  

The U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Nigeria can: 

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.  
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police. 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. 
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.  
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys. 
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States. 
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need. 
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.
• Provide information on victims’ assistance programs in Nigeria:
  • National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP)
  • Women Trafficking and Child Labor Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF)
  • Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF)

Sexual assault and domestic violence 

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance.

The embassy can help with:

• Accessing emergency medical care.
• Navigating Nigeria’s legal system, which may be unfamiliar or complex.  
• Connecting victims to specialized resources in the United States.
• Ensuring the victim’s well-being throughout the process.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. 

Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States. 
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.  
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks. 
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Drones and Satellite Phones 

• Drones and satellite phones are illegal. They may require prior Nigerian government approval before use. Please check for the latest regulations prior to travel. 

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. 
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs. 
• Staff may not be trained or certified. 
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care. 
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies. 
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance. 
• Review our information on Travel Insurance. 

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned. 

• Possession, use, or sale of cannabis and related products is illegal in Nigeria. U.S. citizens who violate the law may be subject to arrest and prosecution.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or profession in Nigeria, seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.  

Arrest notification 

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or Consulate immediately.  
• In cases where detainees are dual U.S.-Nigerian citizens, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General may not be promptly notified. 

Detention conditions

Prison and detention conditions in Nigeria are challenging. They may significantly impact U.S. citizens who are arrested. Key concerns include:

• Nigerian prisons are often overcrowded. There are high rates of violence among inmates. This creates unsafe conditions for detainees.
• Detainees may struggle to access medications, hygiene items, and adequate nutrition. Food quality is generally poor. External help is often required to meet basic needs.
• Limited consular presence and logistical challenges may restrict routine prison visits. This reduces the ability to monitor detainee welfare or advocate for them effectively.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations. 

• They may be illegal according to local laws.  
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.  
• You may be subject to fines or must surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.  
• Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods: 
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work.

On October 31, 2025 President Trump designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Act. More information regarding this designation can be found here.

 Prepare for your trip using these resources:  

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports
• Human Rights Report 

Gay and lesbian travelers

Consensual, same-sex sexual relations are illegal in Nigeria:

• Same-sex marriage contracts and civil unions are illegal. This includes any arrangement for same sex partners to live together. Punishments can include fines and prison sentences of up to 14 years. 
• Same-sex marriage contracts and civil unions from other countries are not recognized by Nigerian law.
• Public displays of affection between same sex individuals can lead to up to 10 years in prison. 
• The law lets authorities prosecute those who support gay or lesbian advocacy groups. Offenders can face up to 10 years in prison. 
• U.S. citizens who participate in free speech or gatherings about same-sex marriage may be prosecuted under this law.
• In the northern states where Sharia law applies, penalties can include death. These states include: Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in Nigeria prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, psychosocial, intellectual, or mental disabilities. The law is unevenly enforced. 

• The most common types of accessibility may include few government buildings, schools, banks, or grocery stores. Some hospitals and clinics are inaccessible to people with disabilities. They may lack wheelchair ramps or lifts. 
• Expect accessibility to be limited in transportation, lodging, communication and information, and general infrastructure. 
• Accessibility is not available outside of major cities. 
• Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as common as in the United States.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.  

Women travelers  

Rape is a crime in Nigeria and remains a problem. 

• The Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP) states that rape can lead to 12 years up to life in prison for offenders over 14. For those under 14, the maximum sentence is 14 years.  
• The VAPP Act is in effect in the Federal Capital Territory and all states except Kano and Zamfara. It covers sexual, physical, psychological, and socioeconomic violence, and harmful traditional practices. 
• The VAPP Act makes female circumcision and genital mutilation illegal. Still, these practices are common in parts of both Northern and Southern Nigeria.
• Review our information for Women Travelers. 
• Review our information on Marriage. 
• Review our information on Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C).
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Nigeria chapter of the Department of State’s Human Rights Report prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Nigeria Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations. 
• CDC Medical Tourism information 
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency numbers

• Dial 112 for emergency medical services.  

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are not widely available. Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor. 

Ambulances are: 

• Not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas.
• Not equipped with advanced medical equipment.  
• Not staffed with trained paramedics. They often have little or no medical equipment.  

Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not. 

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Nigeria. If you require medical attention, you need to cover your expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to Nigeria.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Private and public hospitals need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient. They may require cash payment.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims.

Vaccinations

All travelers to Nigeria over 9 months of age must present yellow fever and polio vaccination certificates upon arrival. Stay up to date with the vaccines and preventative medicines for diseases like malaria recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• DC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice 

Healthcare facilities 

Nigerian medical facilities are generally not equipped to United States or European standards.

• Health facilities are available in major cities. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.
• The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.  
• Some hotels and resorts have exclusive agreements with medical providers. This may limit your choices in seeking emergency medical attention. 
• Medical staff speak English. 
• Hospitals have minimal staff available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have a family member stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals. 
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.

Medical tourism and elective surgery 

U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died during or after having cosmetic or other elective surgery.  

•  Medical tourism is a fast-growing industry. If you want healthcare abroad, you need to know that the Nigerian medical systems are different from the United States. Nigerian hospitals, doctors, and clinics don't follow the same rules as those in the United States. Before you travel for medical reasons, talk to your doctor. 
• Visit the CDC’s Medical Tourism website for information on medical tourism. Find out about the risks of medical tourism and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Nigeria. 
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.  
• Your legal options in case of malpractice may be limited in Nigeria.

Prescription medications 

Many medicines are unavailable, including medications for diabetes or asthma. 

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. 
• Be sure to bring enough of your prescriptions (as well as over-the-counter medications) to last the duration of your trip.
• Check with the  Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in Nigeria. 
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals may be difficult to distinguish from real medications. 
• Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls. 
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally. 

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States. 

For more information: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• Food and Drug Administration

Non-traditional medicine 

• U.S. citizens have had serious complications or died while getting care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners in Nigeria. 
• Make sure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities in such cases. 

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy (ART)

If you are considering a trip to Nigeria to have a child through use of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.

• Surrogacy clinics claim surrogacy is legal in Nigeria, but there is no legal framework for foreigners to pursue surrogacy in the country. 
• Surrogacy is unregulated in Nigeria. There are no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents.  
• Surrogacy agreements between foreign intending parents and gestational mothers vary widely. They may not be recognized by Nigerian courts.
• Even though you may have a surrogacy contract, the contract may not stand in court as a custody agreement. Therefore, parents should consider obtaining a custody order in Nigeria to make sure their parental rights are recognized.
• There are no laws or medical regulations governing Assisted Reproductive Technology and fertility treatment in Nigeria. Quality and reliability of practitioners can vary.
• The embassy is aware of credible reports that U.S. citizens have been victims of fraudulent and unethical ART practices or fertility treatments in Nigeria: 
  • Unnecessary medical procedures were performed on intending mothers. 
  • Intending parents were presented with children with no genetic or gestational relationship to either parent.  For more information on why this causes challenges, review our Birth Abroad page. 
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Nigeria via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney. Be prepared for long and unexpected delays in documenting your child’s birth with local authorities or citizenship status. People who try to avoid local laws risk legal consequences.

Water quality and food safety 

• In most areas tap water is not safe to drink. 
• In some locations, tap water is not available every day.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. 
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water. 
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling. 
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad. 

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Nigeria. 
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page. 
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow. 
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation 

Road conditions and safety

Roads are generally in poor condition. They cause damage to vehicles and dangerous traffic conditions. 

• The rainy season from May to October is especially dangerous. Floods fill potholes with water. These can go unrecognized by drivers.
• All drivers and passengers should wear seat belts, lock doors, and keep windows closed. 
• You must have appropriate car insurance.  
• Drivers and passengers of vehicles involved in accidents resulting in injury or death have experienced extra-judicial actions. These include mob attacks, fines, incarceration, or confrontations with the victim's family.
• Driving between 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. must be done with extreme caution.  Automobiles, trucks, or “okadas” (motorbikes) often drive on the wrong side of the road or on sidewalks. They may not use headlights.

Traffic laws  

Dial 119 to report motor vehicle accidents.

• Traffic control officers may occasionally seek bribes when citing drivers for traffic violations. 
• If stopped by traffic police, drivers must follow instructions. Do not pay any bribes:
  • Keep doors locked and only roll windows down an inch for sound. 
  • Do not agree to drive an officer to the police station, especially at night. Some traffic police are imposters.

Taxis and ride-shares

Local taxis may not always meet international safety standards. Many vehicles are poorly maintained. 

• Drivers may not be professionally trained. There have been reports of scams, overcharging, and occasional criminal activity involving traditional taxis.
• Traditional taxis typically do not have GPS tracking or a way to verify the identity of the driver. This can make it harder to ensure safety or recover lost items.
• Unauthorized taxis are often used as the means by “one-chance” robbers, especially with multiple passengers inside the vehicle.  One chance robbers often physically assault the victim and rob them of their money and valuables.  
• The use of app-based ride-shares is viewed as being safer to use than traditional taxis, since the ride-share driver has to register their name and vehicle with the rideshare company, which can be traced by Nigerian law enforcement.

Safety tips:

• Use taxis recommended by hotels or trusted local contacts.
• Avoid hailing taxis on the street, especially at night.
• Negotiate fares upfront to avoid disputes.
• Ride-share apps generally offer safer alternatives to traditional taxis. Features such as GPS tracking, driver identity verification, and customer reviews provide a layer of accountability. These apps are widely used in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.
• Share your trip details with a trusted contact using the app’s “Share Ride” feature.
• Verify the driver’s identity and vehicle details before entering the car.
• Avoid traveling alone late at night or in unfamiliar areas.
• Use ride-share apps in well-lit, populated areas.

Public and commercial transportation 

Avoid public transportation throughout Nigeria:

• Buses and motorbikes are unsafe due to poor maintenance, high speeds, and overcrowding. 
• U.S Embassy and Consulate General staff, and their family members, are not allowed to use any form of public transportation in Nigeria.
• Visit the website of Nigeria’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety. 
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight 

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight.  FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Nigeria should check the following:  

• U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Advisories
• MARAD Active Maritime Alerts 
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings 

The U.S. Coast Guard determined most Nigerian ports do not have effective anti-terrorism measures.  Vessels that arrive in U.S. ports from most Nigerian ports must meet additional U.S. Coast Guard conditions of entry as described in the current Port Security Advisory, International Port Security Program - Port Security Advisory.  Mariners and passengers traveling through Nigerian ports should exercise caution and implement enhanced security measures

Weather and Natural Disasters

Weather conditions

Nigeria experiences dry conditions in the north and tropical climates in the south.

Flooding

Flooding is common from May to October. Peak rainfall is in July and August. 

• Coastal areas, river basins, and urban centers like Lagos are particularly vulnerable due to poor drainage systems and rising sea levels.
• Flooding events cause displacement of communities, destruction of buildings, and loss of agricultural productivity.

Drought

Droughts are common in northern Nigeria, particularly the Sahel region. These events occur during the dry season from November to March.

You can expect:

• Low rainfall and high temperatures
• Water scarcity
• Food insecurity
• Migration of affected populations

Heatwaves

Heatwaves are common in the northern regions during the dry season from November to March. 

• Temperatures can go as high as 40°C (104°F). This can cause heatstroke and dehydration.

Helpful resources:

• Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet): Provides weather forecasts and heatwave warnings.
• Public Health Agencies: Offer guidance on heat-related illnesses.

Erosion and Landslides

Erosion is an issue in southeastern Nigeria due to heavy rainfall during the rainy season from May to October. 

• Landslides may occur in hilly areas during periods of intense rainfall.
• There may be destruction of homes, and displacement of communities.
• Stay informed through NiMet forecasts. Follow government advisories and contact local emergency management agencies. 

Helpful resources

• National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA): Coordinates disaster response and relief efforts.
• State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs): Provide localized support.
• Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA): Issues flood forecasts and warnings.
• Ecological Fund Office: Provides funding for erosion control projects.
• State Ministries of Environment: Implement erosion mitigation strategies.

U.S citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates