Sub Saharan Africa

Nigeria

Still current at: 25 July 2008

Updated: 11 July 2008

Terrorism/Security

We advise against all travel to the Niger Delta States of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers  (including Port Harcourt) and advise British nationals in these States to leave.  We also advise against all travel to riverine areas of Akwa Ibom State (i.e. the river and swamp locations on or close to the coast accessible by boat, but not by road).  We advise British nationals in these areas to leave. We also advise against all but essential travel to other areas of Akwa Ibom State.  This is because of the very high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks in these areas.  Since January 2006, 36 British nationals (including one child) and more than 180 other foreign nationals have been kidnapped in the Niger Delta area, with one British national being killed.

On 10 July, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) announced that it would end its ceasefire from midnight on 12 July, and threatened to attack British interests in Nigeria. We believe that armed groups may be planning further attacks on oil and gas industry targets in the Delta, and on other non-oil and gas industry targets and individuals throughout the country.  The high risk of further kidnappings by armed militants around the oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta also applies to ships and oil rigs at sea off the coast of the Niger Delta.  Since 2007 there has been an increase in attacks offshore.  On 19 June, an oil production platform 120km offshore was attacked, and a US citizen abducted from a nearby support vessel. On 21 October 2007, in a violent armed attack on an offshore support vessel, three expatriates were abducted.  On 27 September 2007, an oil company compound outside Port Harcourt was attacked.  One Colombian oil worker was killed and two other expatriates kidnapped.

If you decide to travel to or remain in these areas it would be reckless to do so unless and until you have taken full, appropriate professional security advice and have acted on it.  You must be vigilant at all times and make sure that your local host and family know your travel plans and timings.  You should register with the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos on arrival.  Limit your movements to only essential journeys.  Vary your routines.  If travelling by road you should only travel in fully protected transport.  Keep your car doors locked and windows closed and maintain telephone or radio communications to report your movements.  You should consider permanent armed protection, but be aware that even this cannot guarantee your safety.  The government has heightened its security presence in Port Harcourt. Many companies have introduced strict restrictions on travel.  If you are a resident British national, you should follow your employer’s local security guidelines.  On 18 December 2006 two bombs exploded in Port Harcourt, one in a Shell residential compound and the other at Agip’s headquarters.  Further attacks are possible.  As a result Shell have evacuated all dependants from the residential compound in Port Harcourt.  Other companies have followed suit.

You should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers.  The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.

On 1 January 2008 there were nineteen reported fatalities in Port Harcourt when armed militants attacked two police stations and a hotel.  The Presidential Hotel in the commercial centre of Port Harcourt is popular with expatriates.

On 30 December 2007, the Nigerian authorities lifted the curfew in Rivers State, but the curfew (1800-0600) in Okrika Local Government Area remains in place.  You should avoid going to public places in Port Harcourt frequented by expatriates, including bars and restaurants.  If you encounter a threatening or intimidating situation do not try to make your way through it, turn around and go home.  On 10 August 2007, a British national was abducted from his car when driving to work in Port Harcourt.

We have received reports of an attempt to try to lure an expatriate to a meeting at a remote location near Port Harcourt.   It is believed that this was an attempted kidnap.   When arranging meetings in Nigeria you should ensure that the contact is known to you, and that the meeting is held at a secure location.

Due to the regular increases in the level of violence in Port Harcourt, the High Commission Liaison Office, British Council and VFS Office are subject to closure at short notice.  Closure and reopening of the offices will be reflected in this travel advice.

There is also a risk of politically or financially motivated kidnapping throughout south eastern Nigeria.  On 17 March 2007 two Chinese workers were abducted at Nnewi, Anambra State.  A British national was one of two foreign nationals abducted from a vessel in a riverine area of Cross River State on 8 July.

There is a general threat from terrorism.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

Violent street crimes e.g. muggings, kidnappings, car-jackings and especially armed robberies are on the increase in the south of the country. Hitherto comparatively safe areas of Lagos have seen a rise in these crimes in the last few weeks. Most attacks happen after dark from 10pm onwards. You should therefore avoid non-essential road travel in Lagos after 10pm. There is little sign of law-enforcement activity to combat this increase. British Citizens should act upon any security advice given by their employers or, if visiting, their hosts. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and wearing valuable or sentimental watches or items of jewellery. Remain alert to your surroundings and the actions of local people around you. If you suspect danger, move away to a safer area. Do not try to resist.

Experience has shown that, should you be unlucky enough to be caught up in an armed robbery, you should immediately comply with the attackers' demands. Those who have suffered injury or worse during such attacks have been perceived as not complying fully or quickly enough.  The vast majority of those who endure such attacks, and follow this advice, do so without lasting physical harm.

Scams

Foreign visitors and residents can be targeted by scam artists.  The scams come in many forms, and can pose great financial loss to victims.  If you or your relatives or friends are asked to transfer money to Nigeria you should make absolutely sure that it is not part of a scam and that you have properly checked with the person receiving the money that they are requesting it.
 
Scam artists are also targeting individuals in the UK.  There are a myriad of schemes in operation by West African criminal networks designed to facilitate victims parting with money, known as advance fee or 419 fraud.  Nigerian scam artists are also known to be targeting internet dating/personal sites with the intention of soliciting money from victims.  For further information on advance fee fraud please see West African advance fee Fraud Alert.

Foreign visitors and residents are also targeted by scam artists on internet chat room and on-line dating agencies.  When trust has been established the victim of the scam is informed that their on-line friend in Nigeria, who they believe is British, is in trouble and in immediate need of funds.  The reasons that the scam artists give for needing cash vary, but include being robbed or mugged, being arrested at an airport, being involved in a road accident (frequently on the airport road), hospitalisation, illness and advance payment for medical treatment.  Many victims are persuaded to part with large amounts of money before they start to suspect anything. We are also aware of a scam involving a fictitious "Basic Travel Allowance" fee requirement, which has become common.  This is where it is alleged that the person trying to travel needs a certain amount of money before they will be allowed to travel.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Nigeria Country Profile

Demonstrations and outbreaks of localised civil unrest and violence can occur with little notice throughout the country.  The security situation may deteriorate rapidly in the vicinity of political gatherings.  If you encounter a threatening or intimidating situation do not try to make your way through it.  Turn round and go home.
 

Before planning any official or recreational travel, particularly by road, you should check whether any political rallies or demonstrations are planned for a particular area, or on your route.  See the Terrorism/Security section of this travel advice for other important security measures.
 
Demonstrations for or against, Sharia law may occur in northern states and can become violent without warning.  There have also been demonstrations about developments in the Middle East.  British nationals have not been specifically targeted.  However, you should take care to avoid large crowds, demonstrations or disturbances, especially if you are driving.

Local Travel

Localised outbreaks of civil unrest can occur at short notice.  Details and advice are circulated via the British High Commission’s Community Liaison Officers’ network.

There are authorised as well as unauthorised vehicle checkpoints throughout Nigeria.  Some are for security checks, others to extort small payments of money.  You should slow down at any type of checkpoint and use common sense at all times.

Road Travel

If you are expecting a greeter or driver to collect you at any of Nigeria’s international airports you should ensure that he/she can properly identify themselves, as bogus greeters are a problem.

There are frequent reports of robberies and carjackings, some involving armed gunmen, on Nigeria's urban and rural road network. If you are involved in a carjacking, experience has shown that victims who comply immediately and fully with the attackers’ demands are left unharmed.

You should: 

 

Traffic in many of Nigeria's major cities can be chaotic and slow moving.  Serious traffic jams in Lagos are not uncommon.  Short journeys that normally take minutes can sometimes take hours.  We advise you to take a mobile telephone with you when travelling by car so that you can stay in touch with family, friends and employers.  We also advise you to have a supply of bottled water in your vehicle at all times.

Public transport is dangerous.  Taxis and long distance buses are poorly maintained and are often uninsured and driven by fraudulent drivers.  Most major hotels offer cars for hire with drivers.  We would recommend that you use these where possible.

Road travel in Lagos is banned between 07:00 and 10:00 on the last Saturday of every month for municipal road clean up; police vigilantly enforce the ban. 

Air Travel

Airlines flying between Nigeria and London can occasionally become severely overbooked.  As a result, airlines advise travellers to reconfirm their return booking at least 48 hours before they are due to depart, and to check in early.

Port Harcourt International Airport re-opened on the 21st December 2007.  But until the airfield lighting system for the airport is completed, flight operations will be restricted to daylight Visual Flight Rules (VFR).

The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the EU.  You should check Air Transport Portal of the European Commission to see whether this will affect your travel.

There are a number of domestic airlines, although following a series of crashes there are concerns about their reliability.

British government staff based in Nigeria are strongly urged to use Aero Contractors or Virgin Nigeria, wherever possible but have discretion to use other airlines to destinations not served by these airlines where they judge that the risks of travel by road are at least as great.

For more general information see Airline Security.
 
Sea Travel

There have been attacks of piracy/armed robbery against ships at anchor in Nigerian waters and at many of the rivers and harbours in the Niger Delta area.  We advise mariners to take appropriate precautions.

For more general information see River and Sea Safety. 

Nigeria has the largest Muslim population in Africa.  You should exercise discretion in behaviour and dress, particularly in the north and during the Holy month of Ramadan and when visiting religious sites. For more general information see Travelling during Ramadan.

 

The Sharia penal code has been introduced in 12 northern states (Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kano, Yobe, Borno, Katsina, Jigawa, Bauchi, Kaduna, Niger and Gombe).  Homosexuality by Muslims in those states can attract a sentence of 100 lashes if the defendant is unmarried or stoning if married or divorced.  Alcohol consumption, infidelity and theft can attract harsh sentences including stoning, amputation, lashings or long prison terms.  Non-Muslims are not bound by Sharia law.

 

Homosexuality is illegal under Federal law, covering the whole of Nigeria, but individuals are rarely prosecuted.

 

Possession, use of or trafficking in illegal drugs is a serious offence and can result in lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines.

It is illegal to import beer, mineral water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, fruits, vegetables, cereals, eggs, textile fabrics, jewellery, and precious metals.  It is illegal to export pieces of African art, particularly antiques, without written authorisation from the Department of Antiquities.   You should contact the Nigerian High Commission for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Photography in airports may lead to arrest.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.

Visas

All British nationals travelling to Nigeria must hold a valid visa before entering the country.  British nationals planning to work in Nigeria must obtain the correct visa before doing so.

 

Passport validity

It is recommended that you obtain a new passport if your passport has less than six months validity remaining otherwise you may be turned away by airlines.

Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.  For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Nigerian High Commission in London.

Basic, limited medical facilities are available in some parts of Nigeria.

Malaria and polio are common to Nigeria and there are also regular outbreaks of cholera and measles.  In 2006 there were 1,077 polio cases and northern Nigeria accounted for 56% of global cases.  The Global Polio Eradication Initiative reports that Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States have been classified as “very high risk” for polio.

There has been recent severe, but localised flooding, which may increase the threat of waterborne diseases.  Parts of the following states in northern Nigeria area affected: Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Kebbi, Taraba, Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa and Adamawa.  Flooding has also been reported in Cross Rivers State and Anambra State as well as Oyo and Kwara States in western Nigeria. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.  If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Nigeria you should seek immediate medical attention.

In the 2006 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 2,600,000 adults aged 15 or over in Nigeria were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 3.9% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see the HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Nigeria and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

 

For more general health information Travel Health.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

The first confirmed case of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Nigeria was announced by the World Organisation for Animal Health on 8 February 2006.   The outbreak occurred on a commercial chicken farm at Jaji in Kaduna State.   Since then, bird flu has been detected at other farms in Kaduna and in Kano, Plateau, Katsina, Bauchi, Nassarawa, Yobe, Rivers, Benue, Anambra, Ogun, Lagos, Taraba, Jigawa, Kwara, Delta, Borno, Sokoto, Adamawa, Edo, Enugu and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja and surrounds).   The first human case confirmed by the World Health Organisation was that of a 22-year-old Lagos woman who died on 16 January 2007.   Since the end of 2003, a number of human deaths have also occurred in Azerbaijan, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Laos, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam.

 

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low.  However, as a precaution you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned of the possibility that the Avian Influenza outbreaks could lead at some point to a human flu pandemic, if the virus mutates to a form which is easily transmissible between people.

 

British nationals living longer term in an Avian-Influenza affected region should take personal responsibility for their own safety in the event of a future pandemic, including considering their access to adequate healthcare and ensuring travel documents are up to date.

See Avian and Pandemic Flu for more details.

Insurance

You should ensure that you have comprehensive travel and medical insurance, which covers a provision for medical evacuation.  You should check and exclusions and that you insurance company provides a personal insurance cover for you in Nigeria and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help. 

 

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

Passports
 

As many crimes involve the theft of British passports, you should keep a photocopy of your passport, separately from your passport.  This will speed up the process of issuing a new one.

Money

Nigeria is a cash economy.  You should ensure that you bring enough currency (Sterling, US Dollars or Euros) to cover your costs.  It is illegal to change money on the street.  We strongly advise against the use of credit cards throughout Nigeria. Travellers' cheques are difficult to cash in Nigeria.

 

Contact Details

 

Please note that all consular enquiries should be directed to the Deputy British High Commission in Lagos.

 

Abuja

 

British High Commission (Trade/Investment and Visa Sections)

Dangote House,

Aguyi Ironsi Street

Wuse

Abuja

 

Telephone:  (00 234) (9) 413 2010/2011/3885-7

Facsimile:  (00 234) (9) 413 4565 or 3552

 

Office Hours: GMT:  07:00-14:30 Monday-Friday

                    Local:  08:00-15:30 Monday-Friday

 

Lagos

 

Deputy British High Commission

11 Walter Carrington Crescent

Victoria Island

Lagos

 

Telephone:  (00 234) (1) 2619531, 2619537, 2619541

Facsimile: (00 234) (1) 2614021 or 2625940

 

E-mail:  consular.lagos@fco.gov.uk

 

Office Hours:  GMT 07:00-14:30

                     Local:  08:00-15:30

 

Port Harcourt

 

British High Commission Liaison Office

300 Olu Obasanjo Road

Port Harcourt

Rivers State

 

Telephone:  (00 234) (84) 237173

Facsimile:  (00 234) (84) 237172

 

E-mail:  liaison@bhcph.com

 

Kano

 

Honorary Consulate

Tamandu Court
5 Tamandu Close
Nassarawa
Kano

 

Telephone:  (00 234) (64) 631686

Mobile:  (00 234) 803 590 5442
Facsimile:  (00 234) (64) 632590

 

E-mail:  bhckan@ecnx.net

 

Warri

 

Honorary Consulate

Unit 6, Jefia Estate

62 Enerhen Road

Warri

Delta State

 

Tel/Fax:  (00 234) (53) 245523 or 255929

 

E-mail:  melhenthorn@hyperia.com

 

Kaduna

 

British High Commission Liaison Office

3 Independence Way

Kaduna

 

Telephone:  (00 234) (62) 243380/1

Facsimile:  (00 234) (62) 237267

 

E-mail:  bhc.kad@wwwlkad.com