Travel & Tourism Travel Tips Is Nigeria Safe for Tourists in 2025? Travel Safety Tips, Risks, & Safe Cities Philip SifonSeptember 28, 202502.1K views If you’re planning to travel to Nigeria for the first time, you’re probably asking yourself, “Is Nigeria safe?” The answer isn’t simple. Some official advisories warn against visits, but many travellers still talk about lively cities, friendly people, and festivals that run smoothly without major problems Ultimately, the safety of your trip depends on where you go, who you travel with, and how well you plan. In this article, we look at what advisories say, what travellers report, which regions are safer or riskier, and the tips you can use to enjoy Nigeria without stress. Nigeria Travel Safety: What Official Advisories Warn Government advice is usually the first stop for nervous travellers. The U.S. says “Reconsider Travel” to Nigeria, citing risks like terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime. The UK goes further, advising visitors to avoid the northern states, exercise caution in Abuja and Lagos, and stick to areas with proper security. Canada and Australia adopt a similar stance, particularly cautioning against travel to the northern states and border regions. However, neither country explicitly advises against visiting Nigeria altogether. Thankfully, cities like Lagos, Calabar, and Abuja remain manageable for visitors. Travel advisories have also mentioned that major cities have improved safety around hotels, embassies, and tourist spots. Is Nigeria Safe According to Travellers’ Reports? Advisories provide the official outlook, but actual visitor experiences often reveal a different perspective. Many visitors say Nigeria felt safer than they thought, as long as they moved smartly. Travel review sites present a similarly mixed picture. On TravelSafe-Abroad, Nigeria is flagged as “medium to high risk”. But users rate it 75 out of 100. One review says, “Trips to Lagos and Abuja went fine once I took precautions.” These reports don’t dismiss the risks. But they show that visitors who stick to urban hubs, use local guides, and avoid risky areas often travel without significant trouble. Is Lagos Safe For Tourists? Real Visitor Opinions Lagos is typically the first destination for visitors, and while reviews are mixed, many are positive. Travellers often say the city feels busy and chaotic, yet safer than they expected. Most problems come from petty crime, pickpockets, scams, and the odd traffic incident. One visitor puts it plainly: “Lagos is crowded, but if you keep your phone in your pocket and don’t flash cash, you’ll be fine.” Others note that nightlife districts like Victoria Island and Lekki feel safer thanks to visible security and private guards. Many travellers prefer ride-hailing apps like Bolt and Uber over regular taxis due to their widespread use. Hotels also advise guests to book cars through trusted drivers. With these steps, many tourists move around Lagos without serious issues. Read More Wild Camping in Nigeria: Best Locations, Tips &Safety Guide (2025) Kaduna Beyond Polo: 6 Experiences That Will Change How You See Northern Nigeria Nigeria Heritage Gap: Why Nigeria’s Heritage Sites Aren’t World Tourism Icons Key Safety Tips for Nigerian Visitors Most travellers who enjoy their trips to Nigeria follow a few simple rules. While these rules do not eliminate all risks, they significantly reduce them. 1. Use Trusted Transport Apps like Uber and Bolt are the safest options in cities. Many hotels can also arrange private drivers. The situation matters because poor road systems are part of the wider environmental challenges in Nigeria, and random taxis add another layer of risk. 2. Keep Valuables Out Of Sight Phones, jewellery, and cash should stay hidden in public. Petty crime may not rank like threats to Nigeria’s wildlife, but it’s still one of the top issues visitors face. 3. Stay In Safe Areas Lagos, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lekki, and central Abuja are safer choices. Staying here also puts you closer to cultural hubs and protected parks tied to Nigerian wildlife conservation and local tourism. 4. Move With Locals Or Guides A trusted contact or guide helps you avoid unsafe spots. They also know routes near reserves affected by habitat loss in Nigeria and biodiversity loss in Nigeria, so you don’t end up in restricted or unsafe zones. 5. Watch Your Health Mosquitoes and poor water supply remain everyday concerns. Carry repellents, bottled water, and meds. Some of these health risks overlap with the impact of climate change in Nigeria, where floods and poor drainage increase the frequency of disease outbreaks. 6. Avoid Risky Regions The northern states and border zones remain off-limits to tourists. Insecurity here has also worsened desertification in Nigeria, affecting both people and Nigeria’s ecosystems. 7. Stay Updated Local news and embassy advisories help you plan safe moves. This is key because both safety and endangered species in Nigeria face sudden threats from conflict, climate shifts, or land grabs. Nigeria Safety Checklist For First-Time Tourists If it’s your first trip, Nigeria’s safety is less about fear and more about preparation. Simple steps can help you enjoy the culture, food, and nature while staying aware of the environmental challenges in Nigeria that affect travel. Here’s the safety checklist for your first trip: Keep copies of your ID and travel papers Always have a backup of your passport and visa. Losing them can slow you down more than any habitat loss in Nigeria. Such an event can slow conservation work. Pick Secure Logging Book hotels or guesthouses with good reviews, strong locks, and visible staff presence. Safer areas in Lagos and Abuja often sit close to cultural sites tied to Nigerian wildlife conservation. Plan Your Movements By Daylight Most incidents happen at night. Moving around during the day helps cut risks, just as it reduces exposure to rural areas where biodiversity loss in Nigeria and human-wildlife conflict sometimes overlap. Use Reliable Cash Options ATMs in secure places or cash exchanges at airports are safer than roadside alternatives. Scams can feel small, but they add to the list of environmental challenges in Nigeria, where weak systems already strain visitors and locals alike. Carry a basic health kit Consider a health kit that includes malaria medication, repellents, and bottled water. Shifts in rain and heat from climate change’s impact in Nigeria make mosquitoes and poor water supply ongoing risks for travellers. Ask Locals About Routes: Residents know which streets or highways to avoid. This is especially true near regions affected by desertification in Nigeria, where security risks and ecological damage often overlap. Stay Aware Of Local News Whether it’s updates on protests, floods, or security alerts, information helps you adjust quickly. This is just as important as following reports on endangered species in Nigeria or sudden threats to Nigeria’s ecosystems. How The Tourism Industry Is Tackling Safety In Nigeria Tourism players know Nigeria’s safety is key to keeping visitors. Hotels, tour companies, and parks are making changes to reduce risks and respond to environmental challenges in Nigeria. Hotels Improving Security Lagos and Abuja hotels now use CCTV, gated entries, and trained guards to build traveller confidence. Registered Tour Guides Guides cut scams and steer tourists away from risky areas, including regions facing desertification in Nigeria. Eco-Parks Upgrading Standards Sites tied to Nigerian wildlife conservation add patrols, signage, and staff training to protect visitors in areas near habitat loss in Nigeria. Partnerships With Government Tourism groups press for better policing in busy spots while also protecting endangered species in Nigeria and access to reserves. Travel Tech Tools Apps now share alerts on security and disruptions caused by climate change’s impact in Nigeria, helping tourists adjust quickly. Conclusion: Is Nigeria Safe for Tourists? So, is Nigeria safe? The answer depends on where you go and how you travel. Cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Calabar are generally manageable when precautions are taken—using trusted transportation, staying in secure areas, and travelling with local guides. While risks such as petty crime, desertification, and climate impacts exist, careful planning enables visitors to enjoy Nigeria’s culture, festivals, and wildlife responsibly. By staying informed, following safety tips, and respecting local communities, travellers can confidently explore Nigeria without unnecessary worry. Discover Essential Travel Tips for a Safe and Memorable Nigeria Trip With Rex Clarke Adventures Frequently Asked Questions 1. Is Nigeria Safe for Tourists Right Now? Nigeria’s safety varies by region. Lagos, Abuja, and Calabar are generally considered manageable with precautions, while the north and border regions face higher risks from conflict and environmental challenges in Nigeria. 2. Which Cities In Nigeria Are Safe To Visit? Travellers often find Lagos, Abuja, and Calabar safer than rural or northern areas. These cities also host festivals and cultural events with fewer reported incidents, making them the top destinations for visitors who prioritise safety in Nigeria. 3. What Risks Should Travellers Expect in Nigeria? The main risks include petty theft, scams, and occasional unrest. Broader issues like climate change impacts in Nigeria, desertification, and weak infrastructure also affect travel conditions. 4. How Can Tourists Stay Safe in Nigeria? Plan, use registered guides, choose secure lodging, and travel during daylight hours. Staying informed and respecting Nigerian wildlife conservation efforts also helps you engage responsibly with Nigeria’s ecosystems while travelling.