Travelling to Nigeria: Myths vs Reality

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If you mention you’re travelling to Nigeria, chances are someone will raise an eyebrow. Maybe they’ll lower their voice and ask, “Is it safe?” Or they’ll assume you’re only going to one city. 

Some people might even act like you’re heading into the unknown with no internet, no structure, and constant danger.

The truth? A lot of what people believe about travelling to Nigeria comes from outdated news headlines, half-stories, or assumptions made without ever setting foot in the country.

Nigeria is complex, loud, warm, confusing, beautiful, frustrating, and welcoming, sometimes all at once. And like many places around the world, it’s often misunderstood by those who haven’t experienced it firsthand.

Let’s clear the air.

Here are some of the most common myths about travelling to Nigeria and what actually happens when you visit.

Myth 1: Nigeria Is Too Dangerous for Visitors

This is usually the first thing people say. And while safety is a valid concern anywhere in the world, the idea that Nigeria is automatically unsafe for tourists is an oversimplification.

Nigeria is a large country with different regions, cities, and lifestyles. Just like in the United States, the UK, or Brazil, some areas are better suited for visitors than others. Most travellers spend time in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, or in tourist-friendly states, where business travel, events, and leisure tourism occur daily.

Visitors who plan properly, stay informed, use trusted transport, and follow local advice often describe their trips as surprisingly smooth. Many are shocked by how normal daily life feels once they arrive: people going to work, traffic jams, cafés, weddings, markets, and nightlife.

Nigeria isn’t a place to wander blindly, but it’s far from the no-go zone many imagine.

Myth 2: Nigeria Is Just One Big City Experience

Many people think travelling to Nigeria means Lagos, and only Lagos.

Yes, Lagos is famous. It’s busy, energetic, chaotic, and exciting. However, Nigeria is not solely defined by Lagos; it encompasses much more.

Abuja offers a calmer, more structured feel with wide roads and green spaces. Calabar is known for its relaxed pace and cultural festivals. Enugu has a quieter charm and a rich history. 

Uyo surprises visitors with its clean layout and hospitality culture. Jos offers cooler weather and scenic views. Akure, Ado-Ekiti, and Osogbo connect visitors to nature, art, and heritage.

Travelling around Nigeria reveals how different cities feel, almost like visiting several countries in one. The food changes, the pace changes, and even the way people speak English changes slightly from place to place.

Myth 3: Foreigners Will Feel Unwelcome or Isolated

Many first-time visitors arrive expecting to feel like outsiders. Instead, they’re often overwhelmed, in a good way.

Nigeria has a strong culture of hospitality. Visitors are asked questions, offered help, invited to events, and sometimes even fed without asking. Curiosity is common, but it usually comes from interest, not suspicion.

Foreign travellers often say they’ve never had so many conversations with strangers in such a short time. Taxi drivers talk. Shop owners talk. Seatmates talk. People want to know where you’re from, how you’re finding the country, and whether you’re enjoying the food.

It’s not about blind trust; it’s about openness being part of daily life.

Myth 4: There’s Nothing to Do Except Business or Family Visits

Another common belief is that Nigeria is only for work trips or visiting relatives. Tourism is often overlooked.

In reality, Nigeria offers beaches, art galleries, cultural festivals, wildlife parks, waterfalls, hiking trails, historic sites, and vibrant nightlife scenes. 

From boat cruises in Lagos to mountain views in Plateau State, from art hubs in Osogbo to ecotourism in Cross River, the options exist; you just need to know where to look.

Tourists often find Nigeria most enjoyable when they slow down and explore, as the country doesn’t neatly package many experiences.

Myth 5: Nigeria Is Not Modern or Connected

Some visitors arrive expecting poor infrastructure everywhere and no digital convenience.

Then they’re surprised.

Nigeria has modern shopping malls, international hotels, co-working spaces, ride-hailing apps, food delivery services, and fast internet in many urban areas. You can pay bills online, order food with an app, attend conferences, stream movies, and work remotely in several cities.

Yes, power supply can be inconsistent in some areas, and infrastructure varies. However, reality does not support the notion that Nigeria remains stuck in the past.

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Myth 6: Nigerian Food Is Too Spicy or Unsafe

Nigerian food has a reputation, usually for heat and oil.

While some dishes are spicy, many are not. Visitors quickly learn that spice levels can be adjusted, and there are plenty of options that are mild, grilled, steamed, or soup-based. Rice dishes, grilled fish, beans, plantains, and vegetable soups are often guests’ favourites.

As for safety, eating at clean restaurants, reputable spots, and places locals recommend usually leads to pleasant experiences. Many travellers end up missing Nigerian foods long after they leave.

Myth 7: Communication Is Difficult Due to Language Barriers

Nigeria has many languages, but English is widely spoken. For most visitors, communication is easy.

Conversations flow easily, even though accents and some uniquely Nigerian expressions may require some adjustment. In fact, many visitors enjoy learning local phrases and slang; it often becomes a memorable part of the trip.

Myth 8: Nigeria Is Only for “Experienced” Travellers

Some people think that Nigeria is only suitable for people who have travelled a lot or are hardcore backpackers.

In reality, Nigeria welcomes a wide range of visitors: business travellers, first-time African visitors, diaspora Nigerians returning home, digital nomads, creatives, and culture-focused tourists.

The key isn’t experience; it’s mindset. Travellers who come curious, flexible, and open tend to have the most rewarding trips.

Myth 9: Everything Is Disorganised All the Time.

Nigeria has moments of chaos, yes. But it also has systems that work, sometimes quietly, sometimes differently from what visitors expect.

Things may not always run on strict schedules, but people adapt. There’s a rhythm to how things get done, and once visitors understand it, navigating daily life becomes easier.

Many travellers say Nigeria teaches patience and creativity.

Myth 10: You Can’t Have a Normal Trip in Nigeria

Some visitors expect every moment to feel extreme, either stressful or overwhelming.

Instead, many days feel… normal. Coffee runs. Traffic complaints. Casual dinners. Music is playing in the background. People can be heard laughing in public spaces. Ordinary life occurs everywhere.

That normalcy is often what surprises visitors the most.

 

FAQs About Travelling to Nigeria

1. Is Nigeria safe for tourists?

Absolutely!. Many visitors travel safely by staying in recommended areas, using trusted transport, and following local advice.

2. Do I need a guide to travel around Nigeria?

Not always, but having local contacts or guides can make the experience smoother, especially outside major cities.

3. Is Nigeria expensive to visit?

Nigeria offers a wide range of options. Costs vary based on lifestyle, location, and choices. Prices can change, so it’s always best to confirm before travelling.

4. Can foreigners move around easily?

Yes, especially in major cities. Ride-hailing apps, drivers, and domestic flights make movement manageable.

5. Is Nigeria appropriate for first-time African tourists?

It can happen, especially for travellers who are open-minded and willing to learn as they go.