Travel Safety Tips for Tourists in Nigeria – Your Complete Guide to Staying Safe and Enjoying Your Trip

When you think of Nigeria, the first things that might come to mind are Afrobeat music, Nollywood movies, spicy suya, bustling city life in Lagos, and the calming waves of Lekki Beach. And you’re not wrong. Nigeria is full of colour, flavour, history, and warm hospitality.

But like any other travel destination, a little preparation and street-smart thinking can make the difference between a trip filled with unforgettable experiences and one with “interesting” stories you’d rather not tell.

So, let’s talk about travel safety tips for tourists in Nigeria. This isn’t to scare you—it’s to help you blend in, avoid common pitfalls, and make your Nigerian adventure as smooth as freshly pounded yam.

1. Understand the Nigerian Landscape Before You Go

First things first—Nigeria is big. Really big. We’re talking about 36 states, over 200 million people, and multiple cultures, languages, and climates. Lagos alone has more people than some countries. Northern Nigeria is very different from the South in terms of culture, climate, and even security situations.

Before packing your bags, research your intended destination. Abuja, Lagos, Calabar, Enugu, and Port Harcourt are popular urban spots with varying degrees of bustle, but each has its own rhythm. Certain rural areas are rich in culture but may have limited infrastructure.

And while Nigeria is generally welcoming, some regions may have higher security risks due to local conflicts or unrest, so check current travel advisories.

Tip: Sign up for travel alerts from your embassy so you’re aware of any sudden developments.

2. Arrival and Airport Safety

Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja are the main gateways. While Nigerian airports have improved over the years, the “first few minutes” rule applies: be alert from the moment you land.

• Arrange airport pickup with your hotel or a reputable transport service before you arrive.
• Avoid discussing your travel plans or flashing expensive gadgets while waiting at arrivals.
• Politely decline unsolicited help with your luggage unless they are official airport staff (you’ll know by their uniform and ID badge).

3. Transportation – Getting Around Safely

Transportation in Nigeria can be… let’s say “lively.” Yellow buses (danfos) in Lagos, tricycles (kekes), motorcycles (okadas), and ride-hailing apps like Bolt and Uber are common.

If you’re new to the country:

• Use reputable ride-hailing services instead of random taxis. They’re safer, and you get route tracking.
• Avoid night travel between cities—roads may be poorly lit, and highway robberies, while rare, do happen.
• Confirm the driver’s identity before getting into any vehicle, especially with ride-hailing apps.
• For long distances, consider reputable transport companies like God is Good Motors or ABC Transport.

A little patience is key—traffic jams, especially in Lagos, can test even a monk’s calm. Bring water, snacks, and a fully charged phone.

4. Accommodation – Choosing a Safe Place to Stay

Hotels in Nigeria range from budget inns to five-star luxury. Safety here starts with your booking.

• Use verified booking platforms or book directly with hotels you’ve researched.
• Read recent reviews—not the glowing one from 2017, but the one from last week.
• Check for basic safety features: 24-hour security, CCTV, secure locks, and in-room safes.
• Avoid ground-floor rooms if possible—they’re easier targets for break-ins.

And remember, sometimes “free Wi-Fi” means free to everyone, including hackers. Use a VPN for online banking or sensitive logins.

5. Street Smarts – Blending In

One of the best travel safety tips for tourists in Nigeria is to blend in as much as possible. Standing out as “the tourist” can make you more of a target for scams or pickpocketing.

• Dress modestly—especially in conservative areas like the North.
• Avoid flashing expensive jewellery or electronics in public.
• Learn a few local greetings. A simple “Good afternoon” or “How far?” can make you more approachable and less of a stranger.

If you’re lost, it’s better to ask for directions inside a shop, hotel, or petrol station rather than stopping random strangers on the street.

6. Money and Banking Safety

Cash is still king in many parts of Nigeria, but card usage is increasing. That said, a little caution goes a long way.

• Carry only the cash you need for the day.
• Use ATMs located inside banks or malls—not the lone ATM at a dark street corner.
• Consider carrying a money belt or hidden pouch.
• When paying in cash, count discreetly—don’t broadcast your “money counting show” to everyone in the market.

Also, note that small denominations (₦100, ₦200, ₦500) are handy for taxis, markets, and tips.

7. Food and Water Safety

Nigeria is a food lover’s paradise—pepper soup, jollof rice, suya, akara—but your stomach might not agree with everything at first.

• Stick to bottled or sachet water from trusted brands.
• Eat at restaurants or street vendors with high turnover—fresh food is safer food.
• If you’re trying street food (which you should—it’s delicious), make sure it’s piping hot.
• Avoid raw salads unless you’re sure they’ve been washed with safe water.

A small travel medical kit with rehydration salts can save you if you get an upset stomach.

8. Cultural Awareness and Etiquette

Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups, each with unique customs. What’s polite in one region might be rude in another.

• Greetings are important—especially in rural areas. Always greet before asking questions or requesting service.
• In conservative areas, especially in the North, dress modestly to respect local norms.
• Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon outside major cities.
• Always accept gifts or food with your right hand—using the left is considered impolite.

Cultural sensitivity goes a long way in building trust and avoiding misunderstandings.

9. Common Scams and How to Avoid Them

Scammers are creative everywhere, and Nigeria is no exception. Some popular tricks include:

• Fake taxi drivers who overcharge or take long detours.
• Pickpockets in crowded markets—they work in pairs or groups.
• Overfriendly strangers who suddenly “need help” with an urgent money matter.
• ATM skimming devices—always check the machine for loose parts before inserting your card.

Rule of thumb: if it sounds too good to be true (“My brother can sell you gold at a discount!”), it probably is.

10. Health and Emergency Preparedness

Nigeria’s climate is generally warm, but you’ll need to plan for both health and emergencies.

• Vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry; other recommended shots include hepatitis A/B, typhoid, and meningitis.
• Mosquito protection: Use repellents and sleep under treated nets in malaria-prone areas.
• Know emergency numbers: 112 is the general emergency line in Nigeria, though response times vary.
• Keep digital and printed copies of your passport, visa, and travel insurance.

11. Staying Connected – Communication Safety

Nigeria has strong mobile network coverage, and SIM cards are easy to get with proper registration.

• Buy a SIM from official outlets like MTN, Airtel, or Glo.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.
• Share your daily itinerary with a trusted contact, especially if you’re travelling to rural areas.

12. Enjoy Nigeria – But Stay Aware

Here’s the thing—despite all these precautions, most tourists in Nigeria have safe, memorable experiences. Nigerians are warm, helpful, and proud of their culture. The travel safety tips here aren’t meant to make you paranoid, but to help you keep your guard just high enough to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Imagine Nigeria as a lively street party: you dance, you laugh, you enjoy the music—but you also keep an eye on your bag.

Final Word

Nigeria is a destination like no other. It offers a mix of urban energy, rich culture, delicious food, and stunning natural beauty. But like anywhere else in the world, being aware, prepared, and culturally sensitive will make your journey far more enjoyable.

By following these travel safety tips for tourists in Nigeria, you’ll be better equipped to navigate both the joyful chaos and the serene beauty of this vibrant country.

So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and remember: in Nigeria, it’s all about staying smart while having fun.