https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/western-africa/nigeriaNigeriahttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/western-africa/nigeria/local-laws-nigeriaNigerian laws are strict, and many customs are based on Muslim cultural traditions. Theft and homosexuality are considered serious crimes.2019-11-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/western-africa/nigeria/local-laws-nigeriahttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>Conservative dress and behavior</h2> <p>Nigeria has the largest popultion of Muslim practitioners in sub-Saharan Africa, and travelers should behave and dress conservatively &ndash; especially outside major cities.</p> <p>You can expect scrutiny from locals if you are wearing revealing clothing or being overt with public displays of affection. Women should avoid short skirts or shorts and low-cut tops &ndash; instead wear loose-fitting, lightweight, long sleeved clothing. Men should not wear shorts or tank tops.</p> <p>During the holy month of Ramadan, 23rd April to 23rd May in 2020, travelers should show respect to religious and cultural customs at this time. Avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public or in front of people who are fasting.</p> <p>Most government travel advisories have listed northern Nigeria as a Do Not Travel zone, but if you do find yourself in the region, be especially modest here.</p> <h2>Muslim law</h2> <p>While Sharia law operates in 12 of the northern states, non-Muslims will not be held to it. Certain acts are punished severely if committed by Muslims, such as infidelity and theft, all of which can lead to lashings, stoning and limb amputation.</p> <p>Homosexuality is actually banned under federal law in Nigeria, so if you are an LGBTQ+ traveler, you may want to avoid public displays of affection.</p> <p>Anything to do with drugs will result in long prison sentences and fines. Do not carry, use or buy illegal drugs in Nigeria.</p> <p>Travelers should not import alcohol, fruit or vegetables, eggs, cereals, mineral water or soda, jewelry, precious metals and textiles.</p> <p>Leaving the country, it is against the law to export African art and antiques without permission from the Department of Antiquities.</p> <h2>Be cautious with photography</h2> <p>In Nigeria it is illegal to photograph government buildings, military sites, airports, bridges or diplomatic sites. You are not allowed to be near any of these locations with a camera or recording device, unless you have been given permission.</p> <p>However, some travelers have reported that photographing mosques and people is not a problem &ndash; always ask for permission before photographing people, and never take photographs if there is a sign saying not to do so.</p> <h2>Health concerns</h2> <p>Nigeria has health concerns similar to elsewhere in West Africa, including cholera and yellow fever, though&nbsp;there have also been cases of lead poisoning from mining.</p> <p>Other sicknesses that have affected the country in recent years include meningococcal disease, bird flu and poliomyelitis. You must see a doctor before you go to make sure you get all the booster shots and vaccinations required for travel to Nigeria.</p> <p>Water-borne diseases also pose a risk because of occasional heavy rainfall and widespread flooding in the areas of Lagos and Katsina State.</p>Getty Images/Fela Sanu / EyeEm 11127818663 Getty Images Clouds over mountains looming over the town of Idanre, Nigeriahttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/western-africa/nigeria/nigeria-transport-troublesTraveling around Nigeria is incredibly difficult, from epic traffic jams to poor transport, this is what travelers need to know.2019-11-21T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/western-africa/nigeria/nigeria-transport-troubleshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Getting around in Nigeria can be really difficult, because of bad infrastructure and criminal elements.</p> <h2>Traffic jams in Nigeria</h2> <p>Travelers should know first and foremost that Nigeria has a lot of traffic. Epic traffic jams can turn a five-minute trip into a two-hour one. Naturally, these jams are worst in the major cities, especially Lagos. If you are supposed to show up somewhere on time, give yourself a few extra hours' leeway.</p> <p>If you are the driver, and this is a big "if," as you can't use an international driving permit and it can take months to get a Nigerian driver's license, and actually get to go faster than a snail's pace, you will find less than satisfactory roadways, which can easily damage cars and make driving truly hazardous.</p> <p>Traffic lights, if they exist, do not normally work well, and stop signs are not taken seriously here.</p> <p>The rainy season from May to October can flood roads and fill up potholes.</p> <p>Make sure to fill up your gas tank before heading out on Nigerian roads, as fuel shortages are frequent and lead to very long lines at fuel stations.</p> <p>If you do drive yourself, take a mobile phone just in case and bottled water to deal with traffic in the hot sun.</p> <p>Also, be aware that roads in Abuja and Lagos shut for a few hours on the last Saturday of the month for road cleanup.</p> <h2>Transport options</h2> <p>Unfortunately, your public transport options in Nigeria are not much to write home about. Buses are largely deemed unsafe because of poor maintenance, out of control driving and packed-in passengers.</p> <p>Motorbike taxis called "okadas" are a common method of transport, but they, too, are risky because of the driver's erratic maneuvering and complete disregard of traffic laws.</p> <p>These bikes are actually banned in Abuja and Lagos after 10 p.m. Local taxis are not much better, as travelers have reported being taken to desolate areas where they've been robbed and assaulted.</p> <h2>Hiring a private&nbsp;driver</h2> <p>You do have the option of hiring a car with a driver on your travels around Nigeria. Major hotels will supply this service to take you around and also pick you up and drop you off at the airport. Make sure the driver has documents to prove his identity so you do not get duped by criminals posing as greeters.</p> <h2>Security checkpoints</h2> <p>Crime can occur on roadways throughout Nigeria, including at security checkpoints, where some officials will try to solicit bribes. Some traffic officers may also cite drivers for fake violations. Robberies and carjacking with armed attackers can happen on all roadways. Remember to try to give over your valuables quickly to the robber or bandit to avoid injury.</p> <h2>Lagos airport</h2> <p>The Murtala Muhammed International Airport near Lagos was once considered one of the world's worst airports. baggage carousels didn't work, there was no air conditioning, passengers were robbed <em>while still on their plane</em>, and criminal activity was rife.</p> <p>Conditions have improved significantly throughout the 2000's, thanks in part to a "shoot on sight" policy by police which stopped criminals entering secure airside areas.</p> <p>However, it still remains a place where you should be on your guard.</p>Getty Images/peeterv 1537706696 Getty Images Traffic and street market in Ikorodu district in Lagos, Nigeria, just before sunsethttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/western-africa/nigeria/nigeria-is-it-safeTerrorism, muggings, abductions and crime are common issues in Nigeria. If you travel against the advice of your government, here's what you need to know.2020-09-08T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/western-africa/nigeria/nigeria-is-it-safehttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Nigeria is not the safest place to travel in Africa, however there are a number of things you can do to avoid trouble and exercise extra personal safety.</p> <p>There are government warnings that are in place for terrorism risks, kidnapping and other violent crime. For the latest information, read your government's travel advisory, and follow their advice.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#crime">Petty crime</a></li> <li><a href="#scams">Nigerian scams</a></li> <li><a href="#civil-unrest">Civil unrest in Nigeria</a></li> <li><a href="#terror">Terrorism</a></li> <li><a href="#lagos">Lagos: high-risk</a></li> <li><a href="#kidnap">Kidnapping and robberies</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="crime">Petty crime</h2> <p>The political and economic instability of Nigeria opens the doors for crime, from basic&nbsp;theft and pick pocketing to armed robberies, muggings, abductions, and car-jackings. Robbery and kidnapping is most prevelant in the southern part of the country, while terrorist threats tend to be concentrated in the north.</p> <p>Thieves usually take advantage of tourists, so keep the amount of cash on you at all times low, and avoid carrying your credit card. There is a high amount of credit card fraud throughout Nigeria, which is part of the reason most businesses do not take this form of payment.</p> <h2 id="scams">Nigerian scams</h2> <p>Online money scams and fake Nigerian marriages are other criminal activities often directed at foreign travelers. Many of these crimes are initiated via email, and any suspicious messages should be reported to authorities. Fake ebony is also a highly pedaled souvenir item in Nigeria.</p> <p>Shady characters often roam the airport looking for a gullible person to defraud or rob. Reports suggest these&nbsp;people often pose as taxi drivers.</p> <p>While at the airport be aware that some&nbsp;customs officials might not be on the right side of the law. If you think something feels suspicious, that could be the case. Try to seek help from management if you are unsure.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/nigeria-safety.jpg" alt="Busy streets of Lagos, Nigeria" /> <figcaption>Busy streets of Lagos, Nigeria. Photo credit: Getty Images/Jaxons</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="civil-unrest">Civil unrest in Nigeria</h2> <p>In September 2019, riots in South Africa spilled over into Nigeria, where people responded by attacking South African-owned shops. The South African embassy in Nigeria was closed due to threats. If you are traveling to Nigeria, <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/safety-advice-civil-unrest" target="_blank" title="What to Do in a Country Experiencing Civil Unrest">here are a few tips on what to do if you are traveling in a country experiencing civil unrest</a>.</p> <h2 id="terror">Terrorism in Nigeria</h2> <p>Terrorist attacks can happen anywhere in Nigeria, and there are multiple terrorist groups operating across the country.</p> <p>Terrorist groups include The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), al Qaeda-linked terrorist group Ansaru (Jamaat al Ansar al Muslimeen fi Bilad al Sudan), Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa (ISWA).</p> <p>MEND is the group focused on oil and aims to take control of this and other natural resources, such as gas, in the country, particularly the region of the Niger Delta.</p> <p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/nigeria/terrorism">UK Government advisory</a> states that, "Most attacks take place in northern and north east Nigeria", however, there have been a significant number of attacks elsewhere. Travelers should pay attention to their surroundings at all times, and stay alert. Follow local news reports, and during periods of civil unrest, avoid crowded places or large gatherings.</p> <h3>No-go zones</h3> <p>Several Nigerian provinces are considered no-go areas due to terrorist and criminal activities and attacks.</p> <p>The British and US Government travel advisories both caution against travel to Borno, Yobe State and Northern Adamawa State due to a high risk of terror attacks.</p> <p>Other areas to avoid include Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, and Kano state, the coastal areas of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, Delta, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt).</p> <p>Exercise extreme caution while traveling anywhere in the country.</p> <h2 id="lagos">Crime in Lagos</h2> <p>Lagos is considered a high-risk area for travelers, and you should be cautious on the streets and while driving. Avoid walking around at night alone, even if in a group, as nighttime can pose the greatest risks to locals and tourists alike, and most attacks happen after 10pm.</p> <h2 id="kidnap">Kidnapping and robberies</h2> <p>The states of Anambra &ndash; especially the Enugu-Awka-Onitsha expressway&nbsp;&ndash; Kogi, Abia, and Edo are hotspots for robberies and kidnappings. Victims should immediately give in to the demands of a theif to avoid injury. Road travel should also be limited in these areas, especially outside cities. Anyone who needs to travel in these locations should do so in convoy during the day.</p>Getty Images/Irene Becker Photography 1114507228 Getty Images Kaduna Abuja Expressway, Nigeria