Looking to go on an African adventure, and you’ve selected Nigeria as your destination? If yes, you’re in for an exciting journey. But as with any trip, making a few adjustments to the travel plan will never hurt. You can improve your chances of visiting any country without a hitch by accounting for the unforeseen. Ten tips about how to stay safe when you travel to Nigeria, Africa. Take a look at this article to learn about safe travel details.
So without further ado, let’s get to the bottom of this. What should you do in order to travel safely through Nigeria?
Nigeria Safe Travel Tips
1) Vaccines and Medication
Even though vaccines have a debatable track record of effectiveness, it will never hurt to be on the safe side and grab a bunch of medical-related products to make the trip as pleasant as possible.
Zika virus, Cholera, Hepatitis A & B, MMR, Meningitis, Malaria, and countless other diseases shouldn’t become an issue if you come prepared. Climate itself can be hazardous. Always account for the worst-case scenario and bring medication (prescribed or otherwise) to get you through.
2) Plot A Course Beforehand
Nigeria can be tough to navigate. Layout your travel itinerary beforehand and let a few select others know about it. Safety should always be a concern, and you can never be too sure when and where you’ll emerge.
3) Stay Over At Big Cities
Given the sheer size of Nigeria, it’s quite easy to get lost. Major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Calabar not only will be much safer in general but also will provide enough activities for your stay.
Avoid regional travel at all costs. Building on the previous tip, by staying over at large cities, you have the luxury of having access to basic health care, which is utterly absent as far as regional territories are concerned.
4) Take Care Of Personal Security
Given the current situation in Nigeria, it should be noted that unrest can occur at any given moment Pickpockets, kidnappers and other unsavory types can target tourists and anyone who seems out of place.
According to TUKO, military operations can often occur as well. Before committing to a traveling route, make sure to explore ongoing military operations and activities.
Never leave your money and personal things of value unattended. This concept strongly applies to personal documents and tickets.
5) Be Cautious Of Scams
Even though Nigeria currently can be considered a Top 20 economy, the financial situation can still promote intricate scam tactics and fraud. These can come in many shapes and sizes; they can range from friendship and business offers to pick-pocketing, scam e-mails, and the like.
Credit card fraud is rampant, so avoid using credit cards.
6) Stay In Groups
If you have a dedicated travel group, you might be in a better position to get out of the trip unscathed. Another interesting tidbit is the stance on photography; avoid taking unnecessary photos of objects like buildings, bridges, etc.
In short, of things that can be deemed of military value to local law enforcement.
You can lose your camera or get into a legal issue.
7) Be Mindful Of Road Traveling
Roads can vary in quality and traffic can be just as unpredictable. If you’re driving a rental car, consider driving in convoy, since carjackings are in abundance. Employing the services of a dependable local guide with a car (or even hotel drivers) is advisable.
8) Don’t Travel After Dark
This mostly applies to regional travel, but can still be useful to big metropolitan areas. Stay inside and avoid traveling after sundown, especially on poorly equipped roads with public transport. Car theft, kidnappings, and robberies are distinct possibilities, and they multiply tenfold when you’re traveling at night.
9) Avoid Possible Terrorist Attacks
Northern and Middle Belt states are subject to constant attacks. Boko Haram, Ansaru and MEND groups pose a significant threat to tourists and citizens alike and have been operating for quite some time in the region.
Boko Haram extremist group is known for terrorist attacks across Nigeria with the goal of setting Islamic law in the country. These terrorist organizations have also been known for taking hostages in recent times. Pay close attention to local news and transmissions as to not become an unfortunate victim.
10) Last But Not Least, Communicate
English is an officially recognized language in Nigeria, so speaking with locals shouldn’t pose a significant problem in the grand scheme of things. Asking for directions or suggestions regarding places of interest and security will only boost your chances for a safe trip.
