Nigeria

Borders

Nigeria’s borders are currently closed.

Driving permit

International Driving Permits aren’t recognised in Nigeria.

You must have a local driver’s licence.

Road travel

Driving in Nigeria is dangerous due to:

• poorly maintained roads and vehicles
• poor local driving habits
• unpredictable pedestrians
• poor signage
• lack of working traffic lights
• poor road lighting

You’re 4 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Nigeria than in Australia.

Armed robbery happens on highways. Criminals stop travellers with nails and branches on the road, fake breakdowns and injured people.

Expect delays when you travel. This can include:

• authorised and unauthorised police and military roadblocks
• vehicle checkpoints
• traffic diversions
• parking restrictions

These will often happen in major cities and after dark.

If you can’t produce your identity documents, car registration or ownership papers, police may fine you or ask for a bribe.

If you’re in a traffic accident, nearby crowds may gather quickly. They may also overreact if they think you’re at fault.

Roadside assistance is either limited or unavailable.

Fuel shortages are common, particularly in the northern regions. Long lines at service stations often block traffic in urban centres.

If you plan to drive:

• check your insurance cover
• understand local traffic laws and practices
• make sure you have enough fuel
• avoid driving at night, where possible
• wear a seatbelt
• keep your car windows up and doors locked, even when moving

Be alert to security threats, particularly in traffic jams and at traffic lights.

If police stop you, follow their instructions.

When travelling outside major cities:

• get local advice on road conditions and security before you travel
• leave details of your plans with someone you trust
• travel in a convoy where possible
• carry water, a full first aid kit and multiple forms of communication

More information:

Motorcycles

Motorbikes are banned in some cities. Check with your travel insurer if your policy covers you to ride a motorcycle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Regular taxis and motorcycle taxis are common. They can pose a serious danger to passengers, other road users and pedestrians.

Use car hire services that include a local driver. These services are available at most major hotels.

Public transport

Public transport is often unsafe, due to:

• unqualified and uninsured drivers
• poor vehicle maintenance
• high speed driving
• overcrowding

Trains are often overcrowded and are targeted by criminals.

Avoid using public transport. Travelling in a locked motor vehicle is a safer option.

Sea travel

At sea or on ships in port, you may encounter:

This risk has increased in the coastal areas of the Gulf of Guinea, including near Lagos and the Niger Delta. Criminals with speedboats and high-calibre weapons are common in these areas.

The Nigerian Navy has limited capacity to respond to piracy. The International Maritime Bureau issues piracy reports.

Air travel

Domestic and international flights are often overbooked, delayed or cancelled suddenly.

Safety and reliability of some domestic airlines is a concern. Airlines may not have strict maintenance procedures and safety standards. If you travel on these airlines, insurance may not cover you.

DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Nigeria’s air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government