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TRAVEL REPORT
Nigeria

1. RECENT UPDATES

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed.

Sections 6 (measles, polio) and 7 (information on H1N1 removed) have been updated.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Nigeria

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to Nigeria. Canadians should maintain an extremely high level of security awareness and inquire about local conditions before travelling in the country.

Major urban centres such as Abuja and Lagos have reportedly seen an increase in violent crime. Incidents include armed and often targeted attacks against foreign nationals and assaults in areas frequented by foreigners. During daytime hours, travellers are advised to remain alert and extremely vigilant. After dark, all unnecessary road travel should be avoided.

Since May 2009, planned demonstrations have affected a number of cities around the country. As strikes, rallies and demonstrations occur on a regular basis, travellers are reminded to refrain from approaching any large gatherings or areas where demonstrations could take place, as they may become violent without notice. Strikes may also affect land and air transportation. Travellers should consult local authorities and their air carrier in advance of travel.

Central and Northern Nigeria

Canadians are strongly advised to avoid non-essential travel to northern Nigeria as serious disturbances and violent outbreaks have recently been reported in the region. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to Plateau State. (See Regional Warning below).

There is an increased security presence in most northern cities. Road checkpoints have been set up. Police presence has been intensified as well in the city of Zaria and elsewhere in Kaduna State, where violent clashes erupted during the Durbar festival, which marks the end of the Ramadan. Sectarian violence has also erupted in the states of Taraba, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara.

Canadians in this region should exercise extreme caution, avoid crowds and public gatherings, monitor local news reports for updates on security risks, and follow the advice of authorities.
 
Travellers are reminded that the security situation in northern Nigeria is unpredictable and there is a significant risk of armed attacks, banditry and kidnappings. In April 2009, a Canadian citizen was kidnapped near the city of Kaduna. The hostage was subsequently released.

Regional Warning

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the following regions:

Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers States, including the city of Port Harcourt

The security situation in the Niger River Delta region, particularly in the states of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers, is stable but fragile.

Several western nations have advised their nationals to consider leaving this region, as foreign nationals are at a heightened risk of abduction and armed assault. Armed groups have carried out successful attacks on oil facilities and workers, resulting in injuries and death. Attacks, kidnappings, hostage taking and ship hijackings are very common in this extremely volatile area.

All Canadians in the region must be aware that the ability of the High Commission of Canada to provide assistance in this region could be severely limited in the event of a significant deterioration of the situation.

Port Harcourt

Although the security situation in Port Harcourt (Rivers state) appears to have stabilized, due to the presence of the large military Joint Task Force (JTF), the restoration of order remains fragile and the potential for violent outbreaks, armed attacks and kidnappings is still very high. Canadians are advised to remain extremely vigilant if in the city and surrounding areas. They should avoid the waterfront at all times.

Plateau State

Since January 2010, hundreds of people have been killed and many more have been injured in violent clashes in the city of Jos and in other areas of the state. The situation in Jos remains highly unstable and demonstrations, which have the potential to turn violent, may erupt without notice. Canadians are advised to avoid demonstrations, monitor local media, and follow the advice of local authorities.

Takwa Bay

Takwa Bay, near Lagos, should be avoided at all times. Although it offers some basic tourist infrastructure, travellers should keep in mind that it is a dangerous area where criminal activity is rampant. Foreigners and locals alike experience crime that range from pickpocketing to armed assault.

Akwa Ibom State

In the past few months, there has been growing security concerns in this region. Reports indicate a notable increase in kidnapping by organized criminal groups in Akwa Ibom. Although typically not associated with political demands, these crimes further endanger all foreigners, who are targeted because of their affluence.

Imo and Abia States

Imo and Abia states have also seen an increase in kidnappings for ransom in 2009. Recent events have demonstrated that attacks, often perpetrated by small groups of armed individuals, are indiscriminate. Residents and foreigners alike have been abducted and held captive, sometimes for days, until ransom was paid. Deaths have also been reported.

Bakassi Peninsula

The long-disputed Bakassi Peninsula was officially handed over by Nigeria to Cameroon on August 14, 2008. However, incidents of violence along the Cameroonian border continue to be reported. Travellers should evaluate the implications for their security and safety before deciding to stay in the region.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.

Crime

There is a high level of crime throughout Nigeria, including armed robbery, hostage taking and violent assault. Criminal activity has reportedly increased in urban areas. Robberies and muggings conducted by large well armed groups, in places frequented by expatriates, are common. Some have been committed by persons posing as police or military personnel.

House robberies remain a serious concern in residential areas of Lagos and are on the rise in Abuja.

Petty crime is common in crowed places, especially in public markets. Beaches should only be visited in large groups and during daylight hours, particularly those in the vicinity of Victoria Island (Lekki and Bar Beaches).

Incidents of armed robbery and carjacking have occurred along main routes to international and domestic airports. As these areas tend to be scarcely monitored by local authorities, Canadians should be accompanied by an escort vehicle with police when arriving to or leaving from an airport.

General safety information

Travellers should carry photocopies of official identification at all times and safely store passports, visas, and travel documents.

Canadians should remain discreet; avoid walking alone at all times and displaying any signs of affluence in public. Valuables or bags should not be left unattended.

Canadians travelling to Abuja are advised to only stay at reputable hotels.

Local telecommunications are subject to disruptions. Visitors should always carry a mobile phone. There are a significant number of mobile phone companies in Nigeria and it is the preferred method of telecommunications.

The country experiences regular fuel shortages. Canadians should regularly monitor local media sources for indicators of the circumstances that precede fuel shortages and ensure they have adequate supplies on hand.

Fraud

Cases of attempted fraud are frequently reported in this country. For more information on overseas scams and their impact on the security of Canadians, see our Global Issues page.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Nigerian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for up-to-date information.

Passport

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Nigeria. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa.

Visas

Tourist/Visitor/Transit Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required
Employment Visa: Required
Temporary Work Permit: Required

Travellers are required to carry evidence of yellow fever vaccination.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

Travellers can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses:

Nigeria - ABUJA, High Commission of Canada
Address: 15 Bobo Street (off Gana Street), Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria
Tel.: 234 (09) 461-2900
Fax: 234 (09) 461-2901
E-Mail: abuja@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/nigeria/

Nigeria - LAGOS, Deputy High Commission of Canada
Address: 4 Anifowoshe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Tel.: 234 (1) 271-5650
Fax: 234 (1) 271-5651
E-Mail: lagos@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/nigeria/

Nigeria - PORT HARCOURT, Consulate of Canada
Address: 15, Ahoada Street, Rumuibekwe Housing Estate, Port Harcourt
Tel.: 234 (84) 890 903
After hours tel.: cell 234 (806) 399 7054
E-Mail: phconsul2004@yahoo.com
Internet: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/nigeria/

If you live outside these areas, please contact the Canadian High Commission in Abuja or the Canadian Deputy High Commission in Lagos for details on the Canadian warden responsible for your area or the region you will be visiting.

For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Abuja. You may also call the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

Dengue fever is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquitoes. It can cause flu-like symptoms and in some cases lead to dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal. Travellers should protect themselves from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends that travellers get vaccinated against poliomyelitis (polio). Polio is a contagious disease, spread from person to person and through contaminated food and water, that can attack the nervous system and destroy the nerve cells that activate muscles.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends that travellers get vaccinated against the measles, a highly contagious disease

Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease. It is caused by a parasite which is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. There is no vaccine available against malaria. Travellers can reduce their risk by following the Public Health Agency of Canada’s recommendations.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities and supplies

Medical facilities are basic in major cities and limited outside urban centres. Due to the high incidence of fake medications, prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs, Canadians should not purchase drugs in Nigeria unless from a well-known, reputable clinic. Canadians are strongly encouraged to bring adequate supplies of all medications in their original containers, clearly labelled.

Diseases

Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis) are prevalent in Nigeria and pose a serious threat to travellers. The risk of cholera outbreaks is particularly high during the rainy season. Any travel to tropical and sub-tropical climates poses a risk for food-borne and water-borne gastrointestinal disease. Travellers are advised to use good personal hygiene practices and take all necessary precautions; boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes as well as raw and undercooked food. Canadians should be cautious about activities involving the transmission of bodily fluids.

Leprosy is a chronic contagious bacterial disease still prevalent in Nigeria.

Harmattan wind

Canadians considering travel to Nigeria from November to February should be aware that the Harmattan wind, known to cause sand storms and very dry and dusty conditions, can affect persons with chronic asthma or breathing problems.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. However, Canada and Nigeria are signatories to the Commonwealth Scheme for the Transfer of Convicted Offenders, which enables a Canadian imprisoned in Nigeria to request to be transferred to Canada to complete the sentence in a Canadian prison. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Nigerian authorities.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Sharia law

Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country’s customs, laws, and regulations. Sharia law has been adopted in twelve Northern States (namely Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara). Common sense and discretion should be exercised in behaviour and visitors should dress conservatively. It is recommended that, in the north, women keep their legs covered and travel with a scarf which can be used to cover their head and arms, when required.

Travellers should respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.

The Sharia penal code may be applicable to non-Muslims in some parts of the country. Transgressions could be punished by detention or other penalties.

During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), visitors should use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is expected to begin on or about August 11, 2010.

Restricted or illegal activities

The use of drugs and alcohol is prohibited.

Cross-dressing is prohibited and punishable under the Prostitution and Immoral Acts law.

Smoking in public is illegal.

Homosexual activity is illegal.

It is illegal to import beer, mineral water, soft drinks, sparkling wine, fruits, vegetables, cereals, eggs, textile fabrics, mosquito netting, jewellery, and precious metals. It is illegal to export pieces of African art, particularly antiques, without written authorization from the Department of Antiquities. Canadians should contact the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Ottawa for specific information regarding customs requirements (see section 12).

Photography of airports, government buildings and military installations is prohibited.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Road travel

Across Nigeria, roads are generally in poor condition and lack adequate lighting. Excessive speeds and unpredictable driving habits pose hazards.

Road travel can be dangerous due to robberies and carjackings which sometimes include physical violence. Many strategies may be used to stop cars on the road. Nails can be scattered on the road, or individuals, including pregnant women, may pretend to be injured.

Local and public transportation

Rental cars (self-drive) are available in Nigeria; however, along with public transportation, they should be avoided all together due to poorly maintained vehicles and the risk of petty theft and armed attacks. Passengers in taxis have been driven to secluded areas where they have been attacked and robbed.

Major routes / airport roads

Personal security and appropriate journey management should be observed as a very high priority. There have been reports of attempted armed robbery on main highways between state capitals. Carjackings have also occurred in main cities, including Lagos and Abuja.

Travellers should arrange to arrive during the day and be met at the airport by reliable contacts. If transportation is not arranged by hosts or the hotel, Canadians are advised to hire cars and drivers from reputable security providers with respect to journey management. Drivers should be experienced, have local knowledge and be familiar with alternative routes. All arrangements should be made prior to arrival. When arranging the hire of a car and driver, be sure to agree on a price and all details prior to accepting. Several incidents of armed robbery resulting in deaths have occurred at Ikeja domestic airport in Lagos.

Police checkpoints are very frequent on roads throughout the country. Abuse by some law enforcement officers, armed gangs, and others to extort bribes is common. This is a recurring security problem, especially along Nigerian borders. Travellers needing assistance may contact the High Commission of Canada in Abuja. Road travel after dark should be avoided.

Air travel

Some airlines, particularly those of Nigerian registry, may not maintain their aircraft to international standards. In light of recent crashes, sometimes fatal, Canadians should carefully evaluate implications for their security and safety before deciding to undertake domestic air travel.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

During the dry season, the Harmattan winds lead to high amounts of sand and dust in the air. Air travel within Nigeria can sometimes be restricted due to limited visibility. Occasionally, flights must be rerouted from their original destinations.

Piracy

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the Live Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.

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Currency

The economy of Nigeria is cash-based. The currency is the naira (NGN). U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted at some major hotels in Lagos and Abuja, however Canadians are strongly advised against the use of credit cards and debit cards due to the high potential for fraud and other criminal activity. Traveller's cheques are very difficult to cash in Nigeria. The exportation of naira is limited to certain amounts by law.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The rainy season extends from May to October. During this period, rainfall is abundant and may result in localized flash flooding. Roads may become impassable in affected areas.

In summer, Central and Northern Nigeria periodically experience heat waves.

During the dry season, which extends from November to April, this region is also affected by the Harmattan, a seasonal wind which blows high amounts of sand and dust in the air and can severely limit visibility.

Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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