Safety in Nigeria
*Safety Update for Nigeria - January 2012*
Terrorist attacks and nationwide protests against rising gasoline tariffs resulted in numerous deaths in Nigeria at the end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012. Expats living in Nigeria are advised to avoid all large political gatherings, and should proceed with their daily routines with only the utmost caution. Expats planning to move to the north of Nigeria should reconsider, and those moving to Lagos or Abuja are urged to give some serious thought to their relocation.
Nigeria is notorious for the poor level of safety found within its borders, and it comes as no surprise that even those expats seasoned by years of travel find themselves asking, “Is it safe to work in Nigeria, is it safe for women in Nigeria, is it safe for my kids in Nigeria?”
Many western bodies of government, namely the US and the UK, say no, to a large extent. Both the US Department of State and the British Department of State have issued 2011 travel bans for multiple regions in the country, most of which fall in the southern area of the nation and the northern regions associated with sectarian violence.
Furthermore, reports by the aforementioned bodies claim that both violent and minor crime rates remain high throughout the nation, and that though foreigners aren’t necessarily targeted in the urban centres of Lagos and Abuja, they are marked for kidnapping in the southern oil-producing regions.
Not to mention, assault, burglary, petty theft, carjacking, hijacking and home invasion exist as serious threats everywhere, and many an expat has reported being victimised by such crimes.
In these situations, the Nigerian police or the area’s relevant law enforcement authorities may not respond at all, or may do so too slowly to matter. What’s more, these officials have even been pegged as perpetrators, coercing expats at checkpoints and elsewhere into paying bribes under the threat of jail time. In short, the police are not dependable, and they are not your friends.
So, to say Nigeria is NOT dangerous, would not only be foolish, it would be an outright untruth; but to say that foreigners that move to this West African nation live their lives paralysed by fear, and are consequently incapable of enjoying themselves due to their perpetual concern with their personal safety, would be nearly as blatant of a lie.
Expats living and working in various areas of Nigeria report that though they acknowledge the risks at hand, they do, in fact, feel safe. Some even note that their perception has shifted to such a degree that they would say that Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, is safer than the British capital of London.
Safety tips for Nigeria
All things considered, it is essential that expats take certain precautions while living in Nigeria in order to keep the safety bubble firmly instated around them. It goes without saying that you should remain alert, take notice of the people around you, and put in practice the same safety measures you would in any big city, but there’s a few extra points unique to the destination that are worth adhering to.
- Avoid demonstrations, large gatherings and volatile crowds. The sentiment on busy Nigerian streets can change from one of calm to one of anger and distress quickly and spontaneously, a turn which often leads to violence.-Note that the majority of attacks in Nigerian urban centres happen after 10pm. Thus, carefully consider the draw of travelling after dark, and if you do indulge in the nation’s vibrant nightlife, keep alert at all times and try your best to keep to well-lit city centre areas.
- Do not carry large amounts of cash with you, and do not wear expensive or ostentatious jewellery. Furthermore, do not flaunt items of excessive value in front of your Nigerian house help; in the worst case scenario ownership may mysteriously change hands, and in the best case scenario you risk seeming rude and uncaring to locals that live on a much more meagre income
- If caught in a dangerous situation, do not resist, and comply with the perpetrators’ request. Most victims harmed report struggling with or defying attackers.
- Lock all doors and windows when leaving home. Though many expats are fortunate enough to be accommodated within apartment complexes, compounds or gated communities protected by 24-hour security (some even with armed guards), this action is an easy deterrent and a good rule of thumb. Especially since robbers have been known to scale high walls and divert the attention of guards.
- Never relinquish your passport or accompany a policeman to the station unless formally arrested. Furthermore, though Nigerian police are known to be corrupt; do not try to bribe these individuals.
- Realise that homosexuality is illegal in Nigeria
Financial safety in Nigeria
No discussion of safety in Nigeria would be complete without mention of the ever-popular 419 scam, the section of the Nigerian penal code that relates to financial fraud.
No matter where in the world you’re based, there’s little chance that your email inbox has avoided assault by someone calling you beloved and begging you to deposit money into their Nigerian bank account.
Needless to say, this is only one of the many faces of financial fraud in Nigeria, and though the banking system has become more secure over the course of the past few years, expats must still be vigilant when it comes to checking bank and credit card balances.
Never let your credit card out of your sight, and always try your best to confirm the reliability of those whom you are paying.
Terrorism in Nigeria
There IS a threat of terrorism in Nigeria, and expats working in the oil industry in the Niger Delta region should realise the implication of their employment choice. Since January 2009, over 100 foreign nationals related to this industry have been kidnapped by local tribes interested in using these expats as leverage in negotiation with the oil barons.
As a result, many foreign oil companies have instated “essential-travel only” policies for their employees, forbidding movement throughout certain Niger Delta states namely, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers.
Additionally, in August 2011 a suicide bomb that exploded at the UN headquarters in Abuja, the fourth in the city in the last year, left 23 dead and over 80 wounded. Thus, many foreign governments believe that there is a high risk of further attacks against international bodies and western targets.
Road safety in Nigeria
Road safety in Nigeria is also well below standard, with incidents of armed robberies and hijackings carried out by gangs, and extortion perpetrated by the police. Expats should avoid driving at night.
In general, road conditions and dense traffic make driving around cities a stressful and hazardous experience. Most expats hire a driver, the cost of which can be negotiated as part of one’s package. When arriving at the airport, be sure to be met by someone you know, and avoid taking a taxi unless prearranged through a reputable provider.
