Safety in Nigeria

Nigeria has a poor reputation for safety. The Niger Delta region is particularly dangerous with frequent attacks on oil industry facilities and kidnapping of expatriate oil workers.

 

Road travel can also be unsafe, with incidents of robberies by armed gangs and hijackings, and extortion on the part of 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.

 

Some Nigerian syndicates persist in conducting so called 419 scams (advance fee fraud) named after the section of the Nigerian criminal code under which such activities fall. Under no circumstances should an expat travel to Nigeria without possessing a valid work visa. Employment offers without the appropriate visa are normally fraudulent.

 

The police are notoriously corrupt and will frequently solicit “gifts” from expats at road blocks. While bribery is a common practice in Nigeria it is not advisable to attempt to bribe any official. One should never relinquish one’s passport or accompany a policeman to the station unless formally arrested.