Travel Risk Report: Nigeria #

Audience: Christian mission teams and ministry leaders

Date: September 2, 2025

General Risk Level: High nationwide, with Extreme risk in several northern and central states

1. Religious Landscape #

Nigeria is religiously diverse with a near even split between Christians and Muslims, varying by region, broadly Christian-majority in the South and Muslim-majority in the North, alongside indigenous beliefs. Twelve northern states operate Sharia-based penal codes in parallel with secular law.

2. Current Views Toward Christianity and Christians #

The constitution protects religious freedom, yet enforcement is uneven. In parts of the Middle Belt and the far North, Christian communities face elevated targeting risks from jihadist and criminal actors.

3. U.S. vs. Nigeria: Living Conditions Snapshot #

Power and Connectivity #

National electricity access is significantly lower than in the U.S., and grid reliability is poor, prompting widespread generator or solar use. Internet penetration is mid-40s to upper-40s percent, with frequent outages.

Healthcare #

Emergency-level care is limited outside major cities, with up-front payment common and shortages of staff, medicines, and equipment. Medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.

Cost and Cash #

Inflation and currency volatility affect prices. Electronic payments are growing, but cash is still critical in many areas.

4. Political Climate and Stability #

President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda has coincided with economic strain, strikes, and recurring protests. Security challenges persist from jihadist groups in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest, and separatist-linked violence in the Southeast.

5. Crime and Personal Safety #

High threat of violent crime, kidnappings for ransom, armed robbery, and carjacking across large areas. Avoid night road movement and maintain strict situational awareness. States such as Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara remain highest risk.

6. Health and Medical #

• Vaccines: Yellow fever required, plus hepatitis A and B, typhoid, polio booster, and measles immunity.
• Malaria: Nationwide transmission year-round. Prophylaxis is essential.
• Other Concerns: Lassa fever, cholera, meningitis, and dengue occur. Carry a robust medical kit.

7. Emergency Healthcare Expectations #

Average travel times to hospitals range from 20-60 minutes in urban areas, longer in rural zones. Up-front payment is required. Many U.S. medications may be unavailable; bring full-course supplies. Medical evacuation insurance is strongly recommended.

8. Leading Causes of Death #

Top causes include lower respiratory infections, malaria, diarrheal diseases, tuberculosis, and birth-related complications.

9. Christian Martyrdom #

Historic attacks include the 2022 Owo church massacre and the 2014 Chibok schoolgirl abduction. In 2025, lethal assaults on Christian farming communities in Plateau and Benue states were reported.

10. Recent Incidents (Last 6-12 Months) #

• Aug 2025 – Fatal attacks on Christian farming villages in Plateau and Benue.
• Mar 2024 – Kaduna school mass abduction of 200+ pupils.
• Aug 2025 – Flood alerts across 19 states with casualties reported.

11. U.S. Embassy and Consulate #

• Embassy Abuja: 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central District Area. Tel: +234 9 461 4176.
• Consulate Lagos: 2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island. Tel: +234 1 460 3600.

Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Expect limited reach outside major cities.

12. Transportation Risks #

• Roads: Poor conditions and high crime risk. Avoid night travel.
• Air Travel: Use reputable carriers. Expect schedule changes.
• Public Transport: Urban systems exist but security is a concern. Use vetted drivers.

13. Natural Disasters #

Flooding is the most frequent hazard, with 2025 alerts for 19 states. Harmattan dust and heat waves also pose health risks.

14. Cybersecurity and Digital Safety #

SIM registration is mandatory. Cybercrime legislation and data protection laws exist, but fraud and scams remain common. Use VPNs, avoid public Wi-Fi, and enable transaction alerts.

15. Cultural Sensitivities and Legal Considerations #

• Blasphemy laws exist in Sharia states; penalties are severe.
• Same-sex relationships are illegal nationwide.
• Photography of government or military facilities is restricted.
• Dress modestly and respect local religious customs, especially in the North.

16. Recommended Safety Measures #

Pre-Departure #

Register in STEP, obtain all required vaccines, and secure medical evacuation insurance. Carry passport copies and an emergency cash reserve.

On the Ground #

Use vetted drivers, daylight-only travel outside cities, and secure lodging. Maintain daily check-ins with a U.S.-based contact.

Emergency Numbers #

• National emergency: 112
• Road accidents (FRSC): 122
• Lagos: 767
• U.S. Embassy Abuja ACS: +234 9 461 4176
• U.S. Consulate Lagos ACS: +234 1 460 3600

Insurance Tips and Traveler Checklist #

Ensure medical evacuation and political evacuation coverage. Carry a medical kit, satellite comms, surge protectors, cash in small denominations, and contact cards with local partners and embassy details.

Note: This document is provided for informational purposes only and should not substitute for real-time updates from official government advisories.

References #

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Nigeria – Traveler view. CDC Travelers’ Health. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/nigeria
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). CDC Yellow Book: Health information for international travel. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/yellowbook-home-2024
• Data Reportal. (2024, February). Digital 2024: Nigeria. https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2024-nigeria
• Federal Road Safety Corps. (n.d.). 122 toll-free emergency number. https://frsc.gov.ng
• Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. (2025). Nigeria travel advice: Safety and security. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/nigeria
• Lagos State Emergency Management Agency. (n.d.). Emergency numbers 767 and 112. https://lasema.lagosstate.gov.ng
• Nigerian Communications Commission. (n.d.). 112 national emergency number. https://www.ncc.gov.ng
• Nigerian Communications Commission. (2023). NIN-SIM linkage policy: Subscriber guidelines. https://www.ncc.gov.ng
• Pew Research Center. (2025). Religious composition by country. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion
• Reuters. (2024, March 7-8). Coverage of Kaduna school mass abduction and releases. https://www.reuters.com
• Reuters. (2025, August 6). Nigeria issues flood alert for 19 states. https://www.reuters.com
• U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. (2025, July). Nigeria country update. https://www.uscirf.gov
• U.S. Department of State. (2025). Nigeria travel advisory. https://travel.state.gov
• U.S. Department of State. (2025). Help for U.S. citizens abroad: Emergency contacts. https://travel.state.gov
• U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria. (2025). American citizen services – contact and appointments. https://ng.usembassy.gov
• World Health Organization. (2024-2025). Nigeria: Leading causes of death – Global Health Estimates. https://www.who.int/data/gho
• International Christian Concern. (2025, August). Reports on attacks in Benue and Plateau states. https://www.persecution.org
• BBC News. (2022, June 6). Nigeria church attack in Owo kills dozens. https://www.bbc.com/news
• BBC News. (2014, April-May). Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping coverage. https://www.bbc.com/news
• Nigeria Data Protection Commission. (2023). Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023. https://ndpc.gov.ng
• Central Bank of Nigeria. (2024, May). Circulars and updates on cybersecurity levy. https://www.cbn.gov.ng