Nigeria Travel Security

Visits to Nigeria can involve considerable risk. Political liberalization following the return to civilian rule in 1999 has allowed militants from religious and ethnic groups to express their frustrations more freely and with increasing violence. Political violence is often linked to elections, as in April 2007 when some 200 people reportedly were killed during presidential and legislative elections. A continuing elevated risk of political and criminal violence is likely. Ethnic, religious and regional discrimination is widespread, and associated tensions also pose hazards.

Western embassies continue to warn of the ongoing general threat from terrorism in Nigeria. Intelligence reports suggest that attacks may be indiscriminate and include places frequented by foreigners.

Travelers and foreign nationals working in Nigeria have been targets of violence. General strikes and political violence are common, and vigilante violence has increased throughout the country. Such factors, combined with a critical level of crime, account for the country's risk rating of 8.

The necessary degree of security is indicated by the measures that foreign embassies and companies take to protect their staff members. Most, for example, have introduced strict restrictions on travel; others have moved offices to safer locations. The Australian High Commission relocated its offices from Lagos to Abuja for security reasons.

Monitor local media for developments, register with your local embassy, avoid protests and demonstrations, and have a plan of action ready in case violence erupts.

High-risk Areas

For several years, the oil-producing Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states in the Niger River delta have been the scene of a low-level war, and the government has increased its military presence in the region. Despite crackdowns by security forces and tenuous peace agreements, lawlessness continues. Foreign nationals in the area, especially oil workers, face a high risk of being kidnapped and held hostage.

Violence can occur anywhere in the country, often with little warning. Areas of particular risk include northern and central Nigeria, especially Kaduna, Jos, Imo, Kano and Plateau states. Hazards also are present in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states and in regions near the Warri oil port, Lagos Island and mainland, Onitsha and the disputed Bakassi Peninsula.

Nigeria is a federal republic of 36 states, with a system of government based on the U.S. model. It is a multiparty country. Nearly 50 political parties are officially registered, but only three--the ruling People's Democratic Party, the All Nigeria People's Party and the Action Congress--have electoral strength. The PDP is the largest party with a national spread, the ANPP is strongest in the north, and the AC is a new mega-opposition alliance with support across the country.

The latest presidential elections, in April 2007, marked the first time that one civilian president of Nigeria handed leadership to another. This poll and the legislative elections that ran concurrently were heavily criticized by foreign and domestic observer groups for poor organization and large-scale rigging. After PDP and its presidential candidate, Umaru Yar'Adua, returned with large majorities, a number of legal challenges were mounted but failed.

It was expected that Yar'Adua would move quickly to consolidate his position in power and to heal the divisions within his ruling PDP that emerged after his selection as its presidential candidate. In an unexpected turn at the end of June 2007, the main opposition party, the ANPP, said it would join the new government. Both parties agreed to work to address issues, including the electoral process and the constitution, and to push ahead with a program of economic reform broadly similar to that of the previous administration.

Nigeria has played a vital role in helping to stabilize other countries in Africa and has been credited with helping to engineer a common plan for Africa's economic recovery--the New Partnership for African Development. At home, however, the government has failed to share the benefits of Nigeria's oil riches with ordinary people and faces open revolt from militants in the oil-producing region of the Niger River delta. In addition, the long-festering animosity between the Muslim north of the country and the Christian south remains a problem.

Although Nigeria is one of the world's major oil producers (currently exporting around 2.6 million barrels of crude a day), it is among the 20 poorest nations in the world in terms of per-capita income, and its economy has been declining for the past 30 years. Nigeria was until recently Africa's largest oil producer but was overtaken in April 2008 by Angola.

Overall economic growth is hindered by inadequate infrastructure, endemic institutionalized corruption and general economic mismanagement. Desperate to attract foreign investment, the government had begun improving infrastructure in fits and starts, with some success.

Because of a recent upsurge of violence in the Delta region, oil production in 2008 is forecast to remain below potential, although it is still expected to be an increase from 2007 as more off-shore production is due to come on stream in the second half of the year. Coupled with strong non-oil sector growth, the increase in oil production will push real growth in gross domestic product up to 6.8% in 2008 and 6.6% in 2009.

Food production has improved in recent years, in part because of record rainfall. However, much agricultural produce is lost because of poor transportation infrastructure and road closures during ethno-religious violence.

International terrorism

Although no incidents have been reported, there is a threat of international terrorism in Nigeria. In January 2007, a man was arrested for alleged ties to al-Qaida.

Domestic terrorism

Since 2005, the government has deployed thousands of troops to the Niger River delta region to combat militants who call themselves the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta. They launched a violent campaign against the Nigerian military and the country's huge oil and gas industry that has cut Nigeria's exports by 25%, contributing to increases in world oil prices. MEND militants also have stolen oil to sell it on the lucrative black market and have kidnapped oil workers to secure ransoms from their firms.

MEND is a shadowy group that communicates with journalists by e-mail, and its militants are mostly ethnic Ijaws, Nigeria's fourth-largest ethnic group, who live primarily in the delta area. The group says that local people have not benefited from the region's oil, which has instead been used to develop other parts of Nigeria or has been stolen by the country's leaders. The group has called for the release of militant leader Mujahid Dokubo Asari, who is in prison on treason charges.

Since the beginning of 2006, several hundred foreigners have been seized. Although it is never admitted, it is assumed that oil companies often pay ransoms for the release of their workers, which encourages more kidnappings.

In a dramatic illustration of the Niger River delta's insecurity, some 50 militants stormed through Port Harcourt in January 2007 to spring from jail Sobomabo George, a gang leader with militant connections. George controls a gang called The Outlaws, one of many such groups operating in the Niger River delta area. He had been awaiting trial for murder. The security forces reportedly deployed helicopters and armored personnel carriers to engage the group; witnesses on the ground said police and soldiers eventually fled as the gunmen approached.

In the twilight of his administration, former President Olesegun Obasanjo launched what he called the "Niger Delta Master Plan," after an earlier plan launched seven years earlier failed to quell the violence. Yar'Adua inherited this elaborate and ambitious plan and said the crisis in the delta would be his priority; the new government called for dialogue with the militants.

In May 2007, after Yar'Adua's inauguration, the militants announced a voluntary truce. The talks failed, however, and in September 2007 MEND ended its self-imposed cease-fire and launched fresh attacks on oil facilities.

In 2008, the situation in the delta region remains very tense, with both security forces and militants renewing offensives. In June 2008, in a demonstration of their strength, militants attacked a patrol vessel that was meant to be providing security for oil operations in the delta. One sailor was killed and several others were injured. Just days later, Shell Oil was forced to shut down operations at an offshore facility servicing the Bonga oilfield after MEND militants attacked in an effort to destroy computers onboard. As they left, the militants kidnapped an individual on a boat that had been servicing the oilrig.

In mid-July 2008 MEND issued a threat to British interests and nationals and said it had called off its latest cease-fire because of the U.K.'s alleged pledge of military support in the Delta region.

Other areas of the country are not immune to attacks, as was illustrated in April 2007 when an Islamic fundamentalist group attacked a police station in Kano. Twelve officers were killed, and the attack touched off a series of clashes between the Islamists and government security forces.

If you encounter a roadblock that does not appear to be manned by uniformed police or you notice a disturbance on the road ahead, turn around and use an alternate route. To minimize the chance of being trapped by a car pulling up behind you, leave some space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Be prepared to drive away if you notice people approaching your vehicle. Plan before you start your trip where you will go to seek assistance if a car attempts to block you or if you are prevented from reaching your destination.

Border and regional issues

As a result of confusion concerning colonial boundary settlements, the border between Cameroon and Nigeria in the Bakassi Peninsula, in the Gulf of Guinea, wasn't clearly defined until the World Court in 2002 awarded the disputed territory to Cameroon and ordered Nigeria to withdraw its military, police and administrative personnel from the area; the ruling was based on a 1913 treaty between former colonial powers Britain and Germany.

Although both countries initially agreed to abide by the court's decision, Nigeria later said that it would not yield the territory; Nigerian residents of the area declared that they would fight for independence if Bakassi were turned over to Cameroon.

Nevertheless, in June 2006, in a deal brokered by the United Nations, Nigeria agreed to hand over the peninsula to Cameroon. Nigerian troops withdrew from Bakassi in August 2006, and the handover occurred as scheduled on 14 August 2008.

Religious and sectarian issues

Nigeria's 130 million people are split between Christianity and Islam, with Christians a majority in the south. Thousands of Nigerians have died in sectarian strife since 2000, when 12 mostly Muslim northern states began implementing Islamic Shariah law. Demonstrations for and against such laws occur from time to time and can turn violent. Dress and behave conservatively in these regions and avoid protests.

For several years, tension and conflict have been ongoing between Muslims and Christians in the Plateau state.

Racial and ethnic tensions

In recent years, the Niger River delta has seen violent tribal clashes between Ijaw and Itsekiri militants.

Ethnic unrest also has occurred recently in the states of Adamawa, Benue, Plateau, Taraba and Edo. Violence between the ethnic Hausa and Yoruba groups has caused deaths.

A pro-Biafran militant group continues to agitate for independence for the ethnic Ibo people, sparking occasional skirmishes between its members and security forces.

Civil unrest

Because civil unrest breaks out often and with little warning, visitors to Nigeria should avoid large crowds.

Despite heavy subsidies, domestic fuel prices have risen steadily in recent years; this has led to widespread tensions and violence, and has resulted in a series of general strikes in recent years.

A general strike in June 2007 shut down most economic activity in the country. Such strikes usually involve all sectors--including traders, students and professionals--and paralyze the country for days or weeks.

Although visitors have not been specifically targeted by protesters, they and their vehicles could become caught up in a demonstration or disturbance. In the event of unrest, minimize local travel and stay close to home, especially after dark. Also avoid bars and restaurants at such times.

Avoid large public gatherings and plan routes around any rallies or demonstrations. Government buildings, such as police stations, and businesses with foreign affiliations can provide a focus for anger and should be avoided. Remain alert to your surroundings and maintain a low profile--don't do, say or wear anything that would call undue attention to yourself. If violence breaks out, quickly but calmly move away and seek shelter in a hotel or large public building, such as a museum or library. Traffic and public transport may be disrupted; plan alternate routes you can use if roads are closed or blocked, and allow extra time for any travel in the area. If you encounter a roadblock or barricade erected by either demonstrators or security forces, be patient and avoid provoking a confrontation.

Institutional corruption

Nigeria is reputedly one of the most corrupt countries in the world. It now ranks 149th out of 179 countries in Transparency International's corruption perceptions index for 2007, after occupying last place for years.

President Yar'Adua has acknowledged that tackling corruption is one of his main challenges. Although former President Obasanjo was often criticized for turning his anticorruption fight into a political witch hunt, Nigeria has seen some recent success in trying to minimize corruption.

Many Nigerians, however, have questioned whether Yar'Adua has the political resolve and determination to challenge the corrupt political system that made him president. In December 2007, the head of the anticorruption commission, Nuhu Ribadu, was reportedly ordered to go on year-long study leave. This apparent attempt to sideline him was a major blow to the president's credibility.

Bribes
Be patient and civil and avoid provoking a confrontation with any official you encounter. Try to deal only with the person who seems to be in charge. If you're accused of some misdeed, ask if you can pay the "fine" on the spot. Overtly offering a bribe could make your situation worse. Instead, offer to make a "donation" to the official's organization for fuel, expenses or other needs.

Human-rights abuses

Members of the security forces--including the police, anticrime squads and armed forces--reportedly have committed serious human-rights abuses. Human Rights Watch has reported that police often use rape or mutilation to extract confessions from detainees.

In its May 2008 report, Amnesty International said the security forces had killed hundreds of people in the past year. These included killings by police during routine road checks or for refusing to pay a bribe, shootings of suspected armed robbers on arrest, and extrajudicial executions of detainees in police stations. Violence against women, including rape by state officials, remains widespread.

Because of high levels of violence, the media-rights body Reporters Without Borders rates Nigeria as one of the most dangerous countries in Africa for journalists. The government places restrictions on freedom of the press as well as on freedom of movement and assembly.

Freedom of religion also has restrictions. The expanded version of Islamic Shariah law enforced in 12 northern states poses a challenge to constitutional protections of religious freedom. Shariah-law courts sometimes sentence individuals to harsh punishments, including amputation and death by stoning.

Additional information

Nigeria, like many African countries, is a conservative society where homosexuality is illegal and considered to be a very serious offense; the parliament has been trying to pass a controversial law banning gay-rights organizations. In August 2007, 18 men were imprisoned following their arrest for alleged homosexual offenses in northern Nigeria, where the Shariah punishment for such offenses is death by stoning.

International observers have described the overall rate of crime in Nigeria as critical. Violent crime is out of control throughout the country; foreign nationals often are targeted because of their perceived wealth.

Visitors have experienced armed muggings, carjackings, assaults, burglaries, kidnappings and extortion. A Belgian tourist was robbed by two men carrying knives while he was hiking on Table Mountain in February 2008. Criminals frequently are armed and sometimes resort to force for no discernible reason, even when their victims offer no resistance. Gang violence erupts frequently and with little warning. Impostors can be a problem--criminals have been known to pose as police, military personnel or pregnant women.

Lagos (including the islands of Victoria and Ikoyi) and the southern regions of the country (including the Niger delta) are particularly prone to crime. Many areas outside the capital, Abuja, also experience high levels of criminal activity.

Petty crime

Thieves disguised as parking attendants reportedly snatched bags and possessions from travelers in Abuja during the peak holiday travel season in December 2007. Locals complain that the Wuse market in Abuja has been taken over by thieves and pickpockets.

Violent crime

Carjackings, roadblock robberies, highway banditry and armed break-ins are common. People using public transportation may be at particular risk. Even buses accompanied by police officers may not be immune:

Nationwide, in the three months to mid-November 2007 alone, 62 police officers were killed in clashes with armed robbers. In the same period, police killed 785 presumed armed robbers.

Armed robberies targeting Westerners working in the Niger delta are on the rise.

Banditry has been reported on several major roads, including Lagos-Ibadan, Lagos-Port Harcourt, Warri-Port Harcourt, Abuja-Kaduna, Abuja-Jos, Jos-Bauchi, Bauchi-Gombe, Gombe-Madugri and Lokoja-Kabba.

Bandits sometimes place boards studded with nails across the road to stop vehicles and then demand money from motorists before allowing them to pass. Some of these encounters can be deadly; in September 2007, bandits killed a pregnant woman and her companions on Jos road in Bauchi.

The road to and from Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport can be especially dangerous. In December 2007, unidentified gunmen shot dead the local director for Spanish flag carrier Iberia as he returned home from work at the airport, despite the fact that he was accompanied by a guard.

To ensure safety, arrange to be met upon arrival by someone you know or someone who can provide verifiable identification. (Criminals posing as greeters are a problem.) Check the identity of anyone who picks you up at your hotel and be suspicious of any change in your travel arrangements. Don't discuss your travel plans in public or with people you don't know well.

To reduce the risk of carjacking, avoid driving alone, especially at night. Keep an eye on persons and vehicles in the vicinity of your vehicle at all times, particularly when stopped at intersections or crosswalks. When driving, try to stay near the center lanes when possible. Always try to leave sufficient maneuvering room between your car and the cars beside and in front of you, especially when stopping in traffic. Check your rear-view mirror regularly to ensure you are not being followed. If you are, do not return to your hotel/residence. Proceed instead to a public place such as the front of a hotel or a police station; get out of the vehicle and seek assistance. Keep your windows rolled up and doors locked at all times. If you encounter a roadblock that does not appear to be manned by uniformed police or you notice a disturbance on the road ahead, turn around and use an alternate route. To minimize the chance of being trapped by a car pulling up behind you, do not pull into a driveway. Be prepared to drive away if you notice persons approaching your vehicle. Plan before you start your trip where you will go to seek assistance if a car attempts to block you or if you are prevented from reaching your destination.

Kidnapping

Foreign nationals in the River and Bayelsa states and the Niger Delta region frequently have been threatened and/or held hostage for ransom.

Particularly at risk for kidnapping are foreign oil workers, who have been targeted for ransom by militants or disgruntled fellow workers. Although these incidents tend to end peacefully after lengthy negotiations, hostages could be caught in the crossfire if the situation turns violent.

In August 2007, some militant groups said they had formed a coalition in preparation for another round of kidnapping foreign workers and bombing oil installations in the delta. The kidnappings have continued unabated.

A relatively new tactic involves prearranged transportation from visitors' hotels. The criminals call their victim to change the time of pickup. After getting into the car, which usually is occupied by additional passengers, the victim is driven to a remote location and robbed.

In areas where kidnapping is a threat, it's important to maintain a low profile and don't let your actions or movements become predictable. Don't do, say or wear anything that draws attention to yourself or your nationality. Don't discuss travel plans or financial matters in public. Try to vary your route for any routine travel, and don't depart for or return from work or appointments at the same time every day. If you think you're being followed or surveilled, go to a police station, your embassy or another public place, such as a hotel or museum, and seek assistance.

If you are kidnapped or taken hostage, it's important not to provoke your abductor and to remain calm. Obey any instructions the kidnappers give. To the extent that you can, try to build a rapport with the abductors. Try to retain your dignity and your optimism; don't dwell on your situation. Recognize that the detention may last a long time and resolve to hang in there. Keep mentally active and find a way to exercise every day. Note that rescue can be the most dangerous phase of any detention--if security forces break in, get down and wait to be told what to do, in order to avoid being mistaken for one of the kidnappers.

White-collar crime

Fraud involving financial documents and credit and debit cards is rife. Don't use credit or ATM cards or write personal checks while in Nigeria. Also, do not leave in a vehicle any documents that may reveal personal or financial information.

Commercial scams that target foreigners are a major and continuing problem. Such scams may involve visitors in illegal activity, resulting in arrest, extortion or bodily harm. The scams generally involve phony offers that promise lucrative sales, large commissions or up-front payments.

Alleged deals frequently invoke the authority of a ministry or office of the Nigerian government, or name the involvement of a government official. In some scams, government stationery, seals and offices are used.

In another scam, fake doctors or hospital staffers call travelers' relatives in their home countries and say that the travelers need money for hospital treatment. Warn family members to check the veracity of any such calls before transferring money to Nigeria.

It's safer to use an ATM that's inside a store, bank, hotel or airport than a kiosk out on the street. Try to visit ATMs during daylight hours only. If you must go at night, try not to go alone. Be aware of your surroundings as you approach and leave the machine--if the situation looks suspicious or doesn't feel safe, go to another ATM or come back later. Memorize your PIN, and don't write it down anywhere, especially on your ATM card. Be sure no one can see you enter your PIN, and be aware of the practice of using camera phones to capture PINs. Put your money away before leaving the machine, and take any receipts with you. Never allow someone you don't know to "assist" you with the machine.

Organized crime

Organized-crime syndicates operate widely in Nigeria and have expanded their influence as far as Kenya and South Africa.

Piracy

According to the International Maritime Bureau, Nigeria is a "piracy hotspot," with 10 of the 49 attacks registered worldwide in the first quarter of 2008. Despite the income from the lucrative oil industry, the Nigerian government has said it cannot compete with pirates and robbers equipped with speed boats, modern machine guns and radios. Principal targets include tankers, trawlers, barges and oil industry backup vessels.

The IMB reported that in 2007 attacks were concentrated in waters off Lagos, where 25 attacks took place, and in the Niger Delta region. Many attacks were staged by heavily armed groups with political grievances.

During a typical raid off the African coast, a group armed with knives and assault rifles uses small speedboats to surround a vessel. The pirates fire at the bridge to force the crew to stop, then board and loot the boat. Members of the crew are often kidnapped and held for ransom. Mariners are advised to take appropriate precautions. Ships that have slowed for any reason are at particular risk.

It is not uncommon for local youths to occupy oil rigs off the coast of Nigeria to extort money from oil companies. Businesses are usually able to negotiate a peaceful settlement with the youths without any harm being done to workers on the rigs.

Police effectiveness

Law-enforcement authorities suffer from a shortage of resources and equipment, including vehicles. They may respond to crimes slowly, if at all, and provide little or no investigative support. It's often necessary to provide transportation or other resources in order to get an investigation launched. Foreign visitors have experienced harassment and shakedowns at checkpoints and during encounters with Nigerian officials and police officers.

A widespread lack of respect for the police has resulted in incidents of vigilante justice and attacks on police officers.

Additional information

Authorities in the southern states of Abia, Anambra and Imo have hired vigilante forces in an effort to stem rampant crime. These so-called Bakassi Boys have a reputation for brutality.

Explosions from damage to petroleum pipelines are not uncommon. Thieves cut into the lines to steal oil or fuel, and the remaining contents of the pipeline can explode. Dozens of people were burned to death in one such incident in December 2007.

Nigeria is subject to dust storms and sandstorms. The rainy season is May-October. Northern areas of the country experience heat waves in the summer.

Flooding

Serious flooding occurred after heavy rains struck southwest and northwest Nigeria in August and September 2007. At least 11 people were reported dead, and tens of thousands were left homeless.

Volcanoes

Occasionally the buildup of volcanic gases in Lake Nyois, across the border in Cameroon, is reported. In the past, pressure built up in the lake has caused toxic-gas explosions that have killed thousands. Future buildups may threaten Nigeria's Benue, Taraba, Adamawa and Cross River states.

Although the country has many well-trained doctors, hospital facilities are generally of poor quality, with inadequately trained nurses. Salaries for doctors and nurses are paid irregularly, leading to frequent industrial action and a meltdown in services.

Medical facilities

Diagnostic and treatment equipment is often poorly maintained, and many medicines are unavailable. Circulation of counterfeit pharmaceuticals has decreased markedly in recent years, but local authorities estimate that some 10% of drugs are fakes. This is particularly true of generic drugs purchased at local pharmacies or street markets.

Emergency care

No emergency medical services are available in Abuja. Emergency care is limited in Lagos. Motorists are particularly at risk because road crashes are frequent.

Diseases

Malaria is endemic in Nigeria.

The country has had recent outbreaks of several serious diseases. In early 2008, severe outbreaks of measles were reported in Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states. Dozens of children reportedly lost their lives in Kaduna state, where more than 500 were infected. Lassa fever is endemic in Edo state.

In April 2008, an outbreak of cerebro-spinal meningitis was reported sweeping through some states in the north of the country.

In June 2008 the health authorities in Kaduna state reported that a major outbreak of tuberculosis had been identified, with at least 1,200 cases in the first three months of the year.

Polio is endemic, and northern Nigeria accounts for 56% of global cases. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative reports that Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states have been classified as "very high risk" for polio. In October 2007, the WHO reported that Nigeria was fighting a rare outbreak of a vaccine-derived form of polio; it said that such rare outbreaks occur where immunization campaigns do not reach enough of the population. Seek medical advice before departing on your trip.

Waterborne diseases are prevalent, and outbreaks of cholera are common. Dozens of deaths have been reported in 2008, mostly in Benue and Abuja states.

Although Nigeria is on the verge of eliminating Guinea worm, another debilitating waterborne disease, it remains present in the country. Guinea worm is caused by a parasite and is ingested through larvae-contaminated water.

Although fatalities from the disease are rare--usually from complications because of secondary infections--Guinea worm disease often leaves victims crippled for life. After a person drinks contaminated water, larvae grow inside the host's body up to a length of one yard before exiting, generally through excruciating blisters on the legs.

Some 4 million people are reportedly infected with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, second only to India and South Africa.

In February 2006, the WHO confirmed that the H5N1 strain of avian influenza had been found on a commercial chicken farm at Jaji in Kaduna state. The disease has been detected at farms in Kano, Plateau, Katsina, Bauchi, Nassarawa and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as at other farms in Kaduna.

Authorities are taking measures to contain the disease, including restricting livestock movement in affected areas. Nevertheless, in February 2007, the WHO confirmed the country's first human fatality from the deadly H5N1 strain.

At present there's no conclusive proof that avian flu can be transmitted from one human to another. Some health agencies are recommending that people visiting affected destinations should avoid direct contact with birds and ensure that any poultry products, including eggs, are fully cooked before eating them.

Mosquitoes carry many serious illnesses, including dengue fever, malaria and West Nile virus. To prevent bites and avoid infection, reduce the amount of exposed skin by wearing long sleeves, long pants, socks and shoes when you're outdoors. Use insect repellent containing deet on exposed skin. Avoid outdoor activities from dusk to dawn, the time when mosquitoes are most active.

Waterborne diseases can cause a variety of serious health problems, including cholera, norovirus and amebiasis. In areas where chlorinated water is not available or where hygiene and sanitation are generally poor, you should consider both liquid water and ice unsafe. Stick to the following, which generally are considered safe: Beverages made with boiled water, such as tea and coffee; canned or bottled carbonated beverages; beer; and wine. It's usually safer to drink beverages directly from the bottle or can, but be sure to wipe off any water on the outside of the container. In areas where water may be contaminated, avoid brushing your teeth with tap water.

Additional information

Despite documented guidelines for ensuring the safety of donated blood, many facilities--including government medical centers--have been operating below minimum standards, causing concern about the transfusion of unsterilized blood.

Travel within Nigeria can be hazardous because of poor road conditions, questionable maintenance of vehicles and other issues. Reporting of traffic accidents isn't entirely accurate, but it's believed that some 400 people are killed in road crashes every month.

Road conditions

Roads in Nigeria are in generally poor condition. Deep potholes can damage vehicles or cause them to roll over. Other hazards include excessive speeding, unpredictable driving habits, and lack of basic maintenance and safety equipment on many vehicles. Avoid night driving: Bandits and police roadblocks are more numerous after dark, and roads are poorly lit. Roadside assistance is not universally available.

There are few traffic lights or road signs. Lagos, a city of more than 10 million people, does not have operating traffic lights. Motorists who cannot produce an original driver's license may have their vehicles impounded.

Public transportation

Public transportation throughout Nigeria is dangerous and should be avoided. Because of poorly maintained vehicles, high driving speeds, congested traffic and poorly maintained roads, accidents are common and are a frequent cause of death. In the first week of January 2008, more than three dozen people were killed and scores injured in three separate bus accidents.

Passengers in taxis sometimes have been driven to secluded locations, where they have been beaten and robbed. Major hotels offer reliable chauffeured car service.

Men and women are not allowed to share the same public transport vehicle, especially moped taxis, in highly conservative Kano state. Drivers who take female passengers can be heavily fined.

In areas where crime on buses, subways or trains is a problem, stay alert at all times. Use only well-lighted, busy bus and subway stops. Try to sit near the driver or conductor, or in a car that contains several other passengers. Keep a good grip on your bag or purse. If you're carrying a cellular phone, keep it secure. Watch to see who gets off at the same time you do--if it's someone you feel is suspicious, go at once to the nearest public place and ask for help.

Air travel

Nigeria's aviation industry has grown rapidly in recent years, but there are doubts about the maintenance and safety of locally registered aircraft. Because of a number of deadly accidents in recent years, internal air travel on local carriers is not recommended. Another tragedy was only narrowly averted in April 2007 when a Bellview aircraft lost an engine as it was landing.

The Port Harcourt International Airport in Omagwa reopened in late December 2007, after being closed since August 2006. Until the airfield lighting system for the airport is completed, flight operations are restricted to daylight flights only.

Flights departing from Nigeria may be overbooked. Confirm travel arrangements in advance and be prepared for delays in the event you are bumped.

Additional information

There are few bridges, and in many parts of the country people must cross rivers on small motor boats. Officials in Nigeria's northern Kano state said in April 2008 that dozens of recent boat accidents had cost hundreds of lives. At least 30 people drowned in one such incident on 1 April 2008. Most of the boats are over-used and poorly maintained, and are also often overloaded with passengers and goods.

River ferries are also not reliable. In October 2007, at least 38 people drowned and 48 were reported missing after two ferries collided on a river in Kebbi State.

Facilities for travelers are available in larger cities. Some major hotels accept credit cards, but bear in mind the high rate of credit-card fraud. Electrical blackouts and water shortages are common. Telecommunications services are unreliable.

In December 2007, authorities warned of a looming nationwide blackout because gas supply to thermal power stations of the national power company had been repeatedly cut off by thieves and vandals. The main cause of ongoing disruptions in power supply had been illegal theft or bunkering from condensate pipelines, which effectively reduced the capacity of the national grid by more than 33%.

No matter how safe you perceive a destination to be, it's important to use good judgment.

• Pay attention to local media.
• Avoid open displays of wealth, jewelry or other valuables. Safeguard travel documents such as passports and airline tickets.
• Avoid confrontations with locals.
• Avoid demonstrations and protests, especially if they appear political in nature.
• Don't permit people you don't know to enter your accommodations. Keep your door locked. Don't leave valuables in your room unless they can be locked in a safe.
• Avoid illegal drugs, and don't drink alcohol if its use is prohibited. Even if drinking is legal, don't overindulge.
• Be cautious of unsolicited offers of assistance from strangers.

In recent years, political terrorism has become a global phenomenon - an attack could occur with little warning anywhere in the world, even in destinations long regarded as safe. Travelers should keep themselves informed of developments that could affect their safety, no matter what their destination.