Most visitors to Nigeria fly into Lagos, the country's largest city, for business, family visits or its music, art and fashion scene, and many continue to Abuja, the federal capital. Beyond the two cities, the south-west holds sights such as Olumo Rock in Abeokuta and the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nigeria is outside the EU's Roam Like at Home area, so a European SIM roams there at its operator's own rates.
Key facts for Nigeria
- EU roaming: not covered by Roam Like at Home
- Local networks: Glo and Airtel (depending on plan)
- Emergency numbers: 112 (police, ambulance and fire)
- Embassies: in Abuja, with consulates in Lagos
States the UK and US advise against
The UK advises against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina and Zamfara states and to the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, the river and swamp areas reached by boat rather than by road. It advises against all but essential travel to much of the rest of the north and centre, including Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto, Plateau, Niger, Kogi and Benue, and to Abia, Anambra and Imo in the south-east. The US lists 23 states, in whole or in part, as do-not-travel. Kidnapping is widespread and can happen anywhere in Nigeria, terrorist groups are highly likely to carry out kidnaps, and the UK says British nationals, including tourists, are seen as legitimate targets.
Lagos
Coverage is good across Lagos. Mugging, carjacking and armed robbery are common in the larger cities, and the UK singles out the mainland as an area that attracts high levels of crime. Criminals pose as greeters at the airport, so arrange in advance to be met by your hotel or your hosts. Taxis, including ride-hailing apps, can pose a kidnap risk, so take your hosts' or employer's advice on getting around, and keep road travel after dark to a minimum.
Abuja
Abuja is the seat of government and of most embassies. The UK warns that the outer suburbs of the Federal Capital Territory are prone to varying levels of violence and that violent crime, often involving firearms, has increased, so stay within the central districts unless your hosts advise otherwise.
Roads, protests and network cuts
Road travel across Nigeria can be dangerous. Carjackings, some by armed gunmen, are frequent, criminal groups may stop cars on major highways to kidnap the passengers, and some checkpoints exist to extort small payments. Political rallies and protests can turn violent with little notice, including in Abuja and Lagos, and the security forces have used tear gas, rubber bullets and live fire, so keep away from crowds. Operators have in the past been ordered to suspend mobile networks and wi-fi with very little notice, so keep your hotel's address and your embassy's number on paper too.
Laws to know
Possessing or using illegal drugs, including cannabis, carries severe penalties. Same-sex sexual activity is illegal, with prison terms of up to 14 years, and some northern states apply Sharia law, which can prescribe the death penalty for it. Photographing government or military buildings and airports may lead to arrest, and modest dress is expected, particularly in the north and at religious sites.
Health, visas and money
You need a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Nigeria, and you may face thermal screening and a travel history check on arrival. Visas must be arranged online before you travel, as visas on arrival are no longer available. The currency is the naira. Few businesses accept foreign cards, card fraud is common and ATMs cap how much you can withdraw, so carry enough cash, keep your card in sight when you pay and take extra care around banks and ATMs, where crime has risen.
Getting connected
A travel eSIM set up at home starts working when you land in Lagos or Abuja, while your usual SIM stays active for texts and bank codes. An Africa plan also covers Ghana, Benin and Côte d'Ivoire.
Nigerian SIM cards from MTN, Airtel or Glo must be linked to a National Identification Number, so ask the operator what a visitor needs before you buy one.
Consular protection: who to call in Nigeria
- Dial 112 for the police, an ambulance or the fire service.
- Embassies are in Abuja, and several countries also have consulates in Lagos. The Telcomia app shows yours, with address and phone.
- If your EU country has no embassy or consulate in Nigeria, you can turn to the embassy of any other EU country, which must help you on the same terms as its own citizens (Article 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU).
- English is the official language, so you can report an emergency in English.
Questions travellers ask about Nigeria
Can I use my EU mobile plan in Nigeria?
Only on roaming, at your operator's rates, because Nigeria is not part of Roam Like at Home.
Is Lagos on the UK or US lists of places to avoid?
No. Lagos and the rest of the south-west are on neither list, although violent crime is common in the big cities and kidnapping can happen anywhere.
Which networks does a Telcomia eSIM use in Nigeria?
Glo or Airtel, depending on the plan, with 4G where available.
Which number do I call in an emergency?
112, for the police, an ambulance or the fire service.
The short version
Set up the eSIM before you fly, have your hotel meet you at the airport, keep road journeys to daylight, stay out of the states on the UK and US lists, carry cash, watch your card when you pay, and save 112.
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