Nigeria is a vibrant and culturally rich country with a lot of tourist attractions. While safety concerns have been raised in the past, many areas in Nigeria are safe for visitors, especially when common travel precautions are taken. I know so many people are asking is Nigeria save for tourism? all the answers are provided in this article.
Nigeria have so many tourist centers from Obudu Mountain Resort and Yankari National Park to historic Olumo Rock and Lekki Conservation Centre, these destinations are very much save for foreigners to visit any time any day.
From its famed hospitality to secure, well-staffed resorts; from English‐friendly urban centers to a growing tourism infrastructure backed by government agencies, there are clear reasons why many tourists feel safe exploring parts of Nigeria without fear of been harassed or kidnapped.
In my previous article i talked about 10 Safety Tips You Should Follow When Traveling Within Nigeria and this tips is mostly applied to foreigners who are not familiar with our culture and environment. So make sure you go through this tips while exploring the beautiful tourist centers in Nigeria.
With this, Here are 10 reasons why Nigeria is save for tourist:
Reasons why Nigeria is save for white tourist
1. Warm and Authentic Hospitality
Nigerians take pride in making guests feel at home, in fact we love foreigners more than our self. If your a family and you want understanding and feel welcome in Nigeria just make a Nigeria your real friend. For instance if your coming from USA or Europe is advisable you have someone you know that can guide you through traditions and daily life. If you have some one as a friend your 90% in save hand because no Nigerian will want you to be harmed when your under his or her guide. The following programs will help stay save while in Nigeria:
- Homestay programs in places like Ibadan and Enugu let you live with families who share meals and stories, fostering trust and personal connections
- Cultural workshops from adire textile demonstrations to cooking jollof rice are hosted by community centers, ensuring safe, structured environments for interaction.
- Many hotels now partner with local artisans for on‑site classes, so you never have to venture far to experience genuine hospitality
2. English as the Lingua Franca
Nigeria take English as the official language, tourists rarely face communication barriers. Signs, menus, and official announcements are done in English, minimizing misunderstandings and enhancing personal security.
- Official documents and permits: are processed in English by agencies like the Nigerian Immigration Service, making it clear for visa and registration procedures.
- Guided tours: whether through the National Museum in Lagos or historic sites in Calabar are conducted in English, helping visitors fully understand safety briefings and cultural context
3. Safe Urban Centers with Robust Security
Major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Calabar, and Port Harcourt have concentrated security resources, making them safer than many rural areas. So when your traveling to Nigeria make sure you choose this urban center first, if you want to visit tourist centers in the rural area make sure you have security men with you. Take a look at this statistics:
- Lagos homicide rate: 5.6 per million inhabitants over the past 24 months, lower than the UK’s 10 per million in 2022.
- Dedicated tourist police units operate in central districts often in partnership with private security to patrol hotspots like Victoria Island, Abuja Central, and Marina Road GOV.UK.
- Emergency services: Police (119 or 112), medical (119/112), and fire (119/112) numbers are standardized nationwide, with rapid response in urban area’s.
4. Secure, High‑End Resorts and Hotels
Nigeria’s luxury resorts combine comfort with stringent security protocols. Every top hotel or important areas has strong security measures to avoid any form of issue. So when your in Nigerian urban cities you don’t need to worry about security issues. Here are some of the great places you need to visit:
- La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort in Lagos features 24‑hour security patrols, gated entry, and on‑site medical staff.
- The Wheatbaker in Ikoyi, Lagos, offers authentic local experiences while maintaining high safety standards in both accommodations and attached cultural programs.
- Emerging boutique lodges in Calabar incorporate modern surveillance systems and community liaison officers to ensure guest safety.
For more information visit tripadvisor to explore different tourist area in Nigeria.
5. Enhanced Security in Tourist Zones
Tourist districts are often designated “safe zones,” with coordinated surveillance and private patrols. Whenever you visit Nigeria tourist area there is always a strong securities within those places, but one thing you need to watch out for is people trying to beg or extort from foreigners, most times this is been perpetuated by security men who are on duty. The following places has top security guard:
- Lekki Arts & Crafts Market on Victoria Island now uses RFID badge entry for vendors and CCTV coverage, which has reduced petty crime incidents.
- National Theatre, Iganmu in Lagos employs uniformed guards and baggage scanners for events and performances.
- Many coastal resorts require boat tours and water sports to be booked through accredited operators who provide safety equipment and guides.
6. Growing Tourism Infrastructure
The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) and the Federal Ministry of Tourism are investing heavily in amenities and digital tools. Nigeria is not the way it use to be in the past.
All tourist centers are well equipped with security parameters and gallant security men.
- Tour Nigeria offers real‑time safety updates, hotel bookings, and local guide directories.
- Road and airport upgrades in key corridors (Lagos–Abuja Expressway, Port Harcourt International airport, Enugu international airport are all functional) this has improve reliability and reduce roadside security risks.
- Tourist Information Centers are being established in major airports and city centers, staffed by multilingual officers
7. Vibrant Culinary Scene with Regulated Hygiene
Dining in Nigeria’s top restaurants combines adventure with regulated safety measures. Our restaurants and bars in the urban center are well secured. You can even order any type of meal and it will be delivered to you at your comfort.
- Victoria Island fine‑dining spots such as NOK by Alára and RSVP implement international hygiene standards, with regular health inspections.
- Street‑food tours in Lekki and Surulere are run by vetted companies that ensure food is prepared under sanitary conditions.
- Cooking classes at high‑end hotels teach you how to assess food safety and avoid common issues with street vendors.
8. Organized Festivals and Events
Large‑scale events are tightly managed, with official safety protocols and crowd control. Any foreigner can attend large scale event without worrying about any security issue. For instance:
- Calabar Carnival (December) attracts over 100,000 visitors, with designated security corridors and emergency medical posts .
- Eyo Festival in Lagos features pre‑approved routes, police escorts, and first‑aid stations..
- Abuja Arts & Culture Festival offers ticketed entry, allowing organizers to control access and monitor crowds.
9. Reliable Healthcare Access
Major cities in Nigeria host international‑standard hospitals and clinics. many hospitals in Nigeria have upgraded to international standard and are capable of handling maga medical issues.
Fore more details on Nigerian healthcare reform visit Reviewing quality in Nigeria’s health sector reforms
- Lagos University Teaching Hospital and St. Nicholas Hospital in Lagos deliver tertiary care, including emergency trauma services.
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Abuja coordinate air ambulances and ground transport for critical cases.
- Pharmacies and clinics in tourist areas often stock international‑brand medications and English‑speaking pharmacists.
10. Community‑Based Tourism and Local Guides
Engaging local guides not only enriches your experience but also enhances safety through informed, insider knowledge. Is advisable to always go with security men whenever your visiting the rural areas. We understand the rural areas is where you witness the rich culture and undiluted experience but most rural area are prone to kidnapping and arm-robbery. Go with the following organization’s:
- Community‑run tours in villages around Jos and Enugu connect you with certified guides who know safe routes and customs.
- Ecotourism in Yankari National Park uses ranger‑led safaris with GPS‑equipped vehicles and radio contact.
- Cultural homestays in Calabar integrate safety briefings and emergency protocols as part of the program.
Practical Travel Tips
- Register with your embassy upon arrival (see U.S. Embassy Abuja contact: +234 209 461 4328) .
- Use accredited transport ride‑hailing apps like Bolt, Uber Or Gokada are vetted and offer GPS tracking.
- For interstate travel withing Nigeria Book with intertransport.com.ng
- Avoid high‑risk states (see FCDO advice on Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers pre‑riverine areas).
- Stay in touch: Share your itinerary with friends/family and enable mobile data for location sharing.
By focusing on well‑established tourism hubs, leveraging English‑speaking services, and tapping into government‑backed resources, visitors can confidently explore Nigeria’s rich offerings while maintaining a strong safety margin. So this are the 10 reasons why Nigeria is save for tourist, both white and black tourist.
Top Tourist Attractions in Nigeria
- Obudu Mountain Resort (Obudu Cattle Ranch)
- Yankari National Park
- Lekki Conservation Centre
- Olumo Rock
- Awhum Waterfall and Cave
- Gurara Waterfalls
- Ibeno Beach
- Sukur Cultural Landscape
- Idanre Hills
- Osun‑Osogbo Sacred Grove
- Ngwo Pine Forest
- Aso Rock and Abuja National Mosque
