The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a travel advisory cautioning citizens to carefully consider security risks before travelling to Australia.
The warning was conveyed in a statement released on Tuesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signed by its acting spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa. The statement highlighted concerns over increasing incidents of discrimination, harassment, and verbal abuse targeting foreigners in parts of Australia.
“This advisory is necessary for Nigerian travellers and residents in Australia due to reported cases of discrimination, harassment, and verbal abuse directed at foreigners,” the statement read.
The statement cited a surge in anti-Semitic and Islamophobic hate crimes as a major factor behind the advisory. It pointed to an alarming incident in early December 2024 in the Sydney suburb of Woollahra, where a car was set on fire and anti-Israel graffiti defaced nearby buildings.
“While Australia is generally recognized for its multiculturalism and tolerance, recent incidents of Islamophobia and antisemitism in certain areas have increased the risk of violence,” the statement noted.
The Nigerian government urged its citizens to remain vigilant and take precautions to ensure their safety and well-being while in Australia. Travelers and residents were also encouraged to be mindful of prevailing cultural and social dynamics. Nigerians residing in or visiting Australia were further advised to report any cases of harassment or attacks to the Nigerian High Commission in Canberra.
The advisory came shortly after the Australian government issued its own warning, urging citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to security concerns.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) cited risks including terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, and civil unrest. It listed Adamawa, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Borno, Cross River, and Delta as high-risk states.
“Reconsider your need to travel to Nigeria overall due to the volatile security situation and the threat of terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, and the risk of civil unrest,” the DFAT advisory read.
