Is Nigeria Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Nigeria presents substantial safety challenges, especially for solo female travelers. Street crime, kidnapping, and terrorism threats exist, particularly in the Northeastern region. Scams are also common. Although hospitality and respect for women can be witnessed in local cultures, it is advised to be highly cautious, traveling in groups whenever possible and avoiding night travel altogether.

Safety rating

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How safe is Nigeria?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Unsafe

Though Nigeria can offer a rich cultural experience, it is generally recommended to not to walk alone at night, particularly for solo female travelers. The level of safety can vary greatly depending on the region and city, with some places experiencing higher levels of crime and insecurity. As with any foreign destinations, being vigilant, avoiding isolated areas, and not displaying excessive wealth can contribute to improving your personal safety. It is advisable to use reliable transportation and stick to well-lit and populated routes if necessary to be out at night.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Unsafe

Public transportation in Nigeria varies greatly, from larger city buses to shared taxis and motorcycle taxis, known as 'okadas'. While these services are frequently used by locals, they may not meet Western safety standards. The vehicles often lack regular maintenance, and there can be overloading of passengers, leading to comfort and safety issues. Also, issues such as traffic congestion, bad road conditions, and the high incidence of road accidents are other factors to consider. However, there are safer alternatives like Uber or Bolt that operate in larger cities like Lagos and Abuja, though these are more costly.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:High

As a solo female traveler in Nigeria, you might experience occasional verbal harassment in some areas, especially in busy, populous regions like marketplaces or public transportation. This could range from unsolicited comments to overt flattery or uncomfortable questions. However, reaction to such situations can generally be assertive yet polite refusal or ignorance, and most times locals are willing to assist should you feel harassed. Always remember to maintain your composure but prioritize your safety.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:High

Traveling in Nigeria, especially as a solo female traveler, you may be vulnerable to petty crimes such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and theft from vehicles. These minor crimes are quite prevalent in crowded places like markets, bus stations, and traffic queues. While many Nigerians are warm and welcoming, ensure you stay vigilant, keep your belongings secure, and avoid displaying expensive items, especially in highly populated areas.

Is Nigeria worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.1 /5

based on 3 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.2/5

Safety

2.6/5

Food

3.3/5

Budget-friendly

2.6/5
Ghee

Ghee

Nigeria

Lagos, Solo travel

My experience in Lagos was fun, adventurous, though the traffic there is hell but I still enjoyed my stay there. Good food, nice people, nice and busy place to visit. It's somewhere you just need to visit and you will live your experience with the right people or person

Posted: August 21, 2024
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Nigeria, Solo travel

Going to Nigeria by road is not advisable. It is better to go by air than by road. there are checkpoints that charge money that should not be charged from Togo through Benin to Nigeria. It is stressful.

Posted: July 24, 2024
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Nigeria, Solo travel

I went alone, met wonderful people, ate amazing food, and had a lot of fun. I was only in Lagos and its surroundings, but I loved it. People were so kind and always wanted to help. I felt safe, but I didn't wander in the middle of the night alone.

Posted: December 25, 2023
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Angela

Angela

Nigeria

Anambra East, Solo travel

I traveled to the Eastern part of Nigeria in Anambra. It’s so serene, the indigenes are so welcoming and friendly. I will definitely travel there again

Posted: April 19, 2023
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Is Nigeria safe for women?

Safety index

2.3 /5

Based on 5 local experiences

Crime index

1.7 /5

Based on 5 local experiences

Lagos Island

I just moved to Lagos, I wouldn’t recommend a female friend moving around alone at night. And always have some money on your pocket since here even the police stops you to ask for some money, so just to avoid the headache is better to have change to give away if needed.

Posted: November 10, 2024
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Omotoke

Omotoke

Abeokuta

Abeokuta is home to the prestigious Olump rock, Adire fabrics and an immersive cultural experience. If you've heard any Fela songs, this is where he is from. Abeokuta is overall peaceful, safe for female solo travellers, friendly and accommodating. You will love it there.

Posted: August 5, 2024
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Meet locals in Nigeria

Elizabeth

Elizabeth

About Me

Hi there I Just Moved to Lagos, I’m a Doctor and a traveler by heart. I love charity work, arts and extreme sports. I’m open minded and love to meet new people in every country I go.

Speaking

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Mary

Mary

About Me

Hi! I'm Mary from Nigeria, I'm looking forward to traveling more and meeting new people. I love to cook .

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Nigeria

Elizabeth

Elizabeth

Lagos Island

Can host for:

7 days

About me

Hi there I Just Moved to Lagos, I’m a Doctor and a traveler by heart. I love charity work, arts and extreme sports. I’m open minded and love to meet new people in every country I go.

Speaking

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Grace

Grace

Lagos Island

Can host for:

4 days

About me

My name is Grace. I am a Christian counselor, a clergy and owner of a small scale business which I hope grows big soon. I love traveling around the world. I hope to travel a lot this year.

Speaking

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Safety in Nigeria