Is Lagos Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

While Lagos has its charm and vibrant culture, extra caution is needed when venturing out at night. Street lighting is not always adequate and crime rates tend to be higher after dark. It's generally advisable to avoid walking alone and to use trusted taxi services when necessary. Always stay in well-lit areas and try to travel with a group when possible.

Public transportation in Lagos can be quite challenging, particularly for solo female travelers. Buses tend to be crowded and are not always patrolled, which can lead to uncomfortable situations. The reliability of transport services in Lagos can also vary significantly. While there are dependable taxi services available, they can be comparatively more expensive. Furthermore, traffic congestion and road conditions often result in long travel times. Always keep a watchful eye on your belongings and consider hiring private transport or a trusted driver for safer and more convenient travel.

Lagos is a bustling and vibrant city, however as a solo female traveler, it's not unusual to experience some level of street harassment. This generally ranges from catcalling to more intense forms of verbal assertiveness. However, this is also largely dependent on the area within Lagos as some neighborhoods are more calm and respectful. Always be cautious, attentive to your surroundings, and dress conservatively to blend in better with the local population.

Petty crimes like pickpocketing, bag snatching, and phone theft are prevalent in Lagos. These tend to occur in crowded areas or during rush hour in traffic. One should always keep personal belongings close and avoid showcasing any valuable items.

Drinking tap water in Lagos is not recommended. While the water may undergo a cleaning process, aging infrastructures may lead to contamination issues, posing potential health risks. Bottled or boiled water is generally a safer choice.

The United States government advises reconsidering travel to Nigeria due to factors such as crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and presence of armed gangs. Please note that some areas pose an increased risk. Check the full travel advisory.

The Canadian Government advises avoiding non-essential travel to Nigeria, including Abuja, due to an unpredictable security situation. The country poses a significant risk of terrorism, crime, clashes between communities, armed attacks, and kidnappings. Check the full travel advisory.

The Australian government advises reconsidering the need to travel to Nigeria. This is due to the volatile security situation, combined with threats such as terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime. There is also the risk of civil unrest. Check the full travel advisory.