There have been demonstrations and rallies in a number of Nigerian towns and cities against the removal of the petrol price subsidy, which took effect on 1 January 2012. Some of these have resulted in clashes between the police and demonstrators, with fatalities reported. You are advised to avoid all such demonstrations
- A number of curfews are being enforced. In the city of Kano, a curfew is in force between 18:00 and 08:00, following protests. In the city of Kaduna a curfew was put in place at 21:00 on 10 January and will continue (although it was lifted for a short while on the afternoon of 12 January). On 11 January a 24 hour curfew was put in place in Niger state. During this time of heightened tension we advise British citizens in Kano, Kaduna and Niger state to stay inside and restrict movements to an absolute minimum.
- In Abuja protests are presently limited to two main areas: the Berger roundabout and the junction of IBB Way and Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent. In Lagos the main concentration of protests have been the Lekki-Epe Expressway; Third Mainland Bridge; the areas around Falomo Bridge in Ikoyi; Awolowo Road in Ikoyi; Tafawa Balewa Square and environs; Oiota and the roads near and routes to the airport. In both Abuja and Lagos however, demonstrations have and may continue to take place in other areas. Visitors to all parts of Nigeria should follow standing advice to avoid large gatherings.
- Nigeria’s two main trade unions, the Trade Union Congress and the Nigeria Labour Congress, have called an indefinite general strike, starting from Monday 9 January 2012, to protest against the removal of the subsidy. The declared aim of the strike is to close all offices, airports and seaports, banks, markets and petrol stations.
- Flight schedules have been disrupted by the general strike, even though international flights to and from Lagos and Abuja have operated in recent days, you should check with your airline ahead of any travel to, from or within Nigeria, and are urged to make contingency plans in the case of disrupted travel. You are advised to check your insurance policy to determine cover in the case of a strike. It remains possible that there may be disruption to ground services at the airports, or on main roads between airports and cities, which in turn may cause airlines to cancel flights. There is also limited availability of public transport or taxis between airports and city centres. If you intend to fly, you should carefully consider whether you can safely travel to and from airports in Nigeria. Domestic flights in Nigeria have been grounded as a result of the strike. All airlines have confirmed that if there are disruptions to flights, they will inform passengers about cancellations and rescheduled flights. Non-essential journeys by British officials to and from airports in Lagos have been suspended for the time being.
- As part of their strike announcement, the trade unions have advised people to stock up on food and water, and also warned that banks and petrol stations will be closed. You may wish to consider stocking up on food, water, fuel and cash before Monday. Should political tensions mount, we advise you to keep a low profile, stay alert to local developments, and stay away from areas of sensitivity, including large gatherings of people.
- A significant number of our staff in Lagos have been unable to get to work due to the general strike. As a result the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos is unable to offer routine consular services for the time being. We regret that we cannot currently process applications for passports, or for naturalisation or registration as a British Citizen. We will continue to offer support in cases requiring genuine emergency assistance.
- On 31 December, following the recent bombings claimed by the Islamist group, Boko Haram, the Nigerian Government declared a State of Emergency in some areas of the country. The State of Emergency covers the following: Five Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Borno State – Maiduguri, Gamboru-Ngala, Banki-Bame, Biu, Jere; Five LGAs in Yobe State – Damaturu, Geidam, Potiskum, Buniyadi-Gujiba, Gasua-Bade; Four LGAs in Plateau State – Jos North, Jos South, Barkin-Ladi, Riyom; Suleja LGA in Niger State (which includes Madalla). The exact ramifications of the state of emergency remain unclear but it is reported that the international borders of these states have been closed.
- There is a high threat from terrorism in Nigeria. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places such as markets, hotels, shopping centres, places of worship and other areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Government and security institutions as well as international organisations have been attacked by Boko Haram.
- 25 December 2011 A series of bomb attacks took place in Nigeria on two churches in Madalla (Niger State) and Jos (Plateau State) resulting in a reported 32 deaths and many other injured. Three separate attacks also took place in northern Yobe State which left four other people dead. The Islamist group, Boko Haram, has claimed responsibility. Reprisal attacks cannot be ruled out so extreme vigilance is advised especially in the Jos area.
- December 2011 has also seen an increase in terrorist incidents in Kano State. We advise extra caution and vigilance in the region.
- Localised outbreaks of civil unrest can occur at short notice. You are advised to avoid large crowds, demonstrations and obvious political gatherings. Trouble on the streets can be spontaneous, and can quickly lead to violence. Details and advice are circulated via the British High Commission’s Community Liaison Officers’ network. We advise British nationals staying in Nigeria for three months or more to register with the British High Commission.
- There is a threat of kidnapping throughout Nigeria. Westerners have been the target of kidnaps. On 12 May 2011, a British national was kidnapped alongside an Italian national in Kebbi State.
- In recent months the Movement of the Emancipation of the Niger Delta has threatened to carry out attacks on oil and gas assets in the Niger Delta. The latest such threat was issued on 6 June 2011.
- Curfews are used on a regular basis in Nigeria following incidents and unrest, and can be imposed with short notice. You should be aware and take notice of any curfews. We advise that you pay attention to local media to find out about curfews that are being enforced.
- SOURCE : Foreign & Commonwealth Office 13 Jan 2012