Criticism of U.S. Travel Advisory on Nigeria
A former Nigerian diplomat and security analyst have raised significant concerns about the latest travel advisory issued by the United States government, calling it exaggerated, counterproductive, and based on outdated intelligence. The advisory, released on July 15, 2025, by the U.S. Department of State, urged American citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to widespread insecurity, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest, and poor healthcare infrastructure. Eighteen states were placed under the ‘Do Not Travel’ category, including Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa due to terrorism and kidnapping, and several southern states due to violent crime and armed gangs.
Ambassador Suleiman Dahiru, a retired Nigerian envoy, criticized the advisory, stating that the U.S. government has developed a pattern of issuing travel warnings that do little to improve security and instead damage Nigeria’s international reputation. He pointed out that these advisories often lack results and are sometimes issued in collaboration with European partners. Dahiru accused the U.S. of hypocrisy, noting that many of the threats cited in the advisory are more prevalent within America itself.
He argued that the advisory was politically motivated and lacked sincerity, suggesting that the U.S. relies on outdated information or intelligence. Dahiru also criticized the U.S. for failing to engage Nigerian authorities constructively, emphasizing that if the U.S. is sincere, it should alert the Nigerian government so that necessary measures can be taken to protect both Nigerians and foreigners.
Dahiru expressed concern over what he described as America’s double standards and its alliance with Israel, particularly in relation to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He stated that there is no justification for issuing such advisories, especially when none of them have resulted in any mishap or tragedy in Nigeria.
Security Experts Question Timing and Scope
Security experts have also questioned the timing and scope of the advisory, warning that such alerts could strain diplomatic relations and discourage foreign investment. A leading Nigerian security analyst, Kabiru Adamu, Managing Director of Beacon Consulting Limited, criticized the advisory as routine but damaging to Nigeria’s global image and diplomatic relations. He noted that the updated advisory, released by the U.S. State Department and published via its embassy in Abuja, was based on collated security information ranging from environmental and political to health-related risks.
Adamu highlighted four major consequences of the advisory: public image damage, diplomatic strain, pressure on healthcare reform, and reputational harm to Nigeria’s struggling health sector. He warned that the advisory could deter foreign investment and tourism, discourage diaspora visits, increase insurance requirements, and heighten kidnap-for-ransom risks. Adamu also pointed out that the advisory did not take into account a 79% decrease in kidnap-for-ransom cases in several parts of Nigeria, as reported in his June report.
He predicted ripple effects among other foreign missions, suggesting that EU countries, Australia, and Japan may follow the U.S. example. Adamu urged diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the U.S., emphasizing that the travel advisory does not depict a friendly country and hoping that the Nigerian government will engage better to prevent future similar advisories.
Government Response and Ongoing Concerns
Despite repeated calls and text messages sent to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, no response was received regarding the ministry’s position on the latest U.S. travel advisory. However, it may be recalled that last month, the Nigerian government openly criticized a similar advisory issued by the U.S. Embassy, which had cautioned its personnel against non-official visits to military and government facilities in Abuja, citing heightened global security concerns without specifying any local threat.
In response to that warning, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated that Abuja remains safe for both residents and visitors, affirming Nigeria’s respect for the right of foreign missions to issue advisories while stressing there was no cause for alarm.
When contacted for comments on the fresh travel advisory, Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, said: “At this time, the ministry is reviewing the contents of the advisory and will respond accordingly.”
Key Details of the Advisory
The advisory reads in part: “Do Not Travel to: Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states due to terrorism and kidnapping. Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states due to kidnapping. Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) due to crime, kidnapping, and armed gangs.”
It warns that violent crime is common in the country, including armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage-taking, roadside banditry, and rape. Kidnappings for ransom happen often, primarily targeting dual national citizens visiting Nigeria and U.S. citizens perceived as wealthy. Kidnapping gangs have also stopped victims on interstate roads.
On terrorism, the U.S. government warned that there is risk of terrorist violence in Nigeria, including terrorist attacks and other activities. Armed crime and gangs are common in the area, with crimes including kidnapping and assaults on Nigerian security services. Violence can flare up between communities of farmers and herders in rural areas.
The advisory also highlights that Nigerian medical facilities are generally not equipped to U.S. or European standards, with many medicines not available. It recommends bringing enough over-the-counter and prescription medicines to last the entire stay, updating vaccinations, and taking malaria prophylaxis. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are a common problem, and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
Most hospitals and doctors do not accept U.S. health insurance, and emergency services like those in the United States or Europe do not exist. Blood supply is often unreliable, and ambulance services are unreliable, have poor equipment, and often do not have trained paramedics. The advisory strongly recommends getting traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling.
