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There are many countries where tourists should always take extra precautions while visiting, and quite frankly, Nigeria is one of them. Going somewhere unfamiliar can be especially daunting already without adding the fear of insecurity. This article outlines five pointers to note when visiting Nigeria either as a first time tourist or a frequent visitor. Never leave your luggage unattended. Ever. Also, do not leave your bags in the care of a stranger to go buy something or visit the toilet. Apart from the possibility of having your luggage stolen, there is the chance that it could get missing and there are almost no mechanisms in place to find lost luggage. Keep your items with you at all times, and if you can, travel light so that you have less to watch over. Say No To Free Rides As tempting as it seems, except you’re familiar with the person, decline the offer for a free ride. If you are coming into Nigeria through the airports, there are registered cab services that will pick and drop you anywhere you want. Hitching rides with strangers leaves you vulnerable to kidnapping or robbery. Not everyone who offers you a free ride in Nigeria has evil intentions, but there is no way to tell if a stranger is genuine in their offer. Have Your Data Handy. Always. Your personal details, travel documents, details of next of kin and their contact information should be within reach, and in more than one place. For example, if you happen to lose your wallet, or become unconscious in the event of an accident, first responders and the medical team will need these details about you. Get Familiar With The Currency The Nigerian Naira is not a common currency among non-Nigerians, so it’s quite possible you may not have come across it before your trip. You might not be able to find online information about the costs of basic items in Nigeria, but you should get familiar with the values of the currency. There are N5, N10, N20, N50, N100, N200, N500, and N1000 notes with the latter being the highest denomination. To avoid being ripped off by deceitful sellers, check the price of the item you are buying and give the corresponding denomination. For example, if an item costs N700, you give the seller a N200 and a N500 note. Either that or give a single N1000 and receive N300 change. Furthermore, do not pull out wads of cash and start rummaging through in confusion. Nothing screams “tourist” more than this, and sellers could deliberately hike the price of their goods. There is a lot to see, experience and enjoy in Nigeria; arts and culture, historical artifacts, iconic buildings and beautiful sceneries. Being a tourist in Nigeria is an undoubtedly enjoyable experience, but one should always take precautions to ensure a smooth sailing experience.   About the Author: Amina Salau is a writer and editor running The Illuminated Pen. You can find her online at www.theilluminatedpen.com and on Twitter (@_Aminah)
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This article was first published on 4th December 2014 and updated on December 5th, 2014 at 4:59 pm

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