The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly criticized a recent travel advisory issued by the United States, which cautioned its citizens against traveling to Nigeria due to escalating security challenges. The FG, in a statement on Tuesday, described the advisory as “unjustified” and an unfair portrayal of the country’s security situation.
The US State Department had updated its travel advisory, citing heightened risks of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime in several Nigerian states. The advisory urged American citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria and avoid certain regions entirely due to ongoing insurgent activities, banditry, and communal clashes.
In response, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, argued that the advisory exaggerated the security challenges and failed to acknowledge the government’s efforts to address them. “While we do not dismiss the existence of security concerns, the US advisory paints an incomplete picture and undermines the progress Nigeria has made in tackling insecurity,” Idris stated during a press briefing in Abuja.
The minister highlighted ongoing military operations against terrorist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP in the Northeast, as well as initiatives to curb banditry and kidnapping in the Northwest and North Central regions. He also pointed to recent investments in surveillance technology and community policing as evidence of the government’s commitment to improving safety.
Idris called on the US to revise the advisory, emphasizing that Nigeria remains open to visitors and investors. “We assure the international community that Nigeria is taking decisive steps to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors. Blanket advisories like this risk deterring legitimate travelers and investors who are vital to our economy,” he added.
The FG’s reaction comes amid a wave of travel advisories from Western nations, including the United Kingdom and Canada, which have also flagged Nigeria as a high-risk destination. Analysts suggest that such advisories could impact Nigeria’s tourism sector and foreign direct investment, which the country is keen to boost as part of its economic diversification efforts.
Security experts, however, argue that while the government’s efforts are notable, challenges like underfunded security agencies and porous borders continue to fuel insecurity. “The FG’s response is understandable, but dismissing the advisory entirely may downplay genuine concerns that need urgent attention,” said Dr. Chidi Okonkwo, a security analyst based in Lagos.
The US Embassy in Abuja has yet to respond to the FG’s criticism, but diplomatic sources indicate that travel advisories are based on ongoing assessments of local conditions and are unlikely to be withdrawn without significant improvements in security metrics.
The Federal Government has pledged to engage with the US and other partners to provide accurate updates on Nigeria’s security landscape while intensifying efforts to address the root causes of insecurity. For now, the debate over the travel advisory underscores the delicate balance between national pride and the reality of Nigeria’s complex security challenges.
