The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has issued a travel advisory for Nigerians intending to visit Australia, urging caution due to increasing security risks in some cities.
A statement from the acting spokesperson of the Ministry, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, issued on Tuesday in Abuja, highlighted concerns about rising incidents of discrimination, harassment, and verbal abuse directed at foreigners in certain areas of Australia. While the country is known for its multicultural environment, the statement noted recent disturbing instances of Islamophobia and antisemitism.
One such incident occurred in early December 2024 in Woollahra, a suburb of Sydney, where a car was set on fire and anti-Israel graffiti was found on nearby buildings. These events have been part of a broader uptick in racial and religious tensions across the country, coinciding with international conflicts.
The Ministry advised Nigerian travelers and residents in Australia to exercise heightened vigilance and to take appropriate precautions to ensure their safety. Nigerians who experience or witness any form of harassment are urged to contact the Nigerian High Commission in Canberra for assistance.
In a related development, the Australian government has also issued a travel warning for its citizens, advising them to reconsider any plans to visit Nigeria. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) cited the volatile security situation in Nigeria, characterized by terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, and the potential for civil unrest.
The DFAT’s statement emphasized the high risk of terrorist attacks across Nigeria, particularly in crowded places such as hotels, restaurants, political meetings, places of worship, and transportation hubs. Recent data from Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics revealed a sharp increase in abductions, with over 2.2 million reported between May 2023 and April 2024, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the country.
These travel advisories reflect the growing global concerns over the safety of citizens in both Nigeria and Australia amid escalating tensions and security threats.
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