Nigeria Travel Risk Report 2026 »

Travel Risk Report for Missionaries and Evangelists

Date: June 1, 2026

General Risk Level: High overall.

Regional variations: Extreme in Borno, Yobe, Kogi, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, and northern Adamawa due to terrorism, crime, kidnapping, and civil unrest. High risk also applies in parts of the Niger Delta and some southeastern areas due to kidnapping, armed criminal activity, and civil unrest. Lagos and Abuja are more accessible than many other regions, but travelers should still use heightened security measures.

Religious Landscape

Nigeria is religiously diverse and regionally divided. The north is predominantly Muslim, the south is predominantly Christian, and the Middle Belt contains significant mixed populations. Religion is public, socially important, and often connected to ethnic and regional identity.

Roman Catholic: about 10.6 percent
Other Christians combined: about 32.8 percent
Muslim: about 56.1 percent
Other or none: about 0.6 percent

Nigeria’s constitution protects freedom of religion. In practice, religious freedom varies by region. Twelve northern states have incorporated Sharia law in different ways, generally applying it to Muslims, although local enforcement can affect broader social conditions.

Views Toward Christianity and Christians

Christianity is widely visible in Nigeria, especially in southern and central regions. Churches, Christian schools, public worship, evangelism, and ministry activity are common in many areas. Mission work may be welcomed where strong local partnerships exist, especially when teams work through trusted churches and community leaders.

Security concerns are serious in parts of the north and Middle Belt. Extremist violence, banditry, ethnic conflict, land disputes, criminal kidnapping, and political instability can affect both Christians and Muslims. Christian communities have faced attacks in some regions, but violence in Nigeria is often complex and should not be reduced to a single cause. Teams should avoid high-risk states, coordinate with trusted local partners, and monitor security conditions daily.

Attitudes Toward Sexuality and LGBTQ Matters

Same-sex sexual activity and same-sex marriage are illegal in Nigeria. The Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act also restricts public displays of same-sex affection and certain forms of LGBTQ organization or advocacy. Nigeria does not provide national anti-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Travel teams should remain respectful, factual, and discreet when discussing sexuality and LGBTQ matters. Public advocacy or public disagreement with local law may create legal and personal safety risks. Team leaders should brief travelers before departure and should avoid unnecessary public discussion of sensitive legal and cultural issues.

Currency and Everyday Costs

Currency: Nigerian naira, code NGN, symbol Naira.

Practical exchange guide: As of June 1, 2026, 1 USD is about 1,370 NGN. For mental math, multiply USD by 1,400 to estimate NGN. Divide NGN by 1,400 to estimate USD.

1 USD: about 1,370 NGN
5 USD: about 6,850 NGN
10 USD: about 13,700 NGN
20 USD: about 27,400 NGN
50 USD: about 68,500 NGN
100 USD: about 137,000 NGN

Inexpensive restaurant meal: about 2,100 to 5,000 NGN per person.

Fast food combo: about 5,500 to 9,600 NGN.

Groceries: 1 liter milk about 3,100 NGN, bread loaf about 950 to 1,600 NGN, and dozen eggs about 1,800 NGN.

Costs vary by city. Lagos and Abuja are usually more expensive than smaller cities and rural areas. Security transportation, private drivers, mobile data, lodging, and contingency planning may increase the practical cost of travel.

Health and Medical Considerations

Medical care quality varies sharply by location. Major private hospitals in Lagos and Abuja offer better care than many rural facilities, but serious conditions may require evacuation. Travelers should carry comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage.

Malaria is present throughout Nigeria, and travelers should consult a medical professional about malaria prevention before departure. Yellow fever vaccination documentation may be required, and travelers should review all routine and destination-specific vaccines before travel.

Operational Guidance for Teams

Avoid all areas listed as Do Not Travel by government advisories.
Use vetted local hosts, drivers, lodging, and security contacts.
Avoid night road travel.
Do not use informal taxis or unverified transportation.
Maintain daily communication check-ins.
Carry copies of passports, visas, emergency contacts, and insurance documents.
Register travel with the appropriate embassy before departure.
Prepare evacuation and medical response plans before arrival.

Summary

Nigeria offers major ministry, humanitarian, educational, and cultural opportunities. Travel is possible in selected areas when teams use disciplined planning, trusted local partners, and strong security awareness. The overall risk remains high because of terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, civil unrest, regional instability, and uneven medical infrastructure. Teams should treat Nigeria as a high-risk destination and should avoid travel to unstable regions unless there is an essential purpose and professional risk support.