Australia and Nigeria play ?Who?s More Dangerous?? in travel advisory

In a rare diplomatic exchange, both the Australian and Nigerian governments have issued travel advisories warning their citizens about traveling to each other’s countries due to prevailing security risks and societal issues.

 On December 31, 2024, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) issued a strong travel advisory against visiting Nigeria, citing concerns over terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, and civil unrest. The advisory urged Australian citizens to reconsider travel plans, emphasizing the heightened risks in various regions across the country.

In response, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released its own travel advisory for Nigerians planning to visit Australia. The advisory highlighted increasing cases of racial discrimination, harassment, and hate crimes against foreigners, including antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents. 

Specific reference was made to a disturbing December 2024 incident in Woollahra, Sydney, where a car was set on fire, and anti-Israel graffiti was sprayed on nearby buildings. The Nigerian government called for vigilance and precaution among its citizens traveling to Australia.

The reciprocal advisories reflect growing tensions and concerns over security and cultural dynamics in both nations. While Australia is known for its multiculturalism, the Nigerian government’s statement emphasized recent challenges in tolerance, advising citizens to remain cautious and mindful of their surroundings.

Nigerians in Australia experiencing harassment or discrimination have been urged to contact the Nigerian High Commission in Canberra for assistance.