Brian Peterson
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to: Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara states; and the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states. The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to: Bauchi, Kano, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kogi states; within 20km of the border with Niger in Kebbi State; Abia State; and non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states. For Lagos, the FCDO does not advise against travel but notes: 'There is a high threat of kidnap throughout Nigeria. Kidnaps can be motivated by criminality or terrorism and can occur for financial or political gain. There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups that could carry out attacks in Nigeria.' British nationals are specifically reminded that 'consular support is severely limited in parts of Nigeria where the FCDO advises against all travel.' The FCDO also highlights that 'same-sex relations are illegal in Nigeria' and can lead to long prison sentences.
Nigeria presents a complex security environment characterized by high levels of violent crime, kidnapping for ransom, and the potential for civil unrest. Lagos, while the commercial hub, experiences significant infrastructure challenges, endemic corruption, and frequent reports of armed robbery and 'one-chance' taxi robberies. The legal and social environment is deeply conservative, with specific legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community. Political stability is fragile, with localized protests often met with a heavy-handed security response. For a British researcher, the primary threats are opportunistic crime, kidnapping, and legal/social repercussions related to gender identity and sexual orientation.
Currency: Naira (NGN)
Cash is widely accepted, but cards are becoming more popular in urban areas. ATMs are available, especially in cities, but may have withdrawal limits. It's wise to carry some cash for small purchases.
Average Temperatures
spring
27-32°C
summer
29-34°C
autumn
26-31°C
winter
24-29°C
Key Translations
Emergency Numbers
Police: 112, Ambulance: 0708 061 7777, Tourist Police: 0703 470 1397
Electrical
Type D, Type G
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated; 10% is standard in restaurants if service is not included.
Practical Tips
Dress conservatively, particularly in religious areas. Bargaining is common in markets. Drink bottled or boiled water to avoid waterborne illnesses. Public transport can be crowded; consider using ride-hailing apps for convenience.
Flights — London → Nigeria, lagos
Hotels
Budget
Ibis Lagos Ikeja (£55 - £75 per night), Protea Hotel by Marriott Lagos Kuramo Waters (£70 - £95 per night).
Mid-Range
Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, VI (£150 - £190 per night), Four Points by Sheraton Lagos (£140 - £180 per night), Eko Hotels & Suites (£160 - £200 per night).
Premium
The Wheatbaker Ikoyi (£300 - £450 per night), The George Hotel Ikoyi (£280 - £400 per night), Legend Hotel Lagos Airport, Curio Collection (£250 - £350 per night).
Summary
For the best value, book a one-stop flight with Turkish Airlines or Qatar Airways by February 2026. Stay in Victoria Island at a mid-range hotel like the Radisson Blu to ensure safety and ease of access to business meetings while avoiding the highest premium rates of Ikoyi.
Mass gatherings at prayer grounds and increased traffic congestion throughout Lagos. Potential for heightened security presence and localized disruption.
Risk implication: Increased risk of opportunistic crime in crowded areas and potential for sectarian tensions or security incidents at large gatherings.
Unannounced demonstrations or 'stay-at-home' strikes (ghost towns) triggered by fuel prices or inflation, particularly in Ikeja and Ajao Estate areas.
Risk implication: Transport disruption and risk of being caught in violent clashes between protesters and security forces.
The traveller faces critical risks due to their non-binary and LGBTQ+ status. Nigeria's 'Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2013' criminalizes not only same-sex relationships (up to 14 years imprisonment) but also the 'public show of same-sex amorous affection' and participation in LGBTQ+ organizations. Non-binary gender expression that deviates from local norms may attract harassment, physical assault, or arrest by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), particularly the 'Gender Units' or during stop-and-search operations. The traveller's epilepsy is a significant concern; the extreme heat and humidity of Lagos in June/July (average 28-30°C with high humidity) are known seizure triggers. Reliability of power for keeping any temperature-sensitive medication is also an issue, though less so at a major hotel. As a British national, they are perceived as high-value targets for 'express kidnapping' or financial extortion.
Legal/Social Hostility (LGBTQ+)
Severe criminal penalties for LGBTQ+ identity and gender non-conformity. High risk of police extortion or mob violence if identity is disclosed or perceived.
Violent Crime & Kidnapping
Lagos has high rates of armed robbery and kidnapping. Foreigners are targeted for perceived wealth.
Medical (Epilepsy & Environment)
Heat, stress, and potential lack of specialized emergency care could exacerbate the traveller's epilepsy.
Civil Unrest
Spontaneous protests in Lagos can turn violent and disrupt travel to/from the airport or conference venue.
- 1.Ensure all LGBTQ+ related digital content (social media, apps) is secured or deleted prior to arrival; exercise extreme discretion.
- 2.Arrange for a private, vetted security driver for all movements; do not use public transport or standard taxis/ride-shares.
- 3.Carry a 'dummy' wallet with a small amount of cash and a 'burner' phone to surrender in case of robbery.
- 4.Carry a 60-day supply of epilepsy medication in original packaging with a signed doctor's letter and a copy of the prescription.
- 5.Ensure AIG MyLifeline app is installed and 'Track My Trip' is active. Save the emergency number +44 1273 065 120.
- 6.Restrict movements to the 'Greenpoint Hotel Ajao' and the conference venue; avoid walking outside the hotel perimeter.
- 7.Maintain a low profile and avoid discussing political or social views in public or with local staff.
- 8.Verify the hotel has 24/7 manned security and backup power generators.
Nigeria is not currently on any UK red lists, but travellers should check for any emerging UKHSA health alerts regarding Lassa Fever before departure.
The traveller will stay at the Greenpoint Hotel Ajao, selected for its proximity to Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) and the conference venue, minimizing road travel time. All transit must be via pre-arranged, vetted secure vehicles. The traveller must remain within the hotel/venue security bubble. Self-walking is strictly prohibited.
Evacuation will be triggered by a significant escalation in civil unrest in Lagos, a direct threat to the traveller, or a medical emergency (seizure clusters). The decision will be made by the Chatham House ELT in consultation with AIG Crisis Management and the UK British Deputy High Commission in Lagos. Primary route is via MMIA.
If MMIA is closed, the traveller will be relocated to the British Deputy High Commission in Victoria Island or a pre-cleared safe house in Ikoyi until a charter flight or overland extraction to Cotonou, Benin can be arranged (though overland travel carries high risk).
In the event of localized riots or 'ghost town' strikes, the traveller will hibernate at the Greenpoint Hotel. The hotel must be confirmed to have sufficient food, water, and fuel for 7 days. Traveller must stay away from windows and maintain contact with Chatham House.
Daily check-ins via WhatsApp/Signal at 09:00 and 18:00 UK time. Mandatory check-ins: 1. Upon landing at MMIA. 2. Upon arrival at Greenpoint Hotel. 3. Upon arrival at the conference venue each morning. 4. Prior to departing for the airport on 2026-07-31.
If a check-in is missed by 30 minutes, the CH Base Contact will attempt voice contact. After 1 hour, the hotel security desk will be contacted. After 2 hours, AIG MyLifeline and the ELT will be notified to initiate a welfare check. In a medical emergency, the traveller must contact AIG MyLifeline first for coordination with local hospitals.
AIG MyLifeline: +44 1273 065 120; FCDO Consular Emergency: +44 20 7008 5000; British Deputy High Commission Lagos: +234 1 277 0780; CH Base Contact: [Insert CH Dept Number]; Traveller Mobile: [Insert Traveller Number].
Auto-generate the AIG Security Questionnaire from this assessment's data for submission to insurers. You can review and edit all answers before downloading.
Required training for high risk destinations: 5 course(s)
Basic Online Training
Required for all travel
Risk Awareness Training
Required for all travel
First Aid Training
Required for all travel
Enhanced Online Training
Required for amber/red destinations
HEAT Training
Required for red destinations
Travel Experience
Extensive global travel, politically aware
Risk Assessment
Pending
Insurance Approval
Pending
Trip Approval
Pending
Personal Travel Safety Brief
PDF document with traveller safety guidance
Comprehensive Risk Assessment Report
Full security analysis and risk assessment
Security Plan (Annex A)
Security approach, evacuation & hibernation protocols
Communications Plan (Annex B)
Check-in protocol, escalation & contact numbers