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Health & Safety in Nigeria

Stay safe and healthy during your Nigerian adventure. Essential information for a worry-free journey.

Emergency: 112
Police: 199

Important Health Requirements

  • • Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Nigeria
  • • Antimalarial prophylaxis is strongly recommended
  • • Health insurance covering medical evacuation is advised
  • • Consult travel medicine clinic 4-6 weeks before departure

Vaccination Requirements

Plan your vaccinations well in advance of your trip

VaccineRequirementTiming
Yellow FeverRequired10+ days before travel
Hepatitis ARecommended2+ weeks before travel
Hepatitis BRecommended2+ months before travel
TyphoidRecommended2+ weeks before travel
MeningococcalRecommended2+ weeks before travel
CholeraConsider1+ week before travel
Routine vaccinesUpdateMMR, DPT, Influenza

Common Health Risks

Be aware of these health risks and take appropriate precautions

Malaria

High Risk

Endemic throughout Nigeria, especially during rainy season (April-October). Most common in rural and swampy areas.

Yellow Fever

High Risk

Vaccination required for entry. Occasional outbreaks in northern states.

Typhoid Fever

Moderate Risk

Common in areas with poor sanitation. Transmitted through contaminated food and water.

Hepatitis A & B

Moderate Risk

Hepatitis A from contaminated food/water. Hepatitis B through blood and body fluids.

Cholera

High Risk

Occasional outbreaks, especially in northern Nigeria. Waterborne disease.

Meningitis

High Risk

Seasonal outbreaks in the 'Meningitis Belt' (northern states) during dry season (December-June).

Regional Health Risks

Different regions present unique health challenges

Health Risks in Northern Nigeria

Meningitis

High

Part of the African 'Meningitis Belt'. Seasonal epidemics during dry season.

Prevention: Vaccination, Avoid crowds during outbreaks, Good hygiene

Schistosomiasis

Moderate

Common around Lake Chad and river systems.

Prevention: Avoid swimming in freshwater, Wear protective clothing, Treat water

Regional Recommendations

  • Carry extra water during harmattan season
  • Protect against dust and wind
  • Be aware of security situations in some areas
  • Respect cultural and religious sensitivities

Major Hospitals in Northern Nigeria

Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital

Kano
+234 64 666 001
EmergencyInternal MedicineSurgery

Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital

Zaria, Kaduna
+234 69 550 692
EmergencyPediatricsCardiology

Essential Safety Tips

Stay safe with these practical guidelines

Personal Security

  • Avoid displaying expensive items like jewelry, cameras, or phones
  • Use hotel safes for valuables and important documents
  • Travel in groups when possible, especially at night
  • Stay in well-lit, populated areas
  • Keep copies of important documents separately
  • Register with your embassy upon arrival
Nigeria Police Force: 199

Transportation

  • Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt)
  • Avoid motorcycle taxis (okada) in major cities
  • Don't travel by road at night outside major cities
  • Use domestic flights for long distances when possible
  • Check vehicle condition before long journeys
  • Keep fuel tank above half-full
Federal Road Safety Corps: 122

Food & Water Safety

  • Drink only bottled water or properly boiled water
  • Eat at busy restaurants with high turnover
  • Avoid raw or undercooked foods
  • Peel fruits yourself
  • Avoid ice unless from safe water source
  • Use hand sanitizer before eating

Communication

  • Purchase local SIM card for better rates and connectivity
  • Keep emergency contacts in local format
  • Download offline maps before traveling
  • Inform someone of your travel plans
  • Keep phone charged and carry power bank
  • Learn basic local language phrases
Emergency Services: 112

Emergency Contacts

Keep these numbers handy during your stay in Nigeria

112

General Emergency

199

Police

122

Road Safety Corps

Important: Register with your embassy upon arrival and keep their contact information readily available.

US Embassy Lagos: +234 1 460 3400UK High Commission Abuja: +234 9 460 3400Canadian High Commission: +234 9 461 2900