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Lots of scams

Western Africa

Tourist scams in Nigeria

Travellers in Nigeria should watch for money-changing tricks, card fraud and unsafe unofficial taxis. Street money changers may short-change you, while card cloning and hotel-payment fraud are also reported. Theft and armed robbery are serious concerns, particularly in Lagos.
  1. 1 Changing moneyCommonShort-changing during currency exchangeA money changer gives you fewer notes than agreed. This is easier to miss when you receive a thick bundle of naira. Once you put the money away, it is harder to challenge the amount.Street exchanges, especially the car park outside Lagos International Airport and main land borders 1Read
  2. 2 TheftCommonArmed robbery, including attacks on night road journeysRobbers use threats or guns to take money and belongings. Travellers on interstate roads also face robbery at night. Resistance or attempts to trick robbers can lead to violence.Lagos, Abuja 3Read
  3. 3 TheftCommonCar hijackingAttackers take control of a vehicle. Car hijacking is described as a significant crime problem in Lagos.Lagos 3Read
  4. 4 Food and drinkCommonHigh drink pricesDrinks can be very expensive. Ordering without checking the price can leave you with a much larger bill than expected. High prices alone do not prove fraud.AbujaRead
  5. 5 Cards and ATMsOccasionalATM card cloningYour card details are copied when you use an ATM. They can then be used for transactions you did not approve.ATMs, with a specific warning about airport ATMs without a security guard 1Read
  6. 6 TheftOccasionalPhone and wallet pickpocketingPickpockets take phones and wallets without the owner noticing.Abuja 2Read
  7. 7 Hotels and roomsOccasionalCard fraud after a hotel depositThere are reports of card details being used fraudulently almost immediately after guests paid hotel deposits. An expensive hotel does not remove this risk.AbujaRead
  8. 8 TaxisOccasionalUnofficial taxi trapsThere is a small chance that an unofficial private taxi could be a trap. The exact method is not described.Abuja 2Read

Where to stay alert

  • Car park outside Lagos International Airport's International terminalStreet money changers may short-change customers by one or two notes.
  • Main land borders with Benin, Niger and CameroonStreet currency changers operate at these borders. Count the money carefully before completing an exchange.
  • Airport ATMs without a security guardCard cloning is specifically identified as a risk at unguarded airport ATMs.
  • Hotels, including top hotels, AbujaFraudulent card use has been reported soon after guests paid deposits.
  • Interstate roads at nightNight road journeys carry a risk of robbery.
  • LagosArmed robbery and car hijacking are identified as significant concerns. No specific streets are named.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • In Abuja, use official Green Cabs and agree on the fare before entering.
  • Share airport cabs only with people you know.
  • For app bookings, match the driver and vehicle to the details on your phone.
  • Take interstate road journeys during daylight.

Money

  • Agree on the exchange rate and the amount you will receive.
  • Count exchanged cash with the changer and keep it visible until the deal is complete.
  • Use a Bureau de Change where practical.
  • Carry only the cash you need for the day.

Cards and ATMs

  • Prefer ATMs at staffed bank branches.
  • Inspect the machine and cover your PIN.
  • Keep your card in sight when paying.
  • Enable payment alerts and check statements regularly.
  • Save your bank's card-freezing and contact details before travelling.

Your belongings

  • Keep phones and wallets in secure pockets or closed bags.
  • Keep vehicle doors locked and valuables out of sight.
  • Explore unfamiliar places with company where possible.
  • If confronted by armed robbers, stay calm and cooperate.

Where you stay

  • Watch the card payment when paying a hotel deposit.
  • Keep receipts and check your account soon after payment.
  • Take the same card precautions in expensive hotels as elsewhere.

Nights out

  • Check drink prices before ordering in Abuja.
  • Arrange your journey home before going out.
  • Avoid walking at night in Abuja.
  • Avoid cheap locally made gin because poor quality control can allow toxic methanol.

What travellers say about Nigeria

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

How serious is the scam risk in Nigeria?

Watch for short-changing, card fraud and unsafe unofficial taxis. Theft is also a concern. Armed robbery and car hijacking are particularly serious risks in Lagos.

How can I avoid being short-changed?

Agree on the final amount, then count every note with the changer. Keep the money visible until the exchange is complete.

Are airport ATMs safe to use?

Card cloning is a reported risk, especially at airport ATMs without a security guard. Prefer a staffed bank branch, inspect the machine and check your account afterwards.

Can card fraud happen at an expensive hotel?

Yes. Fraudulent card use has been reported soon after hotel deposits in Abuja, including at top hotels. Keep your card in sight and check payment alerts.

Which taxis should I use in Abuja?

Official Green Cabs are recommended. Agree on the fare before entering and share an airport cab only with people you know.

Is it sensible to travel between cities at night?

Daytime road journeys are recommended because robbers may attack at night. If you are unfamiliar with the country, choose a bus service with an escort.

What should I do during an armed robbery?

Stay calm and cooperate. Avoid sudden movements, resistance or attempts to trick the robbers. Contact the police and your embassy once safe.

How should I protect my phone and wallet?

Keep them in secure pockets or a closed bag. Carry your bag in front of you in crowded places and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Are expensive drinks in Abuja a scam?

High prices alone do not prove a scam. Some mixed drinks cost around US$20 and local beer US$5–9. Ask the price before ordering and check the bill.

Who should I contact after a scam or theft?

Report crime to the police. Contact your bank immediately if cards or payment details are involved. Your embassy can help after robbery or passport theft, and your insurer can explain claim requirements.

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