The Nigerian Government has issued a travel advisory urging citizens to reconsider traveling to Australia due to ongoing security concerns in certain areas of the country.
Gists9ja reports that the warning, communicated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maitama Tuggar, was made public on Tuesday through a statement released by the Ministry’s Acting Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
Tuggar pointed out that some parts of Australia have witnessed a rise in hostility toward foreign nationals. He highlighted a concerning increase in incidents of Islamophobia, antisemitism, and verbal abuse directed at people from diverse backgrounds.
In the statement, the Ministry emphasized the need for Nigerians planning to visit Australia to carefully consider the current security climate in specific cities. The statement urged Nigerians to be aware of the growing reports of discrimination and harassment, noting that recent hate crimes targeting religious and ethnic minorities have escalated tensions in the country. “Australia, though generally recognized for its multicultural values, has seen an uptick in Islamophobic and antisemitic attacks, which have raised the risk of violence in certain regions,” Tuggar explained.
An example of this surge in hate incidents occurred in December 2024 in the Sydney suburb of Woollahra, where a vehicle was set on fire, and anti-Israel graffiti was scrawled on nearby buildings. This incident is part of a wider pattern of attacks linked to global conflicts and rising intolerance in Australia.
Given these developments, the Ministry has strongly advised Nigerian citizens, both visitors and residents, to exercise increased caution and be vigilant of their surroundings. Nigerian nationals already living in Australia are also encouraged to report any form of abuse to the Nigerian High Commission for immediate assistance.
The Ministry further recommended that Nigerians stay informed about the cultural and social dynamics in Australia to safeguard their well-being during their stay. Nigerians facing or witnessing any racial or discriminatory incidents are urged to contact the Nigerian High Commission located at 26 Guilfoyle St, Yarralumla ACT 2600, Canberra, Australia, for support and intervention.
This advisory comes as part of the Nigerian government’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of its citizens abroad, urging them to remain alert and cautious when traveling to regions where tensions may pose a risk to their safety.
