International SOS has released a map showing which countries pose a travel security risk and Nigeria’s status may or may not surprise you.
The Travel Risks Map 2016 lists Nigeria as a high security risk, putting us on the same level as Chad, DRC and Venezuela.
According to the map, travel in Nigeria is more risky than in Sierra Leone and Liberia.
High risk is applied to countries where protests are frequently violent and may target or disrupt foreigners.
“They may be exacerbated by governance issues, including security or law and order capacity. Violent crime or terrorism pose significant direct or incidental risks to travellers and expatriates.”
“Communal, sectarian or racial violence is common and foreigners may be directly targeted. Certain parts of the country are inaccessible or off-limits to the traveller.”
So what does it take to be considered safe?
The status of “insignificant travel risk” applies to very few countries such as Norway, Switzerland and Greenland.
To be considered as posing an insignificant travel risk, rates of violent crime need to be very low, security and emergency services must be effective and infrastructure must be reliable.
“Transport services are of a high standard with good safety records and only occasional travel disruption,” International SOS said.
Medical Risk: High
The map also rates medical risk in different countries. In this category, Nigeria is also considered high risk – “Basic emergency services and dental care may be available. Specialist care is limited. Access to quality prescription drugs may be limited and, in some cases, counterfeiting and/or improper storage of drugs is an issue. Serious infectious diseases such as typhoid, cholera, dengue fever and malaria may pose a threat.”
How much of a travel risk would you say Nigeria is? Let us know in the comments below, tweet us, or tell us on Facebook …
You can see the full map here.
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