The Federal Government has cautioned Nigerians planning to travel to Australia to remain vigilant and exercise caution due to reported cases of discrimination, harassment, and verbal abuse in certain cities across the country.
In a statement issued Tuesday by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the acting spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government highlighted a rise in incidents of Islamophobia and antisemitism in some Australian communities.
The advisory pointed to an incident in early December 2024 in Woollahra, a Sydney suburb, where a car was set ablaze and anti-Israel graffiti defaced nearby buildings. The ministry noted that these events were part of a broader surge in discriminatory behavior fueled by international tensions.
While Australia is known for its multiculturalism, the ministry urged Nigerian travelers to be mindful of local cultural dynamics and to take necessary precautions for their safety.
The statement advised Nigerians residing in or traveling to Australia who experience any form of racism or harassment to contact the Nigerian High Commission at 26 Guilfoyle St, Yarralumla ACT 2600, Canberra, Australia.
Australia Warns Citizens Against Traveling to Nigeria
Meanwhile, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has also issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to security risks.
The DFAT advisory cited a volatile security environment marked by terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest, warning that militant groups pose a high risk of indiscriminate or targeted attacks. Potential targets include hotels, markets, transport hubs, and places of worship, among others.
Recent data from Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed alarming figures, with 2,235,954 abductions reported between May 2023 and April 2024. Ransom payments during this period totaled approximately N2.2 trillion, with the North-West region bearing the brunt, accounting for N1.2 trillion.
The parallel warnings from both governments underscore the need for heightened caution for travelers and residents in both countries.
| Posted: at | |
TRENDING GISTS 
AMVCA 2025: Seven Doors & Lisabi: The Uprising Light Up Nollywood’s Biggest Night (Full Winners)
Kidnap Ring Busted In Anambra: Four Arrested In Daring Night Raid
Ex-AUN Provost, Professor Yusuf Attahir Baba Loses Three Children in Devastating Car Crash
Football Star, Lionel Messi-Marriage Rumours Stir Online Frenzy As Divorce Speculations Grow
El-Rufai & Peter Obi Meet at Cambridge Conference, Sparking Political Speculation Ahead Of 2027 Elections
"How My Mother’s Lover Rap3d Me" — 12 Year Old Victim Narrates Ordeal