Trending 
The Nigerian government has stated that the recent United States travel advisory, which authorised the departure of non-emergency personnel from its embassy in Abuja as a routine precaution, does not reflect Nigeria’s overall security situation.
The government reassured citizens and international partners that public institutions remain fully operational nationwide.
In a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and signed by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the minister, the ministry said governance, economic activities, and daily life have not been disrupted despite the advisory.
“The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the U.S. decision as a routine precaution guided by internal protocols, noting that it does not reflect the overall security situation across Nigeria,” the statement partly read.
The minister emphasised that the US action should not be interpreted as a sign of a general breakdown of law and order, noting that, while isolated security challenges exist in some areas, the vast majority of the country remains stable.
He highlighted that recent efforts had disrupted criminal networks, reduced the activities of armed groups, and improved safety in vulnerable communities. “Our security agencies remain actively engaged in protecting lives and property, and the results of these efforts are increasingly evident,” Idris added.
The government also reiterated that Nigeria remains open to business, travel, and investment, with ongoing economic reforms continuing to boost investor confidence and strengthen the country’s global standing.
Idris further encouraged international partners to engage directly with Nigerian authorities for a balanced and up-to-date understanding of the situation on the ground.
The US advisory, issued on Wednesday, cited worsening security concerns as the basis for authorising the departure of non-essential embassy staff and families from Abuja, maintaining Nigeria at Level 3 (“reconsider travel”), and placing some regions at Level 4 (“do not travel”).
It warned of risks including crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest, highlighting violent crime, frequent kidnappings for ransom, threats from groups such as Boko Haram, and unrest in parts of the Niger Delta and South-East. The advisory also noted challenges in accessing healthcare and limited US government assistance in high-risk areas.
The move follows earlier US visa restrictions imposed on certain categories of Nigerian travellers in 2025, citing security concerns and immigration-related data.
