The Nigerian government has issued a travel advisory warning Nigerians against travelling to Australia due to security threats prevalent in some of its cities. It also advised Nigerians in Australia to be more cautious amid safety and security concerns.

The advisory came after the Australian government warned its citizens against travelling to Nigeria over the high likelihood of terrorism and breakout of civil unrest.

In a Tuesday statement by Nigeria’s foreign ministry signed by its acting spokesman, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the federal government cautioned against travelling to Australia.

“This is imperative for Nigerian travellers and residents in Australia due to reported cases of discrimination, harassment and verbal abuse targeted at foreigners,” the statement said.

The foreign ministry also raised concerns about antisemitism and Islamophobia.

“While Australia is generally known for its multiculturalism and tolerance, incidents of Islamophobia and antisemitism have occurred recently in certain areas,” it added.

The federal government referenced a December incident in the Sydney suburb of Woollahra, emphasising the need for Nigerians to be mindful of the country’s prevailing cultural and social dynamics to ensure their comfort and safety.

“To this end, extra vigilance and necessary precautions are strongly recommended,” the government advised, calling on Nigerian travellers and those resident in Australia who experience or witness racist attack or harassment to contact the High Commission of Nigeria in Canberra.