Nigerian Government Issues Travel Advisory for Nationals Visiting Australia.
By Caroline Ameh
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel advisory urging Nigerian citizens planning to visit or reside in Australia to exercise heightened caution due to an increase in incidents of discrimination, harassment, and hate crimes targeting foreigners.
In a press release dated December 31, 2024, and signed by Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Acting Spokesperson of the Ministry, the government expressed concerns over a recent spike in antisemitic and Islamophobic attacks in certain Australian cities. While Australia is widely recognized for its multiculturalism and tolerance, recent developments have raised safety concerns.
One notable incident occurred in early December 2024 in Woollahra, a suburb of Sydney, where a vehicle was set ablaze, and anti-Israel graffiti was sprayed on nearby buildings. This alarming act of vandalism reflects a broader trend of hate crimes reportedly linked to escalating global tensions.
To ensure their safety, Nigerians traveling to or residing in Australia are advised to remain vigilant and sensitive to the local social and cultural climate.
The Ministry also urged Nigerians who experience or witness any form of racial attack or harassment to immediately contact the Nigerian High Commission in Canberra for assistance. The contact details are as follows:
Address: 26 Guilfoyle Street, Yarralumla ACT 2600, Canberra, Australia
Phone: +61 262 158 500
Email: chancery@nigeria-can.org.au
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerian nationals abroad and called for increased awareness during this period of heightened tensions.
