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False Alarm? As Even Autralia Warns Citizens Not To Visit Nigeria (read) - Politics - Nairaland

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False Alarm? As Even Autralia Warns Citizens Not To Visit Nigeria (read) by hafees: 6:09pm On Oct 04, 2011
Fellow Nigerians, What do you think of these?

Nigeria overall This Advice is current for Wednesday, 05 October 2011.

Be alert to own security Exercise caution High degree of caution Reconsider your need to travel Do not travel
Riverine area of Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers (and Bonny Island), Abia State, Akwa Ibom and Anambra States in the south-east
Be alert to own security Exercise caution High degree of caution Reconsider your need to travel Do not travel
Borno and Plateau States

Be alert to own security Exercise caution High degree of caution Reconsider your need to travel Do not travel
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It includes new information in the Summary and under Safety and Security: Terrorism (media reports indicate that a terrorist group has threatened to attack Independence Day celebrations in Abuja's Eagle Square on 1 October 2011. As a precaution, Australians should avoid Eagle Square and other events associated with Independence Day across Nigeria). The overall level of the travel advice has not changed.

Summary
•We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Nigeria at this time due to the very high threat of terrorist attack, the high risk of kidnapping, the unpredictable security situation, the heightened risk of violent civil unrest and the high level of violent crime.
•If you do decide to travel to Nigeria, you should exercise extreme caution. The security situation could deteriorate without warning and you could be caught up in violence directed at others.
•Media reports indicate that a terrorist group has threatened to attack Independence Day celebrations in Abuja's Eagle Square on 1 October 2011. As a precaution, Australians should avoid Eagle Square and other events associated with Independence Day across Nigeria.
•Days of national significance could provide terrorist groups an opportunity or pretext to stage attacks. In 2010 car bombs were detonated at Independence Day (1 October) celebrations. Australians are advised to avoid large public gatherings.
•Following the attack on United Nations House in Abuja on 26 August 2011, media reports suggest terrorists may be planning further attacks in Nigeria and targeting churches, mosques and national institutions. Security has been tightened at many public buildings in Abuja.
•There has been an increase in violent attacks in Nigeria since October 2010. Continued reporting indicates terrorists may be planning attacks against a range of targets, including domestic and foreign government institutions and against Western interests. Targets frequented by Westerners may include major hotels, cinemas, places of worship, bars and restaurants and densely populated urban centres. Locations frequented by foreigners have been attacked in the past and may be targeted in the future, including in Abuja.
•There were a number of violent incidents before and during the 2011 elections. There has been an increase in localised political tension and the security situation in some areas in Nigeria remains fragile. Curfews remain in place in some states and further curfews could be imposed quickly and with limited notice should the security situation start to deteriorate. You should monitor local media for possible restrictions.
•You should be aware that there is a risk of serious inter-communal violence and unrest throughout the country, particularly in the central and northern regions of Nigeria.
•You should avoid all protests, rallies and demonstrations as they may turn violent.
•We strongly advise you not to travel to the riverine area in Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers (including Port Harcourt and Bonny Island), Abia State, Akwa Ibom and Anambra States in south-eastern Nigeria because of continuing militant activity, the high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks against foreign oil companies and personnel, localised conflict and violent civil unrest.
•We strongly advise you not to travel to Borno and Plateau States because of the volatile security situation, including ongoing inter-communal tensions and frequent violent attacks. If you are in Borno or Plateau State, you should consider leaving.
•If, despite our advice not to travel to these areas, you decide to go to or stay in these regions, you should ensure you have adequate and continuous close personal protection from a professional security service. The ability of the Australian Government to provide consular services to Australians in these areas may be severely limited.
•The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed a human death from avian influenza in Nigeria. See the Health Issues section below for advice to Australians travelling to or resident in Nigeria.
•Given the unpredictable security situation in Nigeria, we strongly recommend that you register your travel and contact details with us, so we can contact you in an emergency.
•Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
◦organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy
◦subscribe to this travel advice to receive free email updates each time it's reissued.

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On this page:
Summary
Safety and Security
Local Laws
Entry and Exit Requirements
Health Issues
Where to Get Help
Safety and Security
Terrorism
There is a very high threat from terrorism in Nigeria. In the past, international terrorist groups have called for attacks in Nigeria, including against the Nigerian Government.

Media reports indicate that a terrorist group has threatened to attack Independence Day celebrations in Abuja's Eagle Square on 1 October 2011. As a precaution, Australians should avoid Eagle Square and other events associated with Independence Day across Nigeria.

Days of national significance could provide terrorist groups an opportunity or pretext to stage attacks. In 2010 car bombs were detonated at Independence Day (1 October) celebrations, resulting in a number of deaths. Australians are advised to avoid large public gatherings.

Following the attack on United Nations House in Abuja on 26 August 2011, media reports suggest terrorists may be planning further attacks in Nigeria and targeting churches, mosques and national institutions. Security has been tightened at many public buildings in Abuja.

Australians in all parts of Nigeria are advised to exercise enhanced security vigilance following the death of Osama bin Laden on 2 May. See our Travel Bulletin for more information. You should avoid any large gatherings and demonstrations as they may turn violent and could be targeted at perceived western interests.

There has been an increase in violent attacks in Nigeria since October 2010, including bombings of places frequented by Westerners. Some previous attacks have involved multiple bombings. Continued reporting indicates terrorists may be planning attacks against a range of targets, including domestic and foreign government institutions and against Western interests. Targets frequented by Westerners may include major hotels, cinemas, places of worship, bars and restaurants and densely populated urban centres. Locations frequented by foreigners have been attacked in the past and may be targeted in the future, including in Abuja.

Reliable information as of early August 2011 indicates that militants continue to plan attacks on public places in Nigeria, including South African assets in the oil, telecommunications and banking industries. Attacks are likely to occur with little or no warning. Previously, militant groups such as MEND have threatened to attack major infrastructure and industry centres. Previous attacks have targeted public places.

Recent examples of terrorist attacks include:

•On 26 August 2011, an attack on the UN compound in Abuja reportedly killed over 20 people and left many wounded.
•On 10 July 2011, a bomb attack on a church in Suleja on the outskirts of Abuja caused a number of injuries.
•On 26 June 2011, explosions at a bar in Maiduguri killed more than 25 people.
•On 16 June 2011, a suicide car bombing at police headquarters in Abuja killed at least four people and injured a number of others.
•On 31 December 2010, explosions at a restaurant in Abuja frequented by foreigners killed at least four people and injured nine others.
•On 24 December 2010, a series of explosions in the city of Jos in Plateau State reportedly killed 80 people, including some attending Christmas Eve church services.
•On 1 October 2010, three bombs exploded in central Abuja during the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of independence, killing a number of people.
In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets. These include commercial and public areas known to be frequented by foreigners such as residential areas, hotels, cinemas, clubs, restaurants, bars, cafes, schools, shopping areas, markets, churches and other places of worship, embassies, outdoor recreation events, public transport and tourist areas. Western economic interests, in particular gas and oil industry installations and pipelines have been attacked in the past, as well as symbols and buildings associated with the Nigerian government such as courts, government departments, army barracks and police stations. Terrorists may use significant dates and anniversaries to mount attacks.

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension
We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Nigeria at this time due to the unpredictable security situation, the high risk of kidnapping and the heightened risk of violent political demonstrations and civil unrest.

The security situation is uncertain and could deteriorate without warning. Australians could be caught up in violence directed at others. If you do decide to travel to Nigeria, you should exercise extreme caution.

There were a number of violent incidents before and during the 2011 elections. Media reports indicate that since late March 2011 several explosive devices have been found at political rallies and polling stations. There has been an increase in localised political tension and the security situation in some areas of Nigeria remains fragile. Curfews remain in place in some states and further curfews could be imposed quickly and with limited notice should the security situation start to deteriorate. You should monitor local media for possible restrictions.

There is a risk of serious inter-communal violence and unrest throughout the country, particularly in the central and northern regions of Nigeria. This includes the states of Taraba, Plateau, Adamawa and Benue in the central region and Bauchi, Borno, Katsina, Sokoto and Kano states and the cities of Kaduna, Jos, Kano, Maiduguri, Bauchi and Katsina in the north. In recent years, thousands of civilians have been killed in serious inter-communal violence and civil unrest in these areas, including in Jos in January and March 2010.

Militants have threatened to carry out bombings in Nigerian cities including Lagos, Ibadan, Enugu and Port Harcourt in retaliation for the deaths of hundreds of people in clashes in north-eastern states in July 2009.

You should avoid all protests, rallies and demonstrations as they may turn violent.

Australians in Nigeria should be alert to changes in the security environment and monitor the local media and other sources of information for developments that may heighten existing inter-communal tensions.

Curfews may be imposed or changed with little or no notice. You should monitor local information sources for information about curfews and abide by them.

Borno and Plateau States We strongly advise you not to travel to Borno and Plateau States because of the volatile security situation, including ongoing inter-communal tensions and frequent violent attacks. If you are in Borno or Plateau State, you should consider leaving.

Plateau State has experienced increased inter-communal violence and civil unrest. A series of explosions in the city of Jos in Plateau State killed at least 80 people in December 2010, including some attending Christmas Eve church services.

Borno State has also experienced an increase in violent attacks. A terrorist group has claimed responsibility for killing six people on 28 January 2011, including a local political candidate. During the elections, there were a number of bomb attacks and shootings.

South-eastern Nigeria: We advise you not to travel to the riverine area in the Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers (including Port Harcourt and Bonny Island), Abia State, Akwa Ibom and Anambra states in south-eastern Nigeria because of continuing militant activity, the high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks, especially against foreign oil companies and personnel. If you are in these areas, you should consider leaving.

Militants have significantly increased their kidnappings of expatriate oil workers and foreign businessmen in the Niger delta region, including from offshore facilities, ships, roads and housing compounds. Hundreds of foreign workers, including an Australian, have been kidnapped, killed or injured in recent years. Militants have warned of further kidnappings. Kidnappings, including of foreign nationals, also occur in other parts of Nigeria. For more information about kidnapping, see our Kidnapping Threat travel bulletin.

The Australian Government’s longstanding policy is that it does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers. The Australian Government considers paying ransoms increases the risk of further kidnappings.

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) remains active in the Niger Delta region and regularly threatens oil industry infrastructure and personnel. Conflict with the Nigerian police and security forces is always a possibility, despite agreed ceasefires and amnesty programs. We advise you to follow the advice of local authorities and avoid areas where conflict is known to be ongoing.

According to media reports, MEND issued in late January 2011 renewed threats against oil industry infrastructure and personnel.

If you are already in one of the above areas and concerned for your safety, you should consider departing. Ask yourself whether, given your own personal circumstances, you're comfortable travelling to these regions knowing that there is a high threat from civil unrest or that you may be caught up in attacks against civilian targets. Ask yourself whether travel could be deferred or an alternative destination chosen. If, having considered these issues, you do decide to travel to these regions, you should ensure you have adequate and continuous close personal protection from a professional security service.

The ability of the Australian Government to provide consular services to Australians in these areas may be severely limited.

Crime
There is a high level of serious crime throughout Nigeria. Kidnapping, violent assault, armed robbery, banditry, rape, and carjacking are prevalent across Nigeria. You should pay strict attention to your personal safety and security at all times.

Crime increases at night in most areas, particularly in Lagos and on highways. We strongly advise you not to travel after dark. The number of authorised and unauthorised checkpoints in city centres also increases at night and requests to pay on-the-spot fines are not uncommon.

The incidence of kidnapping outside of the south-east has increased across Nigeria. Recent incidents include the targeted kidnap of foreigners in Abia and Kebbi States and in Abuja. In 2010, two German nationals and two French nationals were kidnapped in Abia State. In 2011, an Israeli citizen was kidnapped in Abuja and two foreigners kidnapped in Kebbi State (UK and Italian citizens). Most kidnappings are financially motivated, with the victims being held for ransom.

There is a high risk of crime in and around the international airport in Lagos, on the roads between the airports in Lagos, Abuja and other urban centres, and when travelling unaccompanied in taxis or on public transport. Assaults and robberies are common on public transport. Prearranged collection/drop off at airports and hotels by someone who known to you or whose identity you can verify will help to minimise the risk. Criminals have been known to pose as police or military personnel and bogus greeters at the airport.

Visitors have been abducted and robbed when collected from their hotel by criminals claiming to represent a company where the visitor has an appointment. Ensure that you can verify and identify who you are meeting and where. Avoid meeting in places on the outskirts of urban centres. You should question any last minute changes in arrangements and should not disclose personal information unnecessarily. To minimise the risk, you should make your own arrangements with a reputable hire car company or hire cars with drivers as offered by most major hotels.

Due to the very high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, victims of violent crime, especially rape, are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical assistance.

Commercial and internet fraud: Commercial and internet fraud is prevalent and often originates in Nigeria. Victims have been defrauded and those who travel to the originating country have had their lives endangered. Some have been killed. You should closely scrutinise all commercial ventures and job offers that originate from Nigeria from people unknown to you and not send money until proper checks are made. Criminals have been known to seek details of 'safe' bank accounts overseas in which to transfer large sums of money (as a donation or for a percentage of the amount involved). They may also provide fake cashier cheques for 'urgent' shipments of large quantities of goods, request sizeable fees for a fake Nigerian government contract or to supply crude oil and extort money from individuals they have convinced to travel to Nigeria for a business opportunity. If you are a victim of a Nigerian financial scam, we advise you to obtain legal advice and not to travel to Nigeria to seek restitution as there is a risk of physical assault from the perpetrators. Our information on International Financial Scams provides more detail on these types of scams.

If you are travelling to Nigeria, you should inform relatives and friends that they may receive phone calls and emails from bogus hospitals or doctors in Nigeria claiming that an Australian traveller has been injured and money is required to be sent for medical treatment. Your relatives and friends in Australia should treat any requests for money with caution and ensure that the contact is genuine, including emails purportedly sent by you, as this is a common method of extorting money. If they are concerned about you, they should first contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Consular Emergency Centre (see Where to Get Help for contact details). To minimise the risk, you should be careful about disclosing personal information and disposing of personal documents while in Nigeria.

An increasing number of Australian citizens have also been defrauded or had their lives endangered by bogus internet friendship, dating and marriage schemes operating out of Nigeria. These scams typically result from connections made through internet dating schemes or chat rooms. Scammers will often spend months developing an online relationship before asking for money, for example, to enable travel to Australia or for medical costs. Each request is followed by another for ever increasing amounts. When the money is received, the relationship is usually terminated and any chance of recovering the funds is highly unlikely. In some instances, foreigners who have travelled to Nigeria to meet their friend or prospective marriage partner have been kidnapped and held to ransom, assaulted and robbed.

Local Travel
Heightened security arrangements are in place throughout Nigeria, particularly in major cities. You should expect delays as a result of security checks. New security measures are in place in Abuja, including roadblocks, parking restrictions and a closing time of 2200 hrs for recreational facilities (cinemas, clubs and bars) and 1800 hrs for parks and gardens that admit children.

Driving in Nigeria can be dangerous, especially at night, due to poorly maintained roads and vehicles, poor local driving habits, unpredictable pedestrians and inadequate road lighting. You should avoid unnecessary travel after dark.

Vehicle checkpoints are common throughout the country. You may be expected to show identity documents and car registration and ownership papers or to pay on-the-spot fines.

Fuel shortages are common and motorists should ensure they have adequate fuel for their journey, particularly in the northern regions.

For further advice, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety.

Piracy occurs in the coastal areas of the Bayelsa area of the Niger delta and near Lagos. See our travel advice on Travelling by Sea for more information. The International Maritime Bureau issues piracy reports on its web site.

Airline Safety
Airline and air charter safety and maintenance standards vary throughout the world. It is not known whether maintenance procedures and safety standards on aircraft used on internal flights are always properly observed or whether passengers are covered by airline insurance. Following a series of crashes, there are also concerns about the safety and reliability of some airline companies operating domestic flights within Nigeria.

Domestic flights are often delayed or cancelled at short notice.

For further information, please refer to our Aviation Safety and Security travel bulletin.

Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate
The rainy season extends from May to October when some roads may become impassable.

The dry season extends from November to April. During this period, central and northern Nigeria may be affected by Harmattan, a seasonal wind which blows a high amount of sand and dust in the air. Visibility may be severely limited.

If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities. Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service.

Wildlife
Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

Money and Valuables
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas. However, Nigeria is a cash economy and the use of ATM and credit cards is not recommended due to the prevalence of fraud. You should carefully consider when and where to use your cards or access internet banking. Facilities for changing travellers' cheques are limited.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

For Parents
For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling Parents brochure.

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.

Local Laws
When you are in Nigeria, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Conditions of detention in Nigeria can be extremely uncomfortable and unpleasant.

Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.

Penalties for drug offences are severe and may include lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines.

The death penalty may be imposed for other serious crimes such as murder and armed robbery.

Homosexual acts are illegal and penalties include imprisonment for up to 14 years.

Taking photographs of government buildings is illegal and can lead to detention.

Smoking is banned in public places.

Offences such as stealing and adultery may attract strict penalties in the northern states that impose Sharia Law.

It is illegal to export African art, particularly antiques, from Nigeria without written authorisation from the Department of Antiquities.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money, laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism, child pornography, and child sex tourism, apply to Australian overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism and child pornography laws. These laws provide severe penalties for up to 25 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in child sexual exploitation while outside of Australia.

Local Customs
Travellers should behave and dress conservatively outside large urban areas, especially in the central and northern regions of Nigeria.

Islamic Sharia Law has been introduced in some states in the north and is being increasingly enforced.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims. You should take care not to offend.

Information for Dual Nationals
Australian-Nigerian dual nationals between the ages of 18 and 30 may be required to undertake the National Youth Service Corps program. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Nigeria for further information.

Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information.

Entry and Exit Requirements
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Up-to-date information is available from the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Nigeria.

The Nigerian immigration authorities have introduced registration requirements for all resident expatriates who are not nationals of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Nigeria for details.

Nigeria is listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as endemic for yellow fever. You may be asked to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate upon entry into Nigeria. Some airlines may also require passengers to present a valid certificate before being allowed to board flights out of Nigeria. If in doubt, check with your airline.

If you have visited Nigeria in the last six days prior to your date of return to Australia, Australian Customs officials will ask you to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate upon entry into Australia.

Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.

Health Issues
On 10 August 2010, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced it had moved to a post-pandemic period in response to pandemic (H1N1) 2009. The virus is expected to remain as a seasonal influenza virus and local outbreaks may occur. For more information see the WHO website.

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.

Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our Travelling Well brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.

Medical facilities are limited in Nigeria. The standard of heath care can vary in major centres, but is very basic in rural areas. Pharmaceuticals are often in short supply and poor quality substitutes are often used. Up-front payment for services is usually required and the inability to pay will often delay treatment. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation (usually to London, Paris or Johannesburg) would be necessary, with costs ranging from $A13,000 to $A200,000 depending on circumstances.

The rate of HIV/AIDS infection in Nigeria is very high. You should exercise appropriate precautions if engaging in activities that expose you to risk of infection.

Malaria and other tropical diseases are common in West African countries, including Nigeria. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling, taking prophylaxis against malaria, using an insect repellent, wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and ensuring your accommodation is mosquito proof.

Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including cholera, typhoid, yellow fever, hepatitis, bilharzia, tuberculosis, polio, lassa fever, measles and meningitis) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed a human death from avian influenza in Nigeria. The Department of Health and Ageing advises Australians who reside in Nigeria for an extended period to consider, as a precautionary measure, having access to influenza antiviral medicine for treatment. Long term residents are at a greater risk of exposure to avian influenza over time. You should seek medical advice before taking antiviral medicines. Australians intending to travel to Nigeria for shorter periods are at much lower risk of infection but should discuss the risk of avian influenza with their doctor as part of their routine pre-travel health checks.

If the avian influenza virus mutates to a form where efficient human-to-human transmission occurs, it may spread quickly and local authorities could move quickly to impose restrictions on travel. Australian travellers and long-term residents in Nigeria should be prepared to take personal responsibility for their own safety and well-being, including deciding when to leave an affected area and ensuring they have appropriate contingency plans in place. Australians in Nigeria should monitor the travel advice and bulletin for updated information and advice, and ensure that their travel documents, including passports and visas for any non-Australian family members, are up to date in case they need to depart at short notice.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world, including in Nigeria. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website.

Where to Get Help
In Nigeria, you can obtain consular assistance from the:

Australian High Commission
48 Aguiyi Ironsi Street
Maitama Abuja NIGERIA
Telephone: (234 9) 461 2780
Office mobile: (234) (0) 803 307 3519
Facsimile: (234 9) 461 2782
Email: ahc.abuja@dfat.gov.au
Website: www.nigeria.highcommission.gov.au/

If you are travelling to Nigeria, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the High Commission you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
Re: False Alarm? As Even Autralia Warns Citizens Not To Visit Nigeria (read) by noblegas2(m): 1:18pm On Oct 05, 2011
Fuccckk australia, who wants to go there anyways? The stupid country where racism is extremely high + too far from nigeria =
Re: False Alarm? As Even Autralia Warns Citizens Not To Visit Nigeria (read) by dalebutt1: 1:50pm On Oct 05, 2011
Seriously what do we stand to gain from this post. utterly meaningless
Re: False Alarm? As Even Autralia Warns Citizens Not To Visit Nigeria (read) by hafees: 5:39pm On Oct 05, 2011
@dalebutt 1

Only right thinking and intelligent people will understand the significance of this post. Your question should have been what is the impact on Nigeria

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