UK Makes U-turn On Security Advisory Says Citizens Can Travel To Abuja

The United Kingdom (UK) has made a U-turn in its earlier security advisory to its citizens against travelling to Nigeria ‘s capital city, Abuja, FCT.

The UK had on Sunday, October 23, 2022 warned its citizens to avoid Abuja, adding that: “On Monday, October 24, British High Commission Abuja (BHC) will be open for Business Critical staff only. ALL colleagues wishing to travel to BHC should seek authorisation from Line Manager/ Block Leads, and in advance of travel.

“On Monday, October 24, BHC Abuja UKB parents are advised strongly not to send children to schools. More detail will follow later today from DHC Gill Atkinson.”

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However, the High Commission, Monday evening November 7, 2022, in a latest update on its website said, “The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) no longer advises against all but essential travel to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including the city of Abuja, but risks remain, and further details about the continued threat from terrorism in this region has been added.

“The FCDO advice against travelling to other areas of Nigeria remains in place.”

The FCDO advised against all travel to Borno state, Yobe state, Adamawa state, Gombe state, Kaduna state, Katsina state, Zamfara state, and riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.

The FCDO also maintained its advice against all but essential travel to Bauchi state, Kano state, Jigawa state, Niger state, Sokoto state, Kogi state, within 20km of the border with Niger in Kebbi state, Abia state, non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states, Plateau state and Taraba state.

“Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Nigeria’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.

“If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting,” it added.