The Nigerian government has issued a travel advisory for its citizens planning to visit Australia, highlighting concerns about the security situation in several cities.
The advisory reflects growing reports of harassment and discrimination against foreigners in Australia, particularly in the wake of a surge in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents.
The Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, released a statement outlining these concerns. While recognizing Australia’s global reputation for multiculturalism and tolerance, the Ministry flagged alarming incidents in specific areas.
“A disturbing event in early December 2024, where a car was set on fire and anti-Israel graffiti was sprayed on nearby buildings in the Sydney suburb of Woollahra, underscores the importance of vigilance for Nigerians traveling to or residing in Australia,” Ebienfa stated.
The advisory emphasized that Nigerian travelers and residents should exercise heightened caution and remain aware of the cultural and social dynamics of their surroundings. Nigerians were also urged to immediately report any incidents of racist attacks or harassment to the Nigerian High Commission in Canberra.
This advisory coincides with rising internal ethnic tensions in Nigeria. During the 2023 general elections, controversial statements sparked widespread condemnation. Notably, Bayo Onanuga, a member of President Bola Tinubu’s Presidential Campaign Council, drew criticism for his remarks aimed at excluding Nigerians of Igbo extraction from political power in Lagos.
Onanuga tweeted, “Let 2023 be the last time of Igbo interference in Lagos politics,” referencing Peter Obi, an Igbo politician from Anambra State, who supported Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, a Yoruba candidate, in the election. He further declared, “Let there be no repeat in 2027.”
President Bola Tinubu’s administration has faced accusations of tolerating ethnic slurs, creating friction among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups. Critics argue that such rhetoric undermines national unity, even as the government takes steps to address discrimination abroad.
The travel advisory serves as a stark reminder of the need for Nigerians to prioritize their safety when traveling internationally and to stay vigilant amid evolving social and security dynamics. While it addresses the immediate concerns about Australia, it also resonates with ongoing efforts to promote ethnic tolerance and harmony within Nigeria.
