Less than 24 hours after the Australian government issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to reconsider visiting Nigeria due to security concerns, the Federal Government of Nigeria has responded with its own cautionary notice for Nigerians planning to travel to Australia.
Through a statement released by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the Federal Government advised Nigerians to exercise caution when visiting Australia. The advisory highlighted a recent increase in reports of harassment and discrimination against foreigners in certain Australian cities, particularly incidents tied to antisemitic and Islamophobic hate crimes.
The MFA noted that while Australia has a long-standing reputation for multiculturalism and tolerance, recent events have exposed growing vulnerabilities. “Certain areas in Australia have experienced a surge in discrimination-related incidents, coinciding with global tensions and conflicts,” the statement explained.
One such incident cited occurred in December 2024 in the Sydney suburb of Woollahra, where a car was set on fire and anti-Israel graffiti was found nearby. Such events, the ministry warned, underscore a worrying trend that has raised concerns about the safety of foreigners in Australia.
This advisory comes in response to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) issuing a warning on Tuesday regarding travel to Nigeria. The DFAT alert cited numerous security risks, including terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, and civil unrest, advising Australians to “reconsider the need to travel to Nigeria.”
“There’s a high risk of terrorist attacks across Nigeria by various militant groups. Attacks could be indiscriminate or may target foreign interests,” the DFAT statement read.
In retaliation, the Nigerian government urged its citizens to take necessary precautions when traveling to Australia, particularly in areas where discriminatory incidents have been reported.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to advise citizens of the country planning to travel to Australia to take into cognizance the prevailing security situation in some cities,” the FG’s statement noted.
It further warned Nigerians to respect local customs, remain vigilant, and stay mindful of Australia’s evolving cultural and social dynamics. “The unfortunate recent surge in antisemitic and Islamophobic hate crimes in Australia has increased the risk of violence, hence the need for caution,” the MFA added.
Additionally, the Federal Government encouraged Nigerians who experience or witness acts of harassment or discrimination in Australia to promptly report such incidents to the Nigerian High Commission in Canberra for assistance.
This development underscores the escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations over security concerns, as both governments prioritize the safety of their citizens abroad.
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