Posted by Chinenye on Wed 02nd Sep, 2026 - tori.ng
A Chinese travel creator has sparked an online debate after recounting a troubling experience during his trip to Nigeria.
(The Chinese Traveller. Photo by FB/Babatunde Olorunkemi )
A Chinese travel content creator has warned others to stay away from Nigeria after what he described as repeated extortion during his visit.
He said he was stopped multiple times and asked for money while at a local market, with men telling him it was acceptable because he was a foreigner and they were Nigerians.
The creator said his troubles continued as he travelled about 10 kilometres, where he encountered more than 20 checkpoints.
At each one, he claimed he was stopped and asked for money.
He described the experience as disturbing and felt he was being targeted for exploitation simply because he was foreign.
Speaking about his trip, the creator told his audience not to come to Nigeria, based on his experience.
His account has sparked online discussion about how foreign visitors are treated in the country, the problem of unofficial roadblocks and roadside extortion, and how such experiences could damage Nigeria's image and hurt the tourism industry.
The allegations in his account have not been independently verified.
🇨🇳🇳🇬 A Chinese travel creator was trying local food at a market in Nigeria when a group of men stopped him and demanded money.
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) September 2, 2026
When he asked why, their explanation was basically: "we’re Nigerian, you’re not, so we can take money from you."
Over roughly 10 kilometers, he says he…