Naira Scarcity: UK Warns Citizens In Nigeria To Avoid Banks, ATMs, 23 States

A travel advisory has been issued by the United Kingdom to its citizens in Nigeria, the second in four months.

In the information updated on Wednesday, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, FCDO, warned against areas where there are banks and ATMs.

It noted that the Central Bank of Nigeria’s redesigning and issue of new N200, N500 and N1000 notes has led to shortages of cash.

Citizens were encouraged to ensure notes provided by currency exchange vendors will be valid for the duration of their travel to Nigeria.

There have been outbreaks of violence in some Southern states as a result of cash shortages, with a risk of other urban areas being impacted across the country.

“We advise travellers in Nigeria to exercise their judgement, including being aware of any large crowds or potential disturbances,” the FCDO said.

The U.K. observed a spike in criminal activity, advising its nationals to take extra precautions, particularly when withdrawing cash in crowded spaces, and during night hours.

They were also cautioned against travels Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Bauchi, Kano, Jigawa, Niger, Sokoto, Kogi, Niger, Kebbi, Abia, Plateau and Taraba States.

The UK government also mentioned the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control’s announcement of the online Health Declaration Form for incoming travellers.

The advice said ahead of the general elections movement restrictions may be enforced while there is heightened risk of protests and violence.