UK warns citizens in Nigeria to avoid banks, ATMs, 23 states
AREWA AGENDA – The United Kingdom has updated travel advice to its citizens in Nigeria for the second time 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.
“The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed the redesign and issue of new N200, N500 and N1’000 Naira notes. This has led to shortages of cash, which are likely to persist for a period. You are encouraged to check notes provided by currency exchange vendors will be valid for the duration of your travel to Nigeria, and to follow local CBN guidelines.”
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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 time hours.
The advise further stated “Areas such as banks and ATMs have seen a spike in criminal activity, and as such, it is advised that you take extra precautions particularly when withdrawing cash in crowded spaces, and during night time hours.
They were also cautioned against travels Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.
