Canada tightens Nigeria advisory and marks 24 states off-limits
Canada now advises against non-essential travel to Nigeria and lists 24 of its 36 states as areas to avoid entirely. The advisory cites terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, and civil unrest, and it includes Abuja in the broader caution. The U.S. also rates Nigeria at Level 3, showing similar international concern.
Canada’s revised Nigeria notice, dated 21 October 2026, applies its “avoid non-essential travel” standard nationwide, naming Abuja within that caution. It separately places 24 of 36 states under “avoid all travel,” spanning northwestern, north-central, northeastern, Niger Delta and southeastern regions. The no-go roster includes Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Plateau, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Taraba, Yobe, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo and Rivers.
Port Harcourt is carved out with the less severe non-essential warning, while Lagos and Calabar are handled differently from the highest-risk zones. The U.S. maintains a Level 3 “reconsider travel” rating for Nigeria, reinforcing the pattern of international caution.
The stricter guidance could affect Nigerian diaspora travel, business trips, tourism, and family visits, prompting some travellers to postpone or reroute plans. It may also influence insurers, tour operators, and employers setting travel policies, while adding pressure on local tourism and hospitality providers in areas still open to visitors. For residents, heightened foreign advisories may shape perceptions and economic links, though the practical effect depends on how governments and companies apply the warnings.