The Nigerian government has issued a travel advisory cautioning its citizens against traveling to Australia due to rising security and safety concerns in some cities. Nigerians residing in Australia have also been urged to exercise heightened caution.
According to Peoples Gazette, this advisory follows Australia’s recent warning to its citizens against traveling to Nigeria, citing risks of terrorism and potential civil unrest.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the acting spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted incidents of discrimination, harassment, and verbal abuse targeting foreigners as reasons for the advisory.
“This is imperative for Nigerian travellers and residents in Australia due to reported cases of discrimination, harassment and verbal abuse targeted at foreigners,” the statement read.
The foreign ministry also expressed concern over incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia, which have reportedly escalated in certain regions of Australia.
“While Australia is generally known for its multiculturalism and tolerance, incidents of Islamophobia and antisemitism have occurred recently in certain areas,” the ministry noted.
The advisory referenced a December incident in the Sydney suburb of Woollahra, where a car was set ablaze, and anti-Israel graffiti was sprayed on buildings, underscoring the need for Nigerians to be mindful of cultural and social dynamics in Australia.
“To this end, extra vigilance and necessary precautions are strongly recommended,” the statement added. Nigerians who encounter or witness racist attacks or harassment were advised to report such incidents to the High Commission of Nigeria in Canberra.
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