The Nigerian government has issued a travel advisory for citizens planning trips to the United Kingdom due to recent unrest in the country.
The alert, released by the spokesperson for the Minister of Interior, Eche Abu-Obe, urges Nigerian travelers to exercise heightened caution.
The advisory recommends that Nigerians avoid political demonstrations, protests, rallies, and large gatherings while in the UK.
Travelers are also advised to steer clear of crowded areas to reduce the risk of encountering potential violence and disorder linked to the ongoing riots.
The advisory reads: “There is an increased risk of violence and disorder occasioned by the recent riots in the UK, stemming from the killing of 3 young girls at a concert. The violence has assumed dangerous proportions as evidenced by reported attacks on Law enforcement agents and damage to infrastructure.
“To this end, citizens are advised to be extra vigilant and take measures as follows:
“Avoid political processions and protests, rallies or marches. Avoid crowded areas and large gatherings. Be vigilant and self aware at all times.
“Contact the High Commission with a view to passing information that could be of interest via e-mail and hc@nigeriahc.org.uk, +442078391244. telephone”
Providing context, the Nigerian government noted that recent demonstrations by far-right and other non-parliamentary groups in various parts of the UK have been notably large and, in some cases, chaotic.
“These disturbances have only been aggravated by the unfortunate deaths of the 3 girls and it has spawned an anti-immigration narrative, with particular emphasis on Muslim immigrants or persons of colour being targeted.
“This advisory remains under review,” it said.
UK Delays Increase in Family Visa Income Threshold
In related news, UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has announced a postponement of the planned increase in the family visa income requirement.
The proposal, which would have raised the threshold from £29,000 to £38,700 (about ₦80 million), was originally scheduled to take effect in 2025.
This policy, introduced earlier this year by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, aimed to address high levels of immigration. However, the new government has decided to delay the increase until a thorough review by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) is completed.
During this review period, the existing income threshold of £29,000 will remain in place. Cooper has confirmed that no further changes will be made to the policy until the independent review is concluded.
The MAC has been tasked with assessing the effects of restricting migrant workers from bringing family members to the UK and the impact of raising the income requirement.
