By Ononye VC
The United Kingdom has issued another piece of travel advice 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 nighttime hours.
They were also cautioned against travels to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
