The Federal Government has described the recent travel advisory issued by the United States, which authorised the departure of non-essential embassy staff and their families from Abuja, as a routine precaution that does not reflect Nigeria’s overall security situation.
The position was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and signed by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris.
The statement noted that the government views the advisory issued by the United States on Wednesday as part of standard diplomatic security procedures, rather than an indication of a nationwide security breakdown.
According to the statement, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the decision by the United States was guided by its internal protocols.
“The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the U.S. decision as a routine precaution guided by internal protocols, noting that it does not reflect the overall security situation across Nigeria,” the statement read.
Speaking through the ministry statement, Idris added that while there were “isolated security challenges in some areas,” Nigeria does not face a general collapse of law and order.
“While we acknowledge isolated security challenges in some areas, there is no general breakdown of law and order, and the vast majority of the country remains stable,” he said.
He also stated that ongoing security operations have led to disruptions of criminal networks and improved safety in several communities across the country.
“Our security agencies remain actively engaged in protecting lives and property, and the results of these efforts are increasingly evident,” the minister added.
The Federal Government also stressed that Nigeria remains open to business, investment, and international travel, insisting that economic reforms are strengthening investor confidence and the country’s global outlook.
It urged international partners to ensure balanced reporting and continued engagement with Nigerian authorities for accurate assessments of the security situation.
“We encourage our international partners to continuously engage with Nigerian authorities to obtain a more comprehensive and current understanding of the situation on the ground,” Idris said.
The statement reaffirmed government commitment to improving national security and ensuring that Nigeria remains safe for citizens, residents, and foreign visitors.
The United States, in its advisory issued on Wednesday, said the decision to authorise the departure of non-essential embassy staff and their families from Abuja was based on worsening security concerns.
It warned of risks including terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, and civil unrest, maintaining Nigeria at a Level 3 travel advisory (“reconsider travel”) while placing some regions under Level 4 (“do not travel”).
The advisory also highlighted challenges such as frequent kidnappings for ransom, threats from armed groups including Boko Haram, and instability in parts of the Niger Delta and South-East.
It further noted limited access to healthcare in some areas and constraints on U.S. government assistance in high-risk locations.
The development comes amid broader security concerns previously flagged in earlier U.S. travel and visa restrictions affecting certain categories of Nigerian travellers.
