Lagos, Nigeria

Rules to follow in Lagos

2 laws, restrictions, and customs in Lagos that travellers often break without knowing — and the fines or consequences that follow.

Last updated 2026-08-09

1. Do not carry large amounts of cash — use cards in formal venues

Lagos and other major Nigerian cities have elevated risk of robbery and mugging. Express kidnapping ("one-chance" buses) are a documented scam in Lagos where victims are robbed inside a minibus.

Where: Safety
Tip: Use official ride-hailing (Bolt, Uber) rather than minibuses. Keep valuables concealed. Withdraw small amounts of cash at a time from bank ATMs.

2. LGBTQ+ activity is a criminal offence

Same-sex relations are illegal in Nigeria under the 2014 Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, with up to 14 years imprisonment. In northern Sharia states, the penalties are more severe.

Where: Legal
Cost: Up to 14 years imprisonment; death in some northern states
Tip: LGBTQ+ travellers should exercise extreme caution and maintain complete discretion.

Rules to follow in Lagos

1. Do not carry large amounts of cash — use cards in formal venues

2. LGBTQ+ activity is a criminal offence

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