What should I pack in a travel health kit for Nigeria?

Essential items include: antimalarials (full course), DEET insect repellent (30-50%), oral rehydration salts, paracetamol, loperamide for diarrhoea, antihistamines, plasters, antiseptic wipes, SPF 50+ sunscreen, water purification tablets, and hand sanitiser. Also pack a mosquito net if your accommodation may not provide one.

Is tap water safe to drink in Nigeria?

No. Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Nigeria. Always use sealed bottled water (check the seal is intact) or purified water. Use bottled water for brushing teeth. Trusted brands include Eva, Nestle Pure Life, and Aquafina. Avoid ice in drinks unless from a filtered source.

Do I need travel insurance for Nigeria?

Comprehensive travel insurance with emergency medical evacuation is essential for Nigeria. Medical facilities vary in quality, and serious conditions may require evacuation. Ensure your policy covers malaria treatment, has at least 1 million in medical cover, and includes a 24-hour emergency helpline.

Is street food safe in Nigeria?

Street food can be safe if you choose wisely. Select busy stalls with high turnover where food is cooked fresh. Popular safe options include suya (grilled meat), jollof rice served hot, and freshly fried puff-puff. Avoid raw salads, unpeeled fruit, and food sitting at room temperature.

What are the emergency numbers in Nigeria?

General emergency: 112. Ambulance: 767. NCDC health helpline: 080-097-000-10. UK High Commission Lagos: +234 1 277 0780. US Embassy Abuja: +234 9 461 4000.

Travel Health Checklist for Nigeria - First Aid Kit & Medicine Guide 2026

Pre-Travel (6–8 Weeks Before)

Book travel clinic or GP appointment for vaccinations

Get Yellow Fever vaccination (mandatory) — at least 10 days before travel

Get recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A, Hep B, Typhoid, Meningitis ACWY, Polio booster

Consider Rabies pre-exposure (rural areas, long stays)

Obtain antimalarial prescription (Malarone, Doxycycline, or Mefloquine)

Purchase travel insurance with medical evacuation cover

Get dental check-up (avoid emergency dental work abroad)

Obtain prescription for regular medications with doctor letter

Register with your embassy in Nigeria (FCDO for UK, STEP for US)

First Aid Kit Essentials

Prescription Medicines

Antimalarials — full course for entire trip

Standby antibiotics for travellers diarrhoea (Ciprofloxacin/Azithromycin)

EpiPen (if severe allergies)

Regular medications in original packaging with doctor letter

Hydrocortisone cream for insect bites

Antibiotic eye drops

Warning: Do not buy antimalarials in Nigeria — an estimated 30–40% of medications sold locally may be counterfeit. Bring your full supply from home.

Sun & Heat Protection

SPF 50+ sunscreen (Nigeria is near the equator)

After-sun or aloe vera gel

UV-protection sunglasses

Wide-brimmed hat or cap

Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated — 35–40°C in northern Nigeria)

Malaria Prevention Kit

DEET insect repellent (30–50%) — Jungle Formula, OFF!

Permethrin-treated mosquito net

Permethrin clothing spray

Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for evenings

Plug-in mosquito vaporiser or coils

Water & Food Safety

Water

Never drink tap water in Nigeria — always use bottled or purified water
Trusted brands: Eva, Nestle Pure Life, Aquafina (check seal is intact)
Avoid ice unless from a trusted source
Carry water purification tablets (Chlorine or Aquamira) as backup
Use bottled water for brushing teeth

Food

Eat food freshly cooked and served hot
Avoid raw salads, unpeeled fruit, and cold buffet food
Street food: choose busy stalls (suya, jollof rice, puff-puff are generally safe if fresh)
Avoid raw seafood and undercooked meat
Hand sanitiser before every meal

Water purification tablets

Hand sanitiser (60%+ alcohol, 2–3 bottles)

Antibacterial hand wipes

Heat-Related Illness Prevention

Nigeria has temperatures of 28–40°C with high humidity. Heat exhaustion is a real risk for new arrivals.

Drink at least 3–4 litres of water daily
Avoid strenuous outdoor activity between 12pm and 3pm
Wear loose, breathable clothing
Watch for: dizziness, headache, rapid pulse, nausea, confusion
Carry oral rehydration salts for dehydration
Northern Nigeria during harmattan (Dec–Feb) brings extreme dry heat and dust

Hospitals & Clinics

City	Facility	Phone	Type
Lagos	St Nicholas Hospital	+234 1 263 0910	Private
Lagos	Lagoon Hospital, Apapa	+234 1 545 3710	Private
Abuja	National Hospital Abuja	+234 9 523 3460	Public
Abuja	Nile University Hospital	+234 9 672 7900	Private
Port Harcourt	UPTH	+234 84 230 850	Public

Travel Insurance Checklist

Medical cover minimum £1,000,000 / $1,000,000

Emergency medical evacuation (essential for Nigeria)

Repatriation cover

Malaria and tropical disease cover

24-hour emergency helpline

Print policy details and emergency number

Emergency Numbers — Nigeria

General Emergency	112 / 199
Ambulance	767
Police	112
NCDC Health Helpline	080-097-000-10
UK High Commission Lagos	+234 1 277 0780
US Embassy Abuja	+234 9 461 4000

Travel Health Checklist for Nigeria — 2026