What actually happens to travelers here.
Verify requirements at your destination's embassy. Vaccination must be administered 10+ days before travel and is documented on a yellow International Certificate of Vaccination.
Routine care is available in major cities; complex trauma, cardiac, or surgery typically requires air evacuation to a regional hub. Travel insurance with $250K+ evacuation coverage is essential.
The system.
System: Mixed public-private system. Public healthcare is underfunded. Private hospitals in Lagos and Abuja offer better care. Rural healthcare is very limited.
Quality: ★★☆☆☆ Limited
Private hospitals in Lagos and Abuja offer reasonable care. Public hospitals are overcrowded and under-resourced. For serious medical emergencies, evacuation to South Africa, Europe, or the US may be necessary. Bring all medications you may need.
Nigeria is not a medical tourism destination. Many Nigerians travel to India, South Africa, or the UK for specialized medical treatment.
Where to actually go.
Leading private hospital in Lagos. Modern facilities. International standard care.
Major private hospital near business and tourist areas. 24/7 emergency.
Nigeria's national referral hospital. Located in the capital.
Finding what you need.
Access: Moderate
Hours: Pharmacies in cities open 8am-9pm. Limited options outside major cities. Be cautious of counterfeit medications from unregistered vendors.
Prescription rules: Prescription enforcement is inconsistent. Many medications available without prescription. However, drug quality is a concern — buy from reputable pharmacies only.
Buy medications only from registered pharmacies (look for Pharmacists Council of Nigeria registration). Counterfeit medications are a serious problem in Nigeria. Major pharmacy chains include HealthPlus and MedPlus. Bring essential medications from home.
Available over the counter
- paracetamol
- ibuprofen
- antimalarials (Coartem/ACT)
- oral rehydration salts
- antihistamines
- insect repellent
- anti-diarrheals
Useful pharmacy phrases
- Mo nilo oogun fun ori fifo
- Mo nilo dokita
- Nibo ni ile itaja oogun ti o sunmo ju?
- Mo nilo oogun iba
Chains you'll see
- HealthPlus Pharmacy — Green HealthPlus signage (Lagos, Abuja, and major cities)
- MedPlus Pharmacy — Red MedPlus signage (Lagos and Abuja)
Common OTC medications by local brand
- paracetamol/acetaminophen → Panadol
Panadol dominates throughout English-speaking Africa. - ibuprofen → Brufen or Nurofen
Available at urban pharmacies. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) → Imodium
Bring your own — quality varies and stock can be inconsistent in rural areas.
What you can't bring in.
Carry a doctor's letter listing all medications with generic names. Keep medications in original packaging. Bring sufficient supply for your entire trip — availability is unreliable. Be aware of counterfeit medication risks.
Deep-dive guides for this country's restrictions: Codeine · CBD · Tramadol
Illegal. Penalties include imprisonment.
Banned since 2018 due to abuse epidemic. Not available in Nigeria.
High-dose tramadol banned. Low-dose available by prescription.
Carry documentation for psychiatric medications.
If something breaks.
Availability: Dental care available in Lagos and Abuja. Quality varies significantly.
Cost range: NGN 10,000-50,000 ($6-30) for consultation; NGN 20,000-150,000 ($12-90) for procedures
Private dental clinics in Lagos offer decent care. Verify credentials and sterilization practices.
What you actually need.
🛡️ Recommended
Average cost: $35-70/week
Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is ESSENTIAL. Serious medical cases often require evacuation to South Africa or Europe. Ensure your policy covers malaria treatment and emergency air evacuation ($50,000+). Some insurers charge higher premiums for Nigeria.
Filing a claim
Hospitals require upfront payment (cash or card). Keep all receipts. Private hospitals can provide English documentation. Medical evacuation insurance is critical — verify your policy covers Nigeria specifically.
What it costs out of pocket.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (private) | $5-20 |
| ER visit | $20-80 |
| Overnight hospital stay | $30-120 |
| Ambulance | $10-50 |
Estimated typical out-of-pocket costs at private or international facilities. Public-system rates can be much lower (or free for residents). Actual costs vary by city, facility, and exchange rate.
When local won't cut it.
Primary destination: Johannesburg
Secondary destination: Paris or Casablanca
Typical cost band: $50,000-150,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS
Medical evacuation insurance is essential for serious cases. West Africa lacks a strong regional hub. Most serious cases evacuate to Johannesburg, Paris, or Casablanca. Actual costs depend on distance, aircraft type, and whether ICU-level care is required in transit.
What to get done before you fly.
Required
- Yellow Fever (required for all travelers — must have valid certificate)
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Meningococcal meningitis (especially during dry season in the north)
- Cholera
- Rabies (for extended or rural travel)
- Malaria prophylaxis (essential — Nigeria has the highest malaria burden globally)
- Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP, Polio)
Yellow Fever vaccination is REQUIRED for all travelers. Malaria is endemic throughout Nigeria — prophylaxis is strongly recommended. Nigeria carries the world's highest malaria burden. Lassa fever occurs in rural areas.
The Bali belly prevention guide.
Tap water: Bottled-Only — Tap water is NOT safe to drink anywhere in Nigeria. Use only bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing teeth. Avoid ice in drinks. Sachet water ('pure water') from reputable brands is widely available and affordable.
Food safety
Eat at established restaurants. Avoid raw vegetables and salads outside of international hotels. Thoroughly cooked street food (suya, jollof rice) from busy vendors is generally safer. Peel all fruits yourself. Use hand sanitizer frequently.
In crisis abroad.
English-speaking therapists: Available in Lagos and Abuja. English is the official language.
Mental health services are limited but growing. Stigma around mental health remains. Private therapists available in Lagos.
International crisis support: findahelpline.com — crisis lines in 130+ countries.
Getting around with mobility needs.
Accessibility is very limited throughout Nigeria. Infrastructure is challenging for wheelchair users.
Hospital accessibility: Private hospitals in Lagos have some accessibility features. Most facilities lack proper access.
Accessible transport: No accessible public transport. Private cars with drivers are the best option.
Lagos traffic can be extreme — plan medical appointments with significant travel time. Many buildings lack elevators and ramps. International hotels are more accessible.
Entry rules + local status.
Entry requirements: No COVID testing or vaccination requirements.
Mask policy: No mask mandates.
Testing availability: Available at private hospitals and NCDC labs.
Malaria, typhoid, and waterborne diseases are far more common health concerns for travelers.