Is it safe to withdraw cash in Nigeria or not?
Most ATMs I came across - Zenith Bank, Access Bank - were reliable but rarely had security at night. I withdrew cash only during the day. Foreign cards work fine, but safety protocols matter more here than ATM functionality.
In Port Harcourt, I skipped ATM use at night entirely. A friend helped me locate a secure bank lobby with an ATM earlier in the day. The city gets quiet after dark, and petty theft is a real concern.
Tried to use an ATM in Abuja after dinner, but it had a long line and poor lighting. Locals said to avoid late withdrawals unless it’s at a guarded location. The machines work, but you need to be situationally aware.
In Lagos, I used a GTBank ATM in Victoria Island around 9 PM. The machine worked, and the area was still active. ATM safety at night in Nigeria really depends on location - VI and Lekki feel secure, but many areas are best avoided after dark.