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Gay people in nigeria

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Increased awareness and support, both locally and internationally, could lead to advocacy, lobbying, and educational efforts aiming to reduce discrimination and create a safer environment for all.

While there’s a sense of cautious optimism for the future of LGBT rights in Nigeria, travelers should always be mindful of potential dangers.

Lastly, the Act prohibits public display of same-sex amorous relationships.

State Level (Sharia Penal Codes)

Penal Codes differ depending on the state in Nigeria. Chapter 21 is entitled Offenses against morality and contains Section 214, Unnatural Offences. "LGBTQI individuals are often perceived as easy targets for extortion and harassment by the police, (and most) don't really know their rights and the contents of the SSMPA law, so these corrupt officers exploit that ignorance," Peter said.

If possible, connect with local LGBT organizations to get accurate, up-to-date information and support while you are in Nigeria.

To protect yourself, avoid engaging in overt displays of affection, and be cautious when discussing your sexuality or relationship status with locals. A lack of civil-rights protections makes LGBTQ+ people vulnerable to human rights violations by some police officers, as well as members of the public, rights groups say.

Before undertaking any travel, consult current sources and gather advice on the situation in Nigeria to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

History of LGBT Rights In Nigeria

LGBT rights in Nigeria have long been a contentious issue, with the general public historically objecting to homosexuality and transgender identities.

According to the US Department of State, same-sex married couples are explicitly not allowed to adopt children in Nigeria. The legal frameworks in Nigeria only reference the “female” and “male” gender binary excluding any rights or protections for intersex or transgender individuals.

In April 2022, the House of Representatives reportedly considered a bill criminalising crossdressing with up to six months’ imprisonment or a fine of N500,000 (approx.

According to Adoptive Families, single people may adopt a child of the same sex. Regarding same-sex adoption, they say that it is not expressly prohibited, but it is not clear where the government stands.

Serving openly in military in Nigeria

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Serving openly in military in Nigeria is illegal.

Current status

Blood donations by MSMs in Nigeria

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Blood donations by MSMs in Nigeria is banned (5-year deferral).

Banned (5-year deferral)federal law
Nigeria's National Blood Service Agency requires blood donors to lead a "sexually safe lifestyle.” In the donor form, it clarifies that you can’t have had "male to male sex" in the past five years.

Conversion therapy in Nigeria

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Conversion therapy in Nigeria is not banned.

LGBT Rights by State

View the LGBT laws in each individual state of Nigeria.

Cecilia Miller( LGBTQ+ Rights Advocate And Activist )

Cecilia Miller is a lesbian love warrior and educator fighting for queer justice and ensuring every shade of the rainbow shines bright & bold!

LGBT rights in Nigeria are significantly limited due to the nation’s prevailing laws and cultural norms.

Despite recent progress in LGBT rights within Africa, Nigeria continues to lag behind in providing protections or equal opportunities as a result of its legislation. Always seek current advice before traveling, and remember that there are bad actors in every country, so stay vigilant and prioritize your safety above all.

GayPride

A rights group found more than 200 cases of police abuse of LGBTQ+ people in 2024 in a country that criminalises same-sex relations.

Nigeria passed law banning gay marriage in 2014 Law has created climate of hostility for LGBTQ+ people, activists say LGBTQ+ people say they can be harassed for looking gay.

A United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime survey from 2019 found that police officers account for more than a third of all bribes paid in Nigeria. "I can't remember any month (when) we are not dealing with reports of police harassment and extortion in our organisation. Rights defenders say the law has encouraged widespread homophobic abuse and intimidation.

gay people in nigeria

Decade-old law
The Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act (SSMPA) of 2014 includes prison sentences of up to 14 years for public displays of same-sex relationships and a ban on LGBTQ+ organisations. Society hates you, and the police exploit that hate." Okafor's ordeal is hardly an isolated incident, according to the Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERS), which advocates for marginalised communities in Nigeria.

The Section reads "Any person who – (a) has carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature; or (c) permits a male person to have carnal knowledge of him or her against the order of nature; is guilty of a felony, and is liable to imprisonment for fourteen years."

In Northern Nigeria, the laws and punishments regarding homosexuality are different.

"We do thorough investigations, and some Nigerians have attested to (abuses and) have gotten justice after they submitted their case to us."

People are at risk simply for behaving or dressing in a certain way that suggests they could be LGBTQ+, said Moses Peter, programmes coordinator at the Community Health Initiative for Youths in Nigeria, a rights group.