Africa Flying

[jafo20]

I'm gonna be going on a 1 year deployment to Nigeria soon. Anybody, especially those of you who have worked expat jobs, have advice? Thanks in advance.

 

[Jolly]

Don't go! Lagos is a cesspool and there are real security issues.

 

[30West]

Some sage advice: If you can find a better job someplace else, take it.
Nigeria is crooked. Carry cash. Do not use your own credit card for anything.
Don't drive after dark, Always verify who your driver is before you get into the van to the airport. Insist on operable door locks, watch them and make sure they do.
If staying at a hotel, a common scam is to get a call from an airport "representative" telling you that your report time or van time has changed. Usually comes early in the morning. When checking out of a hotel or paying your tab, count your change.
Take the old adage "Trust but verify", change it to "Question everything, and verify twice" and you'll be fine.

When flying, keep your eyes peeled and check the TCAS often. Aviation in Nigeria seems to be rapidly outgrowing it's infrastructure.
I am using Lagos as an example. More than 3 on the freq and the controllers can rapidly lose control of the airspace. Particularly Lagos Radar 124.7.

On the other hand, it beats the same old domestic milk run day after day. Good luck!

 

[moonlight]

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[JohnnyP]

....

Bottled water.

And 30West's advice about the checking the TCAS is good. Those Russians can appear out of nowhere. Ive never been to Nigeria, but good luck, im sure youll get some stories.

 

[jafo20]

Very cool. Thanks for the advice all. Especially about the scams that are pulled with representatives of the airport, etc.

I was reading some of the state dept. reports on crime in Abuja. Anyone have advice on how/who to go to get decent security for your residence? Looks like home invasions are a big thing in Abuja and Lagos.

Are USD the best currency to carry around, or should a guy have some Euros, Pounds, and Naira stashed as well?

Thanks again for the help.

 

[jafo20]

How far do tips (bribes) get you with airport officials? How much money should a guy expect to tip out on a typical day? Thanks again for the help.

 

[mccube5]

Jafo20, if you don't mind me asking what exactly are you gonna be doing in Africa? Who will you be working for and what is your background that Africa was where your career brought you?

 

[Speedbird34]

Hey it is not that bad!

Nigeria has it problems but is fine really for an expat. Lots of Americans, Australians and British flying and working out there. Money is quite good. You have Virgin Nigeria, Aero Contractors and Arik air operating anything from CRJ 900, 737-300, Airbus 320,340 to dash 8. Lots of helicopter operators flying some of the most advance chopper fleets in the world.
Nigeria is Africa largest producer of crude oil and you have bueatiful hotels like the Meridian Port harcourt to stay at. You will enjoy life as an expat. If you are single some really bueatiful girls out there for the open minded. lots of white dudes married to local women. Stay away from hookers you have a pretty good chance with educated extremely well raised and educated ladies with excellent careers.
The money to carry around with you is the Naira. The local currency. Open a foreign account or dollar account and keep some dollars there. The rest of your cash send back to the USA. Do not keep cash at home in large amounts. out there you have servants who do every thing for you from washing your clothes, ironing them, serving your meals etc. Get ready to be treated like a mini god, a colonial master and expereince what the British enjoyed and still enjoy in Africa. Be careful with were you hang out. make freinds locally with the locals and a huge expat group to show you the way. It is not that bad rarely is a whiteman killed by robbers. Africa still adores the white man, You may get poor people beg you for money but with your income in nigeria you are amoung the rich. Have fun and build excellent flight time and then return home to American and watch yourself shine. You will be very marketable when you return with all that jet time.
God luck and go to church when out there. God bless and enjoy Africa it is truely bueatiful inspite of the negatives.

 

[Publishers]

It really is a matter of attitude and education.