Sage Advice
Firstly, welcome to Nigerian Aviation. It is such a sad shame all of the misinformation you have been receiving from devious expatriates. They are clearly insecure and do not wish to face even steeper competition for jobs in the Shangri-La of aviation.
Might I suggest a humble good faith offering to the employer for the job your are competing for? Maybe send them the equivalent of three months salary to show your commitment?
For what it is worth, here are the facts:
1. All salaries are paid, in advance, on or before the first of every month.
2. Whomever your operator is, they have an unblemished record of honesty and virtue. Of course they will pay your salary!
3. Nigerian aviation is the yardstick by which all other aviation communities of the world measure. EASA, FAA etc. all have done extensive case studies on Nigerian airspace, navigation, communications and airports in order to improve their systems. If you enjoy a smooth, safe flight with quality ATC in the USA, thank a Nigerian.
4. Radio communication is not lacking. Everyone is just so friendly and social in Nigeria that they like to talk at the same time. It's nothing personal!
5. Kano control (which most times should be called Ethiopian Control), has crystal clear sound quality. Anyone who complains clearly has poorly maintained radios in their aircraft. You will read them 5 X 5 24/7
6. Grooved runways are a silly throwback to a time before anti-skid and grooved tires. As a matter of fact, the runways are so good, you'll never even hear tower say "Caution standing water on runway."
7. Only sissies are afraid of thunderstorms. Nigeria's proximity to the equator only guarantees a daily opportunity to wear your big boy pants to work. Go for the magenta! Channel your inner Chuck Norris.
8. Insist on being paid in Naira. Take it all home with you in cash. That way you'll be ahead of the game in 2013 when the IMF declares Nigerian Naira as the new world standard for currency. If not, it's VERY easy to exchange elsewhere.
9. Enjoy the delightful lack of accountability for every day occurrences. Just know that (insert your god here) will provide.
10. TCAS...schmeecas
11. Never wear Deet, keep your windows open at night, don't bother with aircon and embrace the nightly symphony of mosquitoes buzzing in your ears. It's magical. 10-14 days later, you'll be reliving it during the malarial hallucinations. I like to think of Malaria as Nigeria's gift that keeps on giving.
What else can I say but "Welcome to The Centre of Excellence!"
.