TukTuk,
You're right to ignore advice to stay away - as with anything, your life can be as good or as bad as you make it and if you have a positive attitude you'll have a good time in Nigeria.
All of Bristow operating bases have a reasonable standard of security, and the release of the Ijaw leader Mujahid Dokubo-Asari yesterday may be the start of a gradual downscaling of the violence in the delta region. You'll soon see what you need to take out for your personal comfort once you've done your first tour. It's a good idea to take out some money (maybe $600) for things like cigarettes (if you smoke), beer and a sim card for your mobile phone. If you have the kind of mobile which doesn't use sim cards, you'll find there are plenty available at good prices locally. If you have a laptop it's a good idea to take it as all bases have internet access (but only at dial-up speeds). An MP3 player is also a good way to pass the time on your journey to work, depending on the base you'll get to. Paperbacks are a good idea, but there are plenty available in the Bristow compound in Lagos. Again, depending on the base you go to, you'll find sporting facilities from swimming pool, squash courts, tennis and multi gyms.
On arrival at the international airport you'll find immigration and customs are not bad these days, though you may well have a long wait for your bags in the baggage hall, where the aircon rarely works at anything more than feeble! If you need a trollet for your cases, you get a voucher (US$1) on the right just after immigration control. Don't respond to any offers of help before you've past through customs. There should be a driver to meet you in the throng of people outside and he'll be wearing a yellow vest with a Bristow logo on it. If in any doubt, ask to see his ID. If he asks for money he's not Bristow! He'll take you to the Bristow compound. If you want to get some money to tide you over your first few days, there are plenty of touts on the way to the car-park. Don't change too much money at first as it's always easy to get money changed. You should get around 125-130 Naira to the US$.
Let us know how you get on when you arrive
