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Old 23rd Sep 2007, 13:13
  #5 (permalink)  
Phone Wind
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Lost and Legless somewhere in LaLaLand
Age: 77
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Integral, where's your evidence?

Integral,

You make broad statements without any evidence. There are some elements of truth in what you say, but such broad generalisations cannot just be left unchallenged.

There are dangerous places to work. Lagos has an armed robbery problem and there are the kidnappers in the Delta, but it's mostly helicopter work in the Delta and the expats working there go to and from work in armed convoys. Unless you're unlucky or go out at night a lot in Lagos it's not too bad and there's plenty to do.

There are the well-known fraudsters but if you're just working there you're unlikely to come across one who can do you much harm (unless, of course, you're working for one!). Most of the people, although having a rather mercurial temperament, are just ordinary working folks trying to get by every day and are mostly curious about, and friendly and hospitable to, those expats who come and work here.

As has been said, the Nigerian companies such as Aero and Virgin Nigeria are as good as any in the world, have high operating standards, pay well (and on time), have good relations with their pilots and most of the local and expat staff get on well and respect each other. If you work for a wholly Nigerian company, then it's true you may end up with a worthless contract with and unscrupulous employer who bends the rules and doesn't pay you. It helps not to be naive .

Pilots from many countries are proud and the profession seems to have more than it's fair share of prima donnas (as do many others, such as the medical profession and the arts). Over here, there are good and bad, but mostly just good average guys, the same as anywhere else. I don't know where you're from, but I imagine if a couple of Nigerian pilots went to work in your country and started criticising everything, especially your standards, you'd act very proud and arrogant. So what's different here?

If you have any real allegations to make, come out and substantiate them - if not, go play someplace else.
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