Lagos, Nigeria
 

Hello all, I'm considering a Hawker 800XP job in Lagos and was wondering what to expect, Pros and Cons, any information would be greatful.

Well... Lagos is a very large city, with significant disparities between the very wealthy and the very poor. So, living there could, perhaps, be compared to living in rougher area of - for example - Detroit or Los Angeles.

Lagos does not compare to Detroit or Las Angeles. It is worse.
Before you even go there make sure that you have a solid contract. Do not accept "accommodation provided" There are only a few good hotels in the area that you will most likely be based in. The main airport is North of Lagos city. You will most likely be in Ikeja or the GRA. IF you are in that area make sure you are staying in the Sheraton or the Proteia Hotel. Do not accept any other hotels. There are guest houses as well. They might try to put you in to a guest house or compound which may seem good at first, but then you have to consider the food, recreation (pool, gym, etc.). Make sure this is clear in the contract. There have been many people who arrive only to find out that the champagne and caviar welcome is gone. Payment is another issue. They should be paying in US or Euro dollars. Some companies try to pay in the local currency. If it is a rotation make sure they provide tickets. Tickets can be very expensive depending on where you live.

I would rather live in Lagos rather than soulless, bland, and depressing Detroit thank you vey much. At least Lagos has all the energy, adventure, and discovery a smart and open-minded expat could ask for.

And yes, Los Angeles is very hard to resist. But Lagos is the experience of a lifetime, especially that you'll be visiting other interesting cities around Lagos which are treasures of culture and beauty in their own rights (Accra, Calabar, Sao Tome, etc).

I guess it is time for the old saying:

Happiness is v1 at Lagos

Thanks for the information!:ok:

This should give you a vague idea
 

Rani, treasures of culture and beauty.
 

Steady in the ranks, how on earth would tourists visit Sao Tome ?
( or indeed Principe)

A tourist`s lifespan in Lagos would be about 40 minutes after dark. As you well know.

Unless there has been a massive change in the recipients of dash you are misleading people.
l look forward to your correction.

Best wishes, Non lron.

When was the last time you were in Lagos ?

Very pertinent question, don't you think?

Lagos and Nigeria have changed a lot since 1999.

A lot less Molue on the streets, more order in general, and common sense rules as always in expat movement around the city...

Visa for Sao Tome -> Expats are getting these with no problem.

And when did you last see a tourist ?

Never at a guess.

l noticed that you changed your location from Lagos to Whitehaven Beach, may l ask where that is ?

You are absolutely right by asking when l was last there but it was in `97, thankyou for the benefit of doubt.

ps; the cities you mentioned are not actually in Nigeria.

No Scare mongering
 

There are possibly more expats in Nigeria than the whole of West Africa combined. There are problems like any other large city but it is NOT a no-go area, you will have a good time - surprise yourself

ibc870,

Let's cut thru the BS. You are going to lagos for a job, not a lifestyle. You will most likely get a rotation, so falling in love with the city is not a priority.
You have a flying job, not a desk job. You will be well compensated for coming down there to work.
What else do you need? Do your job, on your time off go else where and look for a lifestyle.
Focus my friend, focus

Well put NDB17.... Well put.....:D

Lagos and Nigeria have changed a lot since 1999.

A lot less Molue on the streets, more order in general, and common sense rules as always in expat movement around the city...


You have to be kidding me Rani. Lets see.. 3 weeks ago we had to bribe a cop, before that our guard using his AK-47 stopped a guy from stabbing our driver, before that a drunk cop tried to extort money from us, before that crew bus in the middle of a gun fight, before that crew bus in the middle of a bank robbery.... and you say it has improved. Don't mislead the guy that is asking for the truth.

Lagos is interesting and there are things to see there, but dont fool yourself, it is not a safe city. After dark it is dangerous. Even Nigerians have told me they don't trust anyone... What does that tell you. If you go, you have to be aware as to what is going on around you. I am not sure where you are from, but it is not a walk in the park. If you are lucky and you are given a house on Victoria Island, then yes you are going to be closer to having a good time. The fact is that you are being offered a job on a jet. The airport is in Ikeja. You will be based near the airport because you will not be able to get to the airport in time if you are based anywhere farther than Ikeja. There is NO common sense rules in the streets.. It is one big chaotic mess of cars,taxis, and okadas...


NDB17 is correct - just make sure you hammer out your contract before you go

Thanks for all the points of view. I'll have my contract tomorrow and I'll share some details that stick out odd if any. Thanks.

I have a cab driver here who uses his Toyota car in the daylight, and Mercedes at night... 'cuz nobody wants to steal the Mercedes !!! They would take the Toyota, of course.

The rep for Boeing, here in Ikeja, was enjoying dinner at a popular expat restaurant when police officers came in to rob the place. He took a blow to the face, and still has the scar.

Lots of stories, and it is both fun and sad. So much potential. So much corruption. If you're adventurous, you'll be OK.

Are you coming to Arik to fly the 800xp? Or some other operator? I also know a pilot on the Hawker in Abuja who might be a good source of info.

Ok my contract came in today. I was wrong about lagos, that's where the company main office is. I'll be based in Abuja at the Nhamdi Azikiwe International airport. Sounds alot better...

Abuja is better, but it is still Africa and will be a real eye opener. Operations down there are interesting as well

But in these times......we can't be to picky

l wish l could be more optimistic for you but Abuja - the seat of government of course - and Lagos differ in only two things.

Relative humidity and the size of bribe.

Sense of adventure is vital, as others have said, but a sense of humour is paramount.

Good luck to you, enjoy and for f...flipping `ecks sake take care !

Ps, Westcoaster, l remember getting very friendly with a Russian lady.. polite cough .. in the Aero contractors bar ( is that still there l wonder ?) and even arranged for the waiting driver to expect an addition to the departing complement when she asked for our destination.
lkeja.
All hell broke loose, l was obviously a resident in an asylum.
Your mention made me smile. :)

Do you know where you have to stay? (hilton, sheraton, compound??)

I've been a couple of times in Abuja. Personally i could not live there. High humidity and temperatures. Abuja is safer than lagos, but you have to put this in perspective of course, it is still Africa!!!

Can you commute or do you have to stay there all the time?? And do you think the pay is ok??

Good luck and make sure you don't get raped in the hotels. :ok: