Abuja Nigeria looking for info: living and operating
 

Have you experience in or around there?

I was asked to take a 6-12 mos contract to fly a CL for a "part91" operation. It is via a Canadian management Co.

I'm not able to get a handle on the real cost of living as far as expenses for food, and misc stuff. I have housing provided, and a car...

Is one able to drive back and forth from airport at night OK? (security)

I don't live in Abuja but do stay there on nightstops.

It is in my view one of the better areas of Nigeria to live in.

I would not be too happy about driving myself to and from the airport from the city at night. Better if you have a driver so at least there are two of you.

Make sure your accommodation has good security.

Food etc is relatively cheap unless visiting large hotels. Same for beer!!

In terms of general security you will be aware I am sure that there are on going issues all over the country. Like any country you can never be absolutely sure you will be safe, but in Nigeria the incidences of kidnapping and worse are an issue. I rarely go out on my own after sundown in any part of Nigeria. However to add some perspective to that statement there are parts of New York City, London and Paris etc where I would not visit on my own at night.

I used to nightstop in Maiduguri and Yola (Northeast Nigeria) but decided to refuse these duties as a result of the on going violence in these places. The company I fly for has now pulled all nightstops for crew from these places

The violence is not restricted to these places but has included many other places including Jos, Kano, Kaduna and Abuja. The North East does seem mainly to be 'where it is at' as they say. Try and find out if you will be required to stay in the North eastern cities - if you are I would not take the contract.

Do a google search on Boko Haram in Nigeria for more info.

Most people in Nigeria are fine and relatively trustworthy in my experience. The main problems stem from poverty and extreme inequality throughout the country. As a foreigner you are often perceived to be wealthy so may be seen as a good target for robbery or worse by a small minority of folk. If you are a 'white' foreigner then you may automatically be assumed to be a 'Christian' by a certain minority young men up in the North East of the country - this could make you a 'legitimate' target according to their doctrine, and your goose could be well and truly cooked.

Be aware of the risks and act accordingly. If you do decide to go, then go with an open mind and don't believe all the negative 'hype' you read about the country and its people. I was quite concerned before I came out here some years ago but have found I have been pleasantly surprised in many instances.

I hope this is of help.

Very good info. I'll nail down from the contract folks what their take is on security.

Well said exeng, a very objective point of view. :ok: :ok:

Yes - Exeng makes good points.

Nigeria is a very divided society - the wealthy and powerful Nigerians are staggeringly venal and corrupt - in between there is a tiny Nigerian middle class who are trying to make a decent and honourable living for their family, pay for decent education for their children, as most westerners do - but underneath there is a huge Nigerian underclass who are also a decent and very religious people (whether Christian or Muslim) but who are seething at the continual indignities imposed upon them by the powerful Nigerians.

If you treat the average Nigerian with the dignity and respect that every human deserves - they will be humbled and deeply grateful and respectful - unfortunately most are not treated that way by their own countrymen.

There will be a "Nigerian Spring" in the next few years unless there is some sort of rapid reform.

But don't worry if you are coming to Abuja - PM me if you like..

HI, Thanks for the info.

I hear what your saying about the"spring time" coming. I lived though the Zaire Congo conflict, I lived through the Rwanda ordeal. That started by blowing up their presidents KA200, Then systematic killing of all opposition people and their support people, . . .and i mean all, including expats. So interesting comment. I had forgotten how ruthlessly cruel Africans can be to anyone. I'll have to think about that situation.

Abuja !!
 

Scott

Do a search on ACASS ! you will be surprised how many have had issues with them. I would be looking elsewhere as they are the worst of the worst !

Thanks for the comments and opinions.

Exeng do you know anything about a company called Prime Air Services based in Abuja. I ve been offered a job to fly as F/O in a Legacy Jet and I have to make up my mind.

Prime Air Services leases Learjets from a German company. They have european crews flying those aircrafts around. If they are that bad, i'm sure the germans who have withdrawn their aircrafts. The Legacy is a managed aircraft, they are crewing on behalf of the owners.
If you're interested in a job, go for it. If you're more into the "lifestyle" thingy, nigeria is not for you. You will be paid, given a rotation and accomodated while there. On your off time, your can fulfill your lifestyle desires. Arik Air is a local company that employs expats from all over, some there upward of 5yrs. I'm sure they have other choices, but have made nigeria work for them.
The ball is in your court. Making your decisions based on unknown folks advice off the internet, well, is your choice. Go, look and determine what you can make of it.

Pretty much that is what I am thinking about and agree totally with you. Future will tell us if I made the right decision.
Thanks a lot