What's New In W. Africa (Nigeria)
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Our Management Philosophy Justified
Recent posts on this forum have most suitably highlighted the benefits of working for our global organisation and proved that our 'less is more' approach to training is working. So what if a helicopter went a few paltry miles past its destination. You can't expect everyone to know everything, which is why we're so keen on our revolutionary 'distance and bearing' method of line training. This saves money on maps or redundant things like local knowledge, so passé in this modern high-tech age of which we're proud to be pioneers. The crew have all been given Global Safety Awards in compliance with our total no-blame culture. All local managers have also been awarded bonuses to reward their persistence in refusing to waste money on needless line training.
Some pilots have wondered at recent decisions concerning promotions in Nigeria, but this is fully in accordance with our Canadian ethic of equality for all. In our company there's no such thing as a copilot and by the end of the year all pilots in Nigeria will be captains irregardless of ability, seniority or ability to pass a check ride. Everybody knows that a check ride puts far too much strain on an individual and is a total false situation. In accordance with this, all check and training captains in future will be drawn only from those who have proven themselves incapable of passing a sim check, factory conversion or company check ride. Canadian - truly the way of the future with an equal opportunity employer.
Some pilots have wondered at recent decisions concerning promotions in Nigeria, but this is fully in accordance with our Canadian ethic of equality for all. In our company there's no such thing as a copilot and by the end of the year all pilots in Nigeria will be captains irregardless of ability, seniority or ability to pass a check ride. Everybody knows that a check ride puts far too much strain on an individual and is a total false situation. In accordance with this, all check and training captains in future will be drawn only from those who have proven themselves incapable of passing a sim check, factory conversion or company check ride. Canadian - truly the way of the future with an equal opportunity employer.
Join Date: Feb 2004
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Nigeria Trying to Hide the Truth
It's apparent that any Pruners in Nigeria had better be careful if they're snapping away with their digital cameras out there in the Delta. The Nigerian State Security Service (SSS) in a thinly disguised attempt to stop foreigners depicting Nigeria in its true state and show only the rosy version of life in this corrupt, dump which passes for a nation 
Now a 60 year-old American, Judith Asuni, who runs a non-governmental organisation called Academic Associates Peace Works which promotes understanding, conflict management, transparency and sustainable development in the Niger Delta, has been charged with breaching the Official Secrets Act for helping the German film makers and allegedly advising them to lie to the Nigerian embassy in Germany to get visas. She has been refused bail by the courts. After the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta has trumpeted its release of a Briton who was held hostage, telling everyone he was being held in inhumane conditions, it is interesting to note that Judith Asuni has been held in solitary confinement for 8 days, denied medical treatment for 15 hours after suffering a severe electric shock and denied access to her lawyer. The two Germans who were arrested have been charged with having acted "for a purpose prejudicial to Nigerian security" which prosecutors have not explained. The two Germans are also facing five criminal charges for filming and photographing at "protected places" in the Niger Delta and making false declarations to get visas. They pleaded not guilty. They have been granted bail on condition that they provide guarantees that they will return to face trial, signed by German embassy officials who do not have diplomatic immunity.
This is a nasty and sinister turn of events in a country which now claims to be a democracy under a new President who claims to be championing a new spirit in Nigerian politics fighting against corruption and the old ways. This harks back to the dark days of the Babahgida regime where poeple disappeared, were arrested without charges and prominent journalists like Ken Saro-Wiwa were murdered by the state.
Anyone who thinks that Nigeria is now improving under this regime which has come to power after elections widely condemned by most as totally corrupt and illegal, think again. Think twice before criticising any of the crap you see on a daily basis out here - except when you leave, then make sure you know the whole world knows about it
Now a 60 year-old American, Judith Asuni, who runs a non-governmental organisation called Academic Associates Peace Works which promotes understanding, conflict management, transparency and sustainable development in the Niger Delta, has been charged with breaching the Official Secrets Act for helping the German film makers and allegedly advising them to lie to the Nigerian embassy in Germany to get visas. She has been refused bail by the courts. After the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta has trumpeted its release of a Briton who was held hostage, telling everyone he was being held in inhumane conditions, it is interesting to note that Judith Asuni has been held in solitary confinement for 8 days, denied medical treatment for 15 hours after suffering a severe electric shock and denied access to her lawyer. The two Germans who were arrested have been charged with having acted "for a purpose prejudicial to Nigerian security" which prosecutors have not explained. The two Germans are also facing five criminal charges for filming and photographing at "protected places" in the Niger Delta and making false declarations to get visas. They pleaded not guilty. They have been granted bail on condition that they provide guarantees that they will return to face trial, signed by German embassy officials who do not have diplomatic immunity. This is a nasty and sinister turn of events in a country which now claims to be a democracy under a new President who claims to be championing a new spirit in Nigerian politics fighting against corruption and the old ways. This harks back to the dark days of the Babahgida regime where poeple disappeared, were arrested without charges and prominent journalists like Ken Saro-Wiwa were murdered by the state.
Anyone who thinks that Nigeria is now improving under this regime which has come to power after elections widely condemned by most as totally corrupt and illegal, think again. Think twice before criticising any of the crap you see on a daily basis out here - except when you leave, then make sure you know the whole world knows about it
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Nigerian Politics.
This situation - AND a new regime of Nigerian Tourist/Investor ads on TV?
The best view of Nigeria is Lagos disappearing in the side window.
Hey Fellas, Be careful out there!
The best view of Nigeria is Lagos disappearing in the side window.
Hey Fellas, Be careful out there!
Join Date: Oct 2007
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Heli-Jet
Not sure who you are Mr Heli -Jet, Kanbauk was one of the best Jobs I have had so there can be no comparison to Nigeria, I go back this time (I think my 6th trip) to continue to strive to improve the operation with the help of the fantastic team of dedicated pilots and engineers who put their all into making Aero the best.
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Human Rights Watch Report on Nigeria
In a telling document, reported on Reuters
Reuters Alert Net, HRW 2007 Nigeria
Human Rights Watch documents how since democracy a cadre of violent thugs, bankrolled by powerful mafia-like power-brokers known as "godfathers":
The full report can be viewed or downloaded at:
Criminal Politics: Violence, "Godfathers" and Corruption in Nigeria
Reuters Alert Net, HRW 2007 Nigeria
The 123-page report, "Criminal Politics: Violence, 'Godfathers' and Corruption in Nigeria," documents the most important human rights dimensions of this crisis of governance: politicians and other political elites openly encouraging systemic violence; the corruption that fuels and rewards Nigeria's violent brand of politics at the expense of the general populace; and the impunity enjoyed by those responsible for these abuses that denies justice to its victims and is a roadblock to reform.
In Rivers State, at the heart of Nigeria's restive Niger Delta, the efforts of local politicians to arm and hire criminal gangs to rig elections have spiraled out of all control. Bloody fighting in 2004 between rival gangs armed by the administration of then-Governor Peter Odili during the 2003 election cycle claimed dozens of lives, but those responsible were not held to account. The same pattern has now repeated itself in 2007, with inter-gang fighting in the streets of Port Harcourt in July claiming dozens of civilian lives and prompting a full-scale military intervention. Still, none of the individuals most responsible for that violence have been brought to account.
In some parts of Nigeria, the need to mobilize vast sums of money and large numbers of political thugs to compete in politics has given rise to mafia-like power brokers known as "godfathers," who do not seek to occupy the elective offices they control, but instead use violence and corruption to rig their proteges into positions of influence. In return, they demand regular cash payments embezzled from government coffers as well as the right to control the distribution of government resources, jobs and contracts as patronage. In some cases these relationships are spelled out in remarkably explicit terms ? as in the case of a written contract and loyalty oath signed by PDP godfather Chris Uba and then PDP gubernatorial candidate Chris Ngige in 2003.
Criminal Politics: Violence, "Godfathers" and Corruption in Nigeria
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Bristow Super Puma Single Engine Performance
According to an article in yesterday's Nigerian Tribune newspaper a Bristow Super Puma managed to fly at an altitude of 11,000 miles after one of its engines ceased 
Thanks goodness for the fire department - I wonder if their fire engines are amongst the old Green Goddesses which the UK recently sold to Nigeria 
.
Presumably if they were at 11,000 miles they were looking for the Sedco Energy
Helicopter makes emergency landing in Lagos
Shola Adekola, Lagos - 16.10.2007
One of the helicopters in the fleet of Bristow Helicopters was on Monday involved in an incident in Lagos.
The helicopter, which took off from Snake Island in Lagos at about 10.15 a.m., was to land at the offshore with 19 passengers when the incident happened.
According to investigations, trouble started when the helicopter’s second engine ceased, thus making the pilots to seek for emergency landing.
The helicopter, which was flying at the altitude of 11,000 miles, was, however, prepared for the emergency landing by the fire department of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) which positioned emergency facilities on ground to prevent any problem.
The helicopter, according to investigations, landed safely at the Murtala Muhammed Airport.
Shola Adekola, Lagos - 16.10.2007
One of the helicopters in the fleet of Bristow Helicopters was on Monday involved in an incident in Lagos.
The helicopter, which took off from Snake Island in Lagos at about 10.15 a.m., was to land at the offshore with 19 passengers when the incident happened.
According to investigations, trouble started when the helicopter’s second engine ceased, thus making the pilots to seek for emergency landing.
The helicopter, which was flying at the altitude of 11,000 miles, was, however, prepared for the emergency landing by the fire department of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) which positioned emergency facilities on ground to prevent any problem.
The helicopter, according to investigations, landed safely at the Murtala Muhammed Airport.
.Presumably if they were at 11,000 miles they were looking for the Sedco Energy
No, it's to reduce the lift requirement, and drag, so improving the OEI performance. Probably the first time the passengers have complained of being cold though!
Join Date: Jul 2006
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More Joy to Come
Nigerian aviation unions are now calling for a total strike of aviation workers from midnight on Sunday in protest at the government's failure to pay the pensions of former Nigerian Airways workers. It is being reported in 'This Day' newspaper:
Mind you, they're expecting something from a government where the members of the House of Representatives have been brawling in the chamber to such an extent that the Speaker was yesterday held hostage on the floor of the House for several hours and one of the members died of a heart attack in the midst of the melee 
. I'm sure the visiting Prime Minister of India is most impressed.
National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), has concluded plans to paralyse the aviation industry in Nigeria by midnight on Sunday, if their entitlements are not paid.
Addressing a press conference in Lagos, National President of NUATE, Comrade Imonite Itua, said the retirees are tired of empty promises and now that they have decided to come out, they are not going to retreat or surrender until the Federal Government pays all their entitlements.
Itua said the ultimatum given to the Federal Government will expire on Sunday, and appealed that the government pays the former employees, as the union is determined to use all available means at its disposal to ensure the success of the strike.
Addressing a press conference in Lagos, National President of NUATE, Comrade Imonite Itua, said the retirees are tired of empty promises and now that they have decided to come out, they are not going to retreat or surrender until the Federal Government pays all their entitlements.
Itua said the ultimatum given to the Federal Government will expire on Sunday, and appealed that the government pays the former employees, as the union is determined to use all available means at its disposal to ensure the success of the strike.
. I'm sure the visiting Prime Minister of India is most impressed.
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Well, things are going real well in Nigeria. Our new success story is the Target Zero initiative and the great Bristow song which everyone just can't stop humming or singing. Our new target zero target of no satisfied customers at the BRC has now been met as satisfaction levels with new service provider Spewler gardens grow. I think everyone will agree that a charge of only N4500 per day for 3 meals is very reasonable. This equates to only $34 per day. There have been complaints from some of the old school whingers that this is far in excess of their N2,500 per day allowance, but most of these people are too fat from having spent most of the excess allowance they had before on drinking too much Star beer, so a cutback on what they spend will fulfil another target zero initiative - zero weight gain. Surely nobody expects that the new higher levels of everything should all be met by the company? How would Neddy Holdoff make enough profit to ensure his final payoff is at a maximum next year? Now, I know that everyone is waiting to hear about the overdue announcement on local allowances. I can tell you that we've considered everything most carefully and as pasrt of our target zero initiative, we've decided on a zero increase.
Our other initiative of zero more new helicopters is also being met with engineering staff and supply chain working closely together to ensure that even 25 year old helicopters with 30,000 hours still perform a valuable service for our customers. Valued customers such as Naddax are extremely happy with the service we manage to squeeze out of some of the oldest 412 and S76 helicopters still flying.
Despite the slump in the US$ we continue to meet another zero initiative of zero more staff than we need. Eventually we plan to have zero expatriate staff, but numbers are not yet falling fast enough to meet the target date of 2010 for this. Expect new initiatives in this direction shortly.
One World, One Team, One Pilot, One Helicopter, One Mechanic.
Our other initiative of zero more new helicopters is also being met with engineering staff and supply chain working closely together to ensure that even 25 year old helicopters with 30,000 hours still perform a valuable service for our customers. Valued customers such as Naddax are extremely happy with the service we manage to squeeze out of some of the oldest 412 and S76 helicopters still flying.
Despite the slump in the US$ we continue to meet another zero initiative of zero more staff than we need. Eventually we plan to have zero expatriate staff, but numbers are not yet falling fast enough to meet the target date of 2010 for this. Expect new initiatives in this direction shortly.
One World, One Team, One Pilot, One Helicopter, One Mechanic.
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Nigeria, the Prime Tourist Destination
I don't know what's the matter with some of the posters here when they're privileged to be working in a prime tourist destination like Nigeria. It's a great place - and that's official because The Minister of Tourism, Culture & National Orientation, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode has said so. It will soon outrank oil as a major money earner:
Federal Government said its aim is to ensure that Nigeria begins to generate $50 billion (about N6.45 trillion) from tourism every year.
Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Adetokunbo Kayode, stated this at the opening session of the first Nigeria Tourism Stakeholders’ Forum in Abuja. He said this would be achieved after the ongoing reform in the sector.
The minister regretted that Nigeria, with great tourism potential, could not boast of realising an annual turn-over of $1 billion from the sector, when other countries of the world have it as their main source of revenue generation.
"I know that if the organised private sector partner with us, we will achieve what we want to achieve in earnest. I can tell you that there are smaller countries in Africa like Zambia that are targeting to raise $1 billion from tourism.
"If Zambia can earn $1 billion by the end of 2007 from tourism, then Nigeria needs to earn about $50 billion. Yes Nigeria should be able to earn about $50 billion from tourism annually. Nigeria can earn more, but we must do what we have to do," he noted.
According to him, Nigerians must change their attitude to tourism and tourism development issues, like developing the framework, and understanding that tourism is an area that needs to invest in.
Kayode noted that any investment in tourism is an investment in the development of Nigeria. He urged the financial sector to begin to invest in tourism, stressing that an investment in tourism by a financial institution is not only a corporate responsibility but a big business that would bring huge profit.
Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Adetokunbo Kayode, stated this at the opening session of the first Nigeria Tourism Stakeholders’ Forum in Abuja. He said this would be achieved after the ongoing reform in the sector.
The minister regretted that Nigeria, with great tourism potential, could not boast of realising an annual turn-over of $1 billion from the sector, when other countries of the world have it as their main source of revenue generation.
"I know that if the organised private sector partner with us, we will achieve what we want to achieve in earnest. I can tell you that there are smaller countries in Africa like Zambia that are targeting to raise $1 billion from tourism.
"If Zambia can earn $1 billion by the end of 2007 from tourism, then Nigeria needs to earn about $50 billion. Yes Nigeria should be able to earn about $50 billion from tourism annually. Nigeria can earn more, but we must do what we have to do," he noted.
According to him, Nigerians must change their attitude to tourism and tourism development issues, like developing the framework, and understanding that tourism is an area that needs to invest in.
Kayode noted that any investment in tourism is an investment in the development of Nigeria. He urged the financial sector to begin to invest in tourism, stressing that an investment in tourism by a financial institution is not only a corporate responsibility but a big business that would bring huge profit.
$50 billion
Join Date: Jan 2005
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Zambia
Funny... I hear that Nigerian scams ripped off European citizens to a total for 2 billion or something? They need to just tax that....50%?
A bit optimistic of the N Tourism man comparing N to Zambia...at least in Zambia you have a slim chance of spending your holiday money before it gets ripped off you...
But then I grew up there so I know a few tricks on how to keep your cash...
which is important because you need it to replace the clothes that went missing from your suitcase in Lusaka airport.
Just kidding. I miss the place. If there was a job there I would snap it up... Does anyone hear this at Vic Falls or in the game parks....? I'm homesick....
A bit optimistic of the N Tourism man comparing N to Zambia...at least in Zambia you have a slim chance of spending your holiday money before it gets ripped off you...
But then I grew up there so I know a few tricks on how to keep your cash...
which is important because you need it to replace the clothes that went missing from your suitcase in Lusaka airport.Just kidding. I miss the place. If there was a job there I would snap it up... Does anyone hear this at Vic Falls or in the game parks....? I'm homesick....
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Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Here and there...
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Well, that's that then. Imagine if Caverton buys the manufacturing rights to it and puts 100 to work in the Niger delta.
BHNL and CHC may as well pack up and go home!!
BHNL and CHC may as well pack up and go home!!