What's New In W. Africa (Nigeria)
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: earth
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yep good old carverscam, are just about to go down the plug hole. Pay cuts to pilots and trying to force an 8 and 4 roster, with I quote "no cash flow".
Feel for the guys there, but for Caverscam who owe me still 3 months pay could not have happened to a more professional management team
Fluffy
Feel for the guys there, but for Caverscam who owe me still 3 months pay could not have happened to a more professional management team
Fluffy
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Lost and Legless somewhere in LaLaLand
Age: 77
Posts: 481
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It seems that despite all the money from Smell and free use of the Lagos government 412s, there's not enough money in the trough to satisfy the greedy management in that company. They probably just want more to invest in the outcome of next year's elections so they can cream off even more 'public' money from the kleptocrats they're in bed with 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Ogba
Age: 53
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Despite reports that Hassan Tukur, who represented our government in negotiations with Boko Haram have reached an agreement, I am very sceptical 
. There have been a lot of reports in the news about a supposed ceasefire agreement between our government and Boko Haram and that this will lead to the release of the 200+ schoolgirls kidnapped in Chibok. However, until such time as I see them free, I have a lot of doubts that this is anything other than a cynical ploy to enhance GLJ's bid for another term as president. Even if they are released, I doubt we'll ever know the true terms of their release. It will probably involve huge sums of money being transferred (although this will be vehemently denied by our politicians 
) and BH will have a lot more arms to renew their campaign 
Major General Chris Olukolade says their release is still being negotiated and Mike Omeri, security spokesman for the government, says that no deal to release the girls had been reached. The military have made many announcements which have proven untrue, that I'll believe nothing they say until it is proven by facts and actions. Ralph Bello-Fadile, an adviser to the national security adviser, says that negotiations have been complicated by fraudsters claiming to represent Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau.
Boko Haram expert Shehu Sani, who has represented the Nigerian government in previous negotiations with the group, said he had "never heard" of Danladi Ahmadu, the man who claimed to represent the militants in the talks.
In an interview broadcast yesterday, Ahmadu claimed to be Boko Haram's "chief security officer" and in charge of publicity for the group. He did not mention any potential ceasefire and even claimed not to have met Shekau.
. There have been a lot of reports in the news about a supposed ceasefire agreement between our government and Boko Haram and that this will lead to the release of the 200+ schoolgirls kidnapped in Chibok. However, until such time as I see them free, I have a lot of doubts that this is anything other than a cynical ploy to enhance GLJ's bid for another term as president. Even if they are released, I doubt we'll ever know the true terms of their release. It will probably involve huge sums of money being transferred (although this will be vehemently denied by our politicians ) and BH will have a lot more arms to renew their campaign Major General Chris Olukolade says their release is still being negotiated and Mike Omeri, security spokesman for the government, says that no deal to release the girls had been reached. The military have made many announcements which have proven untrue, that I'll believe nothing they say until it is proven by facts and actions. Ralph Bello-Fadile, an adviser to the national security adviser, says that negotiations have been complicated by fraudsters claiming to represent Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau.
Boko Haram expert Shehu Sani, who has represented the Nigerian government in previous negotiations with the group, said he had "never heard" of Danladi Ahmadu, the man who claimed to represent the militants in the talks.
In an interview broadcast yesterday, Ahmadu claimed to be Boko Haram's "chief security officer" and in charge of publicity for the group. He did not mention any potential ceasefire and even claimed not to have met Shekau.
Decisions, decisions!
Are you for real? You're in a steady job and you see your children every night! You've answered your own question. Stay where you are and be grateful for small mercies!
With fraternal greetings,
Ambi
With fraternal greetings,
Ambi
Maybe you got a great deal others didn't get. Not all jobs in the UK are that well paid.So the Nigerian money might be much more to them, percentage-wise.
Not everybody has a family and can remain outside the UK touring the world on a motorbike...
Talk to your tax consultant.
What are the UK out-of-country-requirements for the UK in order to get a tax cut ?
Is there a double taxation treaty between NG-UK ?
Meet your family in the Caribbean for the 4 week summer vacation, might help shave time off your UK time.
My take : I'll swap with you. Money isn't everything. You can still do this when you're kids are through puberty and don't need you any more.
Not everybody has a family and can remain outside the UK touring the world on a motorbike...
Talk to your tax consultant.
What are the UK out-of-country-requirements for the UK in order to get a tax cut ?
Is there a double taxation treaty between NG-UK ?
Meet your family in the Caribbean for the 4 week summer vacation, might help shave time off your UK time.
My take : I'll swap with you. Money isn't everything. You can still do this when you're kids are through puberty and don't need you any more.
Mitchaa,
the tax rules have changed in recent years, so even the 90 day rule will not apply in your case, as you are clearly maintaining a residence in the UK and the Statutory Residence Test will almost certainly classify you as a UK Resident, due to the number of 'ties', pretty much regardless of how many days you stay away. My belief is that some of the Brits just ignore it and hope for the best, others are legitimately no longer UK residents (e.g. living in Thailand). Talk to a tax consultant for a definitive answer then factor in the pension loss and the loss of quality of life!
the tax rules have changed in recent years, so even the 90 day rule will not apply in your case, as you are clearly maintaining a residence in the UK and the Statutory Residence Test will almost certainly classify you as a UK Resident, due to the number of 'ties', pretty much regardless of how many days you stay away. My belief is that some of the Brits just ignore it and hope for the best, others are legitimately no longer UK residents (e.g. living in Thailand). Talk to a tax consultant for a definitive answer then factor in the pension loss and the loss of quality of life!
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: In the Haven of Peace
Age: 79
Posts: 600
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mitchaa,
I no longer work in Nigeria, but presume you would be going there to work for Bristow. If you do, you'll have free medical insurance (and can pay an additional fee to have your family included), and the same type of pension scheme as in UK (you can pay in up to 7% of your salary and Bristow will match that).
If you're on equal time and you spend your time off, you'll be liable to UK tax. You can only spend a maximum of 90 days a year in UK if you want to be tax free (and your days of arrival in, and departure from, the country count as days in UK). You could do as some others have and either buy or rent in most other European countries where they have a more kindly tax regime, the majority allowing you to spend 183 days a year in country. This is not practicable for many people with children who don't want them to up sticks and school outside UK. If you work for Bristow they'll pay your 20% tax for you. However, the Inland Revenue class this as a benefit, so in UK you'll be taxed on your salary, plus the tax Bristow pay for you to calculate the total amount of your tax liability. You'll then be given credit for the 20% already paid (as long as you can get your tax certificate). If you work for Caverton (unless they've changed, which I doubt), they won't pay any tax for you in Nigeria, in which case you may also have a liability for unpaid tax in Nigeria if you're caught.
I've worked full-time overseas for many years and spend less than 91 days in UK. However in your case, unless you want to move to another European country, you're probably better off staying where you are, especially if, in addition to working an equal time roster, you're home with your family every night.
I no longer work in Nigeria, but presume you would be going there to work for Bristow. If you do, you'll have free medical insurance (and can pay an additional fee to have your family included), and the same type of pension scheme as in UK (you can pay in up to 7% of your salary and Bristow will match that).
If you're on equal time and you spend your time off, you'll be liable to UK tax. You can only spend a maximum of 90 days a year in UK if you want to be tax free (and your days of arrival in, and departure from, the country count as days in UK). You could do as some others have and either buy or rent in most other European countries where they have a more kindly tax regime, the majority allowing you to spend 183 days a year in country. This is not practicable for many people with children who don't want them to up sticks and school outside UK. If you work for Bristow they'll pay your 20% tax for you. However, the Inland Revenue class this as a benefit, so in UK you'll be taxed on your salary, plus the tax Bristow pay for you to calculate the total amount of your tax liability. You'll then be given credit for the 20% already paid (as long as you can get your tax certificate). If you work for Caverton (unless they've changed, which I doubt), they won't pay any tax for you in Nigeria, in which case you may also have a liability for unpaid tax in Nigeria if you're caught.
I've worked full-time overseas for many years and spend less than 91 days in UK. However in your case, unless you want to move to another European country, you're probably better off staying where you are, especially if, in addition to working an equal time roster, you're home with your family every night.
You can only spend a maximum of 90 days a year in UK if you want to be tax free (and your days of arrival in, and departure from, the country count as days in UK).
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: In the Haven of Peace
Age: 79
Posts: 600
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mitchaa,
Yes, having been non-resident in Uk for more than 20 years, I always make sure I stay up to date with UK tax laws.
If the company you're looking at does pay tax on your behalf legally, then they also need to tell you how to obtain a tax certificate to prove that they have, otherwise, you'll just pay full UK tax on all your earnings. If they do pay your UK tax for you, then this is also taxable as a benefit in kind if it's done legally and is paid into a bank account in a reputable country.
For me, the UK has been just a holiday destination for a few weeks a year for many years. About 20 years ago I used to own a house in France and spent much of my time there. Other friends have spent most of the money they saved in renting places in France or Spain so that they didn't spend much time in UK, but that can also be disruptive for a family. The only way really is to look for an accompanied job overseas and they're more difficult to come by than in the past. Nigeria only pays as much as it does because that's the only way many people can be persuaded to go there.
Yes, having been non-resident in Uk for more than 20 years, I always make sure I stay up to date with UK tax laws.
If the company you're looking at does pay tax on your behalf legally, then they also need to tell you how to obtain a tax certificate to prove that they have, otherwise, you'll just pay full UK tax on all your earnings. If they do pay your UK tax for you, then this is also taxable as a benefit in kind if it's done legally and is paid into a bank account in a reputable country.
For me, the UK has been just a holiday destination for a few weeks a year for many years. About 20 years ago I used to own a house in France and spent much of my time there. Other friends have spent most of the money they saved in renting places in France or Spain so that they didn't spend much time in UK, but that can also be disruptive for a family. The only way really is to look for an accompanied job overseas and they're more difficult to come by than in the past. Nigeria only pays as much as it does because that's the only way many people can be persuaded to go there.
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Holly Beach, Louisiana
Posts: 916
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You might also compare Job Security between the two places....just how long will that Job in Nigeria last?
Is your job in the UK pretty much safe as Houses?
You have a family to provide for....long term.
Could that job in Nigeria just be short term?
I know which way I would go....and it would include my local Pub seeing me as a regular Customer, my Kids seeing me every night, and my Wife having to be darned careful about meeting her Boyfriend.
Is your job in the UK pretty much safe as Houses?
You have a family to provide for....long term.
Could that job in Nigeria just be short term?
I know which way I would go....and it would include my local Pub seeing me as a regular Customer, my Kids seeing me every night, and my Wife having to be darned careful about meeting her Boyfriend.
Mitchaa,
If you love your family, even if offshore shuttling has become mind numbingly boring... Stay put and cherish what you have
Nigeria has always been and always will be a honey trap, salary, bush bars, bush bunnies and "I worked in Africa". It ain't a Redford and Streep gig believe me.
It's a ****hole of poverty and desperation you can see at every turn
The 70's of fun and expat legend have been replaced with fear and hiding behind closed doors and razor wire. Hold fast young man and rejoice in the happiness you have right now, even if it is a tad fuzzy
good luck.
If you love your family, even if offshore shuttling has become mind numbingly boring... Stay put and cherish what you have
Nigeria has always been and always will be a honey trap, salary, bush bars, bush bunnies and "I worked in Africa". It ain't a Redford and Streep gig believe me.
It's a ****hole of poverty and desperation you can see at every turn
The 70's of fun and expat legend have been replaced with fear and hiding behind closed doors and razor wire. Hold fast young man and rejoice in the happiness you have right now, even if it is a tad fuzzy
good luck.
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Holly Beach, Louisiana
Posts: 916
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mitch, There is no Employment Law that matters in Nigeria. There is disease, terrorists, armed robbers that will shoot up the Crew Bus with Submachine guns.
Griffo, who I respect a great deal has been there fairly recently and understands the real situation....not what is promised but what it really is.
You might recall that Bristow has announced and seems intent upon replacing Expats.
Caverton is a joke.
Pan African at various times is Bristow or not at other times.
If you want to go Touring and work overseas, there are far better Gigs to be had.
The money may not be as good but Life Style does count even while you are away from home.
Soggy was there long enough to run for Political Office and is telling you straight as well.
Griffo, who I respect a great deal has been there fairly recently and understands the real situation....not what is promised but what it really is.
You might recall that Bristow has announced and seems intent upon replacing Expats.
Caverton is a joke.
Pan African at various times is Bristow or not at other times.
If you want to go Touring and work overseas, there are far better Gigs to be had.
The money may not be as good but Life Style does count even while you are away from home.
Soggy was there long enough to run for Political Office and is telling you straight as well.
another big concern of mine is Nigerian employment rights and salary protection
Nigerian In Law
Swings & Rounabouts
Mitchaa,
It is a conundrum. The advice you are getting is entirely correct. The roster may be structured, but from a position of long term Nigeria employment I can testify that apart from the issues listed by those "in the know" your young family must surely be the most significant factor.
Family occasions (birthdays, anniversaries, school events etc), would be missed and can never be revisited. Day to day issues are handled in your absence. If I have any regret, with hindsight it must be the missed family events. I cannot turn back the clock, they are lost to me forever.
There is also the weird impression held by prospective employers that the longer one spends in West Africa the less employable one becomes in the "outside world", weird because anyone who has spent a reasonable amount of time there knows that if you can work in West Africa working anywhere else is far less stressful and more straightforward !
Just my two penneth.
Cheers,
NEO
It is a conundrum. The advice you are getting is entirely correct. The roster may be structured, but from a position of long term Nigeria employment I can testify that apart from the issues listed by those "in the know" your young family must surely be the most significant factor.
Family occasions (birthdays, anniversaries, school events etc), would be missed and can never be revisited. Day to day issues are handled in your absence. If I have any regret, with hindsight it must be the missed family events. I cannot turn back the clock, they are lost to me forever.
There is also the weird impression held by prospective employers that the longer one spends in West Africa the less employable one becomes in the "outside world", weird because anyone who has spent a reasonable amount of time there knows that if you can work in West Africa working anywhere else is far less stressful and more straightforward !
Just my two penneth.
Cheers,
NEO
I concur
If you survive flying in Africa, you will find the rest straight-forward.
I hear their SAR cover is similar to that which the NL offshore boys n girls have to use
How about FE?
If you survive flying in Africa, you will find the rest straight-forward.
I hear their SAR cover is similar to that which the NL offshore boys n girls have to use
How about FE?
Join Date: May 2014
Location: On the globe
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Nigeria-SAR
Did you say SAR coverage? I hope that things in the NL are better than here. I have a hard time to believe, that any European country would have such a Micky Mouse system like we do.
We all know there is no such a thing as SAR in Nigeria. Ever thought about what would happen if you end up in the water 30 minutes before sunset? What about if you do your night currency and end up swimming? Pray! That is all you got.
We all know there is no such a thing as SAR in Nigeria. Ever thought about what would happen if you end up in the water 30 minutes before sunset? What about if you do your night currency and end up swimming? Pray! That is all you got.
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Lost and Legless somewhere in LaLaLand
Age: 77
Posts: 481
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
SAR in Nigeria
Helinaut,
You're so right! The lack of any credible SAR in Nigeria is a disgrace
. Exxon Mobil have a very limited day-only winching capability from Eket, NEMA has nothing credible at all. There was a plan for a dedicated, 24/7 full SAR, auto-hover S92 to be financed by most of the major IOCs but that fell through. I don't know exactly why, but rumours are finance and politics (Smell won't get involved in any joint venture unless they're the lead partner ). Whatever the reason, as Helinaut says, any flight ditching offshore within 30 minutes of sunset and any aircraft carrying out night training or a night emergency flight which ditches has no chance of airborne SAR until the next day (if Exxon Mobil will release one). The oil companies expect all the helicopter operators to provide night emergency standby, expect crews to be kept night current and know full well that there is no night SAR cover for this. It's a total disgrace and completely contrary to any Target Zero or any other safety system and just goes to show how low safety really is on their list of priorities . If any of the operators had any cojones they'd refuse to rpovide any form of night emergency cover until such time as the oil companies agree to pay the true cost of providing it by paying for helicopter SAR cover and the training required for it.
You're so right! The lack of any credible SAR in Nigeria is a disgrace
. Exxon Mobil have a very limited day-only winching capability from Eket, NEMA has nothing credible at all. There was a plan for a dedicated, 24/7 full SAR, auto-hover S92 to be financed by most of the major IOCs but that fell through. I don't know exactly why, but rumours are finance and politics (Smell won't get involved in any joint venture unless they're the lead partner ). Whatever the reason, as Helinaut says, any flight ditching offshore within 30 minutes of sunset and any aircraft carrying out night training or a night emergency flight which ditches has no chance of airborne SAR until the next day (if Exxon Mobil will release one). The oil companies expect all the helicopter operators to provide night emergency standby, expect crews to be kept night current and know full well that there is no night SAR cover for this. It's a total disgrace and completely contrary to any Target Zero or any other safety system and just goes to show how low safety really is on their list of priorities . If any of the operators had any cojones they'd refuse to rpovide any form of night emergency cover until such time as the oil companies agree to pay the true cost of providing it by paying for helicopter SAR cover and the training required for it.