What's New In W. Africa (Nigeria)
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S76,
So it's exactly as ETB has said, for a Nigerian, he's effectively stuck here. I only know of 2 Nigerians who was taken on by CHC Global. One was told he couldn't work in Nigeria for them. However he had dual nationality. The other was already in a management job with CHC in Aberdeen and was transferred to Capetown as GM there. The others who've left have mostly gone to Qatar, or have dual nationality and have no problem working in other countries.
Two expatriates were kidnapped from a bar in Onne last night, presumably one outside the supposedly secure camps in which most expatriates live?
The pull out of Julius Berger from the region is having a severe knock on effect as they have now started to lay off workers. It is speculated that the company is unlikely to resume operations soon, as the situation in the region has deteriorated with the killing of three soldiers and two civilians on transport boat from Obioku to Yenagoa and the attack on a police station, leaving an inspector dead. Security agencies are finding it difficult to tackle the issue of militancy in the Niger Delta due to the superior knowledge of the creeks by the militants.
With militant unions having forced Chevron Nigeria into laying off over 400 expatriate workers in the next 18 months, there is now also pressure on Shell, with reports in Nigerian newspapers that the government is trying to force it out of the Niger Delta. Shell has long been accused of enthusiastic collaboration with previous military administrations and complicity in the alleged murder of the late Ken Saro Wiwa by the military government of General Sani Abacha. The government are said to be ready to take possession of some of Shell's OMLs in Ogoniland as they have not been developed in the last 10 years. Local newspapers further report that the federal government is said to be investigating an alleged secret deal by Shell with another oil company; Addax to regain the possession of the oil field by proxy. Shell and Addax were said to have struck a deal on the retention of the oil field through Addax since Shell was reportedly aware of the ill motive of the government towards it. If the deal between the two oil companies works out, Shell would invariably have access to the oil bloc even after being eased out of the Niger Delta.
The SPDC, regarded as a colonialist oil company, has been a pioneer and leader of the petroleum industry in Nigeria. It has the largest acreage in the country from which it produces close to 43 per cent of the Nigeria’s oil. SPDC has more than 6,000 kilometers of pipelines and flow lines, 87 flow stations, 8 gas plants and more than 1,000 oil producing wells.
Meanwhile, with the long, lonmg-awaited Agbami contract not having been awarded to a helicopter company as yet, last Thursday Chevron announced that it produced the first oil from the field. Current bproduction rate is 20,000 barrels per day, with an expected increase to 100,000 bpd by next January. The company has stated that it is not worried about political instability in the country, noting that the Agbami field is 70 miles offshore - I hope he won't be forced to eat his words in the light of what happened to the Bonga field recently
.
With continued unrest and border raids along the border between Nigeria and Cameroon, a Nigerian court has now decreed that Nigeria should halt the handover of terrority in the Bakassi peninsula, due to happen on 14 August, despite President Yar'Adua's pledge that Nigeria will hand the terrority over.
There seems to be no end to the woes which Nigeria seems to be so easily able to heap on itself, but as long as there is oil there will be oil companies here. As long as there are oil companies producing and exploring, there will be helicopters here and no matter what the danger or perceived danger, there will be pilots willing to come here as long as the money is good enough. The problem at the moment is that CHC and Aero have not sorted out the future of their partnership (if there is to be one at all), leading to the poor morale which accompanies uncertainty. Bristow pilots are still waiting to see what the result of their pay review (due last month) will be. If it's anything like the constant reassurance that they will know about Agbami next week/month, their staff could be waiting for many months yet before they hear anything
So it's exactly as ETB has said, for a Nigerian, he's effectively stuck here. I only know of 2 Nigerians who was taken on by CHC Global. One was told he couldn't work in Nigeria for them. However he had dual nationality. The other was already in a management job with CHC in Aberdeen and was transferred to Capetown as GM there. The others who've left have mostly gone to Qatar, or have dual nationality and have no problem working in other countries.
Two expatriates were kidnapped from a bar in Onne last night, presumably one outside the supposedly secure camps in which most expatriates live?
The pull out of Julius Berger from the region is having a severe knock on effect as they have now started to lay off workers. It is speculated that the company is unlikely to resume operations soon, as the situation in the region has deteriorated with the killing of three soldiers and two civilians on transport boat from Obioku to Yenagoa and the attack on a police station, leaving an inspector dead. Security agencies are finding it difficult to tackle the issue of militancy in the Niger Delta due to the superior knowledge of the creeks by the militants.
With militant unions having forced Chevron Nigeria into laying off over 400 expatriate workers in the next 18 months, there is now also pressure on Shell, with reports in Nigerian newspapers that the government is trying to force it out of the Niger Delta. Shell has long been accused of enthusiastic collaboration with previous military administrations and complicity in the alleged murder of the late Ken Saro Wiwa by the military government of General Sani Abacha. The government are said to be ready to take possession of some of Shell's OMLs in Ogoniland as they have not been developed in the last 10 years. Local newspapers further report that the federal government is said to be investigating an alleged secret deal by Shell with another oil company; Addax to regain the possession of the oil field by proxy. Shell and Addax were said to have struck a deal on the retention of the oil field through Addax since Shell was reportedly aware of the ill motive of the government towards it. If the deal between the two oil companies works out, Shell would invariably have access to the oil bloc even after being eased out of the Niger Delta.
The SPDC, regarded as a colonialist oil company, has been a pioneer and leader of the petroleum industry in Nigeria. It has the largest acreage in the country from which it produces close to 43 per cent of the Nigeria’s oil. SPDC has more than 6,000 kilometers of pipelines and flow lines, 87 flow stations, 8 gas plants and more than 1,000 oil producing wells.
Meanwhile, with the long, lonmg-awaited Agbami contract not having been awarded to a helicopter company as yet, last Thursday Chevron announced that it produced the first oil from the field. Current bproduction rate is 20,000 barrels per day, with an expected increase to 100,000 bpd by next January. The company has stated that it is not worried about political instability in the country, noting that the Agbami field is 70 miles offshore - I hope he won't be forced to eat his words in the light of what happened to the Bonga field recently
. With continued unrest and border raids along the border between Nigeria and Cameroon, a Nigerian court has now decreed that Nigeria should halt the handover of terrority in the Bakassi peninsula, due to happen on 14 August, despite President Yar'Adua's pledge that Nigeria will hand the terrority over.
There seems to be no end to the woes which Nigeria seems to be so easily able to heap on itself, but as long as there is oil there will be oil companies here. As long as there are oil companies producing and exploring, there will be helicopters here and no matter what the danger or perceived danger, there will be pilots willing to come here as long as the money is good enough. The problem at the moment is that CHC and Aero have not sorted out the future of their partnership (if there is to be one at all), leading to the poor morale which accompanies uncertainty. Bristow pilots are still waiting to see what the result of their pay review (due last month) will be. If it's anything like the constant reassurance that they will know about Agbami next week/month, their staff could be waiting for many months yet before they hear anything
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An almost comical but having serious consequence has occurred in the states the past ten years whereas white Africans come to the US and register as African Americans. This gives them many government, head of the line privelages and bennies not afforded the 'regular' whites. And of course, some black national groups call 'foul' but the law has held...thus far. Would a white African have priority, or any benefits over, say, a white American applying for a job in Nigeria? Enquiring minds want to know.
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More on Onne Kidnapping
Mama,
Actually, Papa's Bar is inside the Federal Lighter Terminal area of Onne Port. The access road to it passes the entrance to the Naval College Base gate which has a fortified gun emplacement. The actual port gates specify that no entry is allowed without ID. The militants arrived by bus and in the shoot-out which followed one national man and one woman were hit and injured. One militant was killed by the Navy, but they still got away with 2 expatriates.
Yet again, it goes to show that security,as has been said, is purely an illusion around Port Harcourt, as the 2 German nationals from Julius Berger were taken from a very heavily protected convoy and their vehicles were hit numerous times. I've heard company bosses and so-called security consultants brush it off as just some kind of inside job as if that makes it any less relevant. The fact is that, no matter who did it, 2 expats were taken from a heavily armed convoy. The pathetic unarmed vans with a few MOPOL which most of us travel with, give little or no protection at all. Leaving at set times and taking set routes as most of us do is also really stupid. Why don't we set more realistic flexible start times, based on leaving at random times and, even if it means taking a longer routing, take more varied routes to work? What does it cost to bullet-proof a vehicle? There was an article recently about a company in Texas which is now offering armoured vehicles specifically for Nigeria - why aren't company managements out here buying them if they expect pilots and engineers to continue working in areas which the majority of embassies have advised their nationals to leave? They could surely go to the oil companies and ask for an increase in rates to enable them to maintain their duty of care to their employees here. After all, all the oil companies are making record profits at the moment and if they refuse to pay, the companies should refuse to fly for them any more 
Actually, Papa's Bar is inside the Federal Lighter Terminal area of Onne Port. The access road to it passes the entrance to the Naval College Base gate which has a fortified gun emplacement. The actual port gates specify that no entry is allowed without ID. The militants arrived by bus and in the shoot-out which followed one national man and one woman were hit and injured. One militant was killed by the Navy, but they still got away with 2 expatriates.
Yet again, it goes to show that security,as has been said, is purely an illusion around Port Harcourt, as the 2 German nationals from Julius Berger were taken from a very heavily protected convoy and their vehicles were hit numerous times. I've heard company bosses and so-called security consultants brush it off as just some kind of inside job as if that makes it any less relevant. The fact is that, no matter who did it, 2 expats were taken from a heavily armed convoy. The pathetic unarmed vans with a few MOPOL which most of us travel with, give little or no protection at all. Leaving at set times and taking set routes as most of us do is also really stupid. Why don't we set more realistic flexible start times, based on leaving at random times and, even if it means taking a longer routing, take more varied routes to work? What does it cost to bullet-proof a vehicle? There was an article recently about a company in Texas which is now offering armoured vehicles specifically for Nigeria - why aren't company managements out here buying them if they expect pilots and engineers to continue working in areas which the majority of embassies have advised their nationals to leave?
They could surely go to the oil companies and ask for an increase in rates to enable them to maintain their duty of care to their employees here. After all, all the oil companies are making record profits at the moment and if they refuse to pay, the companies should refuse to fly for them any more
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NEO,
You're not seriously suggesting that Nigeria is a nicer place to be than Guernsey at the moment are you
? I'm worried, have you been sitting in your room at Darrels and drinking Star too long? There are surely only 4reasons pilots come to Nigeria any more -
To build hours because companies here are desperate and will take anyone with a pulse
They are too old to work elswhere
They need the money badly
They're totally bush
I'd suggest that in many cases it's a combination of more than one of the above
You're not seriously suggesting that Nigeria is a nicer place to be than Guernsey at the moment are you
? I'm worried, have you been sitting in your room at Darrels and drinking Star too long? There are surely only 4reasons pilots come to Nigeria any more - To build hours because companies here are desperate and will take anyone with a pulse
They are too old to work elswhere
They need the money badly
They're totally bush
I'd suggest that in many cases it's a combination of more than one of the above
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White Africans
Would a white African have priority, or any benefits over, say, a white American applying for a job in Nigeria?
I would say MAYBE and only because since the revolution in SA the previously unpopular whites have become valued for their skills and willingness to get stuck in and do the job required. Naturally there will be exceptions to this, but by and large that is the case.
Bear in mind also the fact that the Americans tend to be viewed in a less than favourable light in some parts of Africa (and the rest of the world) for various sins, both real
and imagined,
so all in all I would say the answer to your question is a qualified definite maybe.
As an aside to this, there is the school of thought that says that the white South Africans are not really Africans even if 5th generation and that they should all be chased into the sea or the nearest available mine shaft for destroying Africa like they have with colonialism.
I would say MAYBE and only because since the revolution in SA the previously unpopular whites have become valued for their skills and willingness to get stuck in and do the job required. Naturally there will be exceptions to this, but by and large that is the case.
Bear in mind also the fact that the Americans tend to be viewed in a less than favourable light in some parts of Africa (and the rest of the world) for various sins, both real
and imagined, so all in all I would say the answer to your question is a qualified definite maybe.As an aside to this, there is the school of thought that says that the white South Africans are not really Africans even if 5th generation and that they should all be chased into the sea or the nearest available mine shaft for destroying Africa like they have with colonialism.
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Mamaput, I think we are basically saying the same thing. The gentleman who was told he could not work in Nigeria....did he not want to work elsewhere? If no, then why did he apply? Government and unions are involved too when you work in your home country.
As I said, apples and oranges.
AFAIK, he probably does better financially working in Nigeria than he would elsewhere.
Again, as a Nigerian national ETB isn't a CHC employee. Local management has clearly established that. The first step would be to apply to CHC (or Bristow, Heli-Union, etc) and once accepted resign from ACN. Then he would be just like the rest of us, without representation and living the life of adventure.
Not picking on you ETB, just the example at hand.
As I said, apples and oranges.
AFAIK, he probably does better financially working in Nigeria than he would elsewhere.
Again, as a Nigerian national ETB isn't a CHC employee. Local management has clearly established that. The first step would be to apply to CHC (or Bristow, Heli-Union, etc) and once accepted resign from ACN. Then he would be just like the rest of us, without representation and living the life of adventure.
Not picking on you ETB, just the example at hand.
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I know a few guys who have been taken on by CHC Global and were told that they could not work in their home countries.
This as it was explained to me has mainly to do with the salaries they earn and the rostering system (6/6) as it would cause friction with the nationals if they were on the floor with their countrymen earning more and on the expat roster.
ETB, my apologies for assuming you were expat. Like Swamp 76 put it, you would first need to join up with Global/Bristow/Heli Union/whoever then dependant on your types/experience etc etc the world would be your oyster.
It's a different and sometimes difficult life, but IMO it beats the Monday to Friday 9-5 gig hands down.
This as it was explained to me has mainly to do with the salaries they earn and the rostering system (6/6) as it would cause friction with the nationals if they were on the floor with their countrymen earning more and on the expat roster.
ETB, my apologies for assuming you were expat. Like Swamp 76 put it, you would first need to join up with Global/Bristow/Heli Union/whoever then dependant on your types/experience etc etc the world would be your oyster.
It's a different and sometimes difficult life, but IMO it beats the Monday to Friday 9-5 gig hands down.
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UL, well said, it could not be more correct.>Salaries and work roster differences in CHC between the Nationals and expats is the main reason why certain persons cannot work in their home countries.The Aero Nationals as i gather had a chance to remedy that but chose lucre above leisure.
S76,It is understood that when you sign a contract to work with CHC, you may be sent anywhere and the said gentleman understood that before he signed the contract.He did not join CHC just to work in his home country.A known fact though is that if Nigerian nationals applied, they were usually referred to apply to Aero.In the light of almost fractured nuptials, ETB et al live in hope
S76,It is understood that when you sign a contract to work with CHC, you may be sent anywhere and the said gentleman understood that before he signed the contract.He did not join CHC just to work in his home country.A known fact though is that if Nigerian nationals applied, they were usually referred to apply to Aero.In the light of almost fractured nuptials, ETB et al live in hope
I Try To Be Good !!
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I hear there is a bit of head hunting going on. A number of BHNL National pilots are getting calls from ACN with offers they can't refuse. Not difficult to tempt them with Bristow cutting everything yet expecting people to live like monks in sealed compounds.
Now COBI has it's first high profile scalp there will be more emails and calls from disgruntled employees no doubt leading to further unseemly departures. Let the groundings begin !! Maybe that will focus someone in Houston's mind ?
Now COBI has it's first high profile scalp there will be more emails and calls from disgruntled employees no doubt leading to further unseemly departures. Let the groundings begin !! Maybe that will focus someone in Houston's mind ?
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Caverton Helicopters to Acquire 5 Bell 412
According to reports in 'This day' newspaper, Caverton Helicopters is to acquire 5 Bell 412 helicopters in the first quarter of 2009 and is also opening a base in Malabo:
Caverton Acquires 5 Helicopters, Expands Operations
By Chinyere Okoye, 08.06.2008
Thisday Special Release
Caverton Helicopters, a member of the Caverton Offshore Support Group, is poised to extend its foray into offshore oil and gas logistics services with the signing of purchase agreements for five offshore equipped helicopters to be delivered in the first quarter of 2009.
The company has placed firm orders with Bell Helicopter Textron, Canada, for the helicopters in a deal worth over N6 billion (about $50 million).
The oil and gas sector is central to the Nigerian economy, providing about 90 per cent of total revenue as well as the foreign exchange earnings for the country.
But despite the huge investments made by the Federal Government in the sector, totalling an average of $10 billion per annum, its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been very minimal and this has been attributed to the low local content participation in the industry.
As a result of this, there has been a persistent focus on Federal Government’s Local Content initiative which was instituted to help develop the local capacity building and to enable Nigerian companies participate actively in this sector.
The attainment of this goal continues to pose significant obstacles owing to limited technical know-how and the high capital cost of investing in oil and gas related assets.
But the Caverton Offshore Support Group is taking a giant stride in this direction with its latest acquisition.
Experts project that opportunities abound for the company and more Nigerian companies as they garner the requisite certification and raise their operating standards in line with the demands of the oil companies.
In addition to the acquisition of more helicopters, the company has acquired a second fixed wing aircraft, a 19-seater turbo prop developed specifically for operations with limited runway access.
The aircraft is said to be on a long-term contract supporting the gas development projects in Bonny Island.
In a related move, the company is also set to open its third operational base at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and a fourth one in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, early next year.
These developments are in line with the company's goal of positioning itself to be the sole indigenous offshore logistics operator in the region operating in accordance with global standards.
"This is a strategic milestone for the Caverton Offshore Support Group. Our current successes will be buttressed by the reliability and proven performance of the Bell product in this part of the world. As the demand for Caverton's offerings continues to increase, we are confident that our relationship with our technical partners and equipment manufacturers will continue to produce exceptional results for our business,” said Mr Adeniyi Makanjuola, Caverton's Executive Vice Chairman.
The Caverton Offshore Support Group provides comprehensive suite of offshore support services including crew transportation, platform supply, offshore accommodation, standby safety services and anchor handling capabilities in both shallow and deepwater environments of the oil and gas industry.
The company hopes the local content development would ensure that the quantum or percentage of the locally produced materials, personnel, food and services rendered to the oil and gas industry, without comprising standards, is increased thereby generating more employment and economic empowerment for Nigerians.
By Chinyere Okoye, 08.06.2008
Thisday Special Release
Caverton Helicopters, a member of the Caverton Offshore Support Group, is poised to extend its foray into offshore oil and gas logistics services with the signing of purchase agreements for five offshore equipped helicopters to be delivered in the first quarter of 2009.
The company has placed firm orders with Bell Helicopter Textron, Canada, for the helicopters in a deal worth over N6 billion (about $50 million).
The oil and gas sector is central to the Nigerian economy, providing about 90 per cent of total revenue as well as the foreign exchange earnings for the country.
But despite the huge investments made by the Federal Government in the sector, totalling an average of $10 billion per annum, its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been very minimal and this has been attributed to the low local content participation in the industry.
As a result of this, there has been a persistent focus on Federal Government’s Local Content initiative which was instituted to help develop the local capacity building and to enable Nigerian companies participate actively in this sector.
The attainment of this goal continues to pose significant obstacles owing to limited technical know-how and the high capital cost of investing in oil and gas related assets.
But the Caverton Offshore Support Group is taking a giant stride in this direction with its latest acquisition.
Experts project that opportunities abound for the company and more Nigerian companies as they garner the requisite certification and raise their operating standards in line with the demands of the oil companies.
In addition to the acquisition of more helicopters, the company has acquired a second fixed wing aircraft, a 19-seater turbo prop developed specifically for operations with limited runway access.
The aircraft is said to be on a long-term contract supporting the gas development projects in Bonny Island.
In a related move, the company is also set to open its third operational base at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and a fourth one in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, early next year.
These developments are in line with the company's goal of positioning itself to be the sole indigenous offshore logistics operator in the region operating in accordance with global standards.
"This is a strategic milestone for the Caverton Offshore Support Group. Our current successes will be buttressed by the reliability and proven performance of the Bell product in this part of the world. As the demand for Caverton's offerings continues to increase, we are confident that our relationship with our technical partners and equipment manufacturers will continue to produce exceptional results for our business,” said Mr Adeniyi Makanjuola, Caverton's Executive Vice Chairman.
The Caverton Offshore Support Group provides comprehensive suite of offshore support services including crew transportation, platform supply, offshore accommodation, standby safety services and anchor handling capabilities in both shallow and deepwater environments of the oil and gas industry.
The company hopes the local content development would ensure that the quantum or percentage of the locally produced materials, personnel, food and services rendered to the oil and gas industry, without comprising standards, is increased thereby generating more employment and economic empowerment for Nigerians.
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In a related move, the company is also set to open its third operational base at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and a fourth one in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, early next year.
If Lagos is 1 where is 2??
Malabo, WOW!!! CHC had better watch themselves when the boys from the "centre of excellence" arrive............
If Lagos is 1 where is 2??
Malabo, WOW!!! CHC had better watch themselves when the boys from the "centre of excellence" arrive............
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Centre of Excellence...?!?
Really? Where? I was recently told by a guy i.e. captain to shut up when I told him twice he was out of sequence. Cool stuff!!! Then I was told that I am a white southsomething racist - that was his next mistake. Stay tuned. Excellence is just oozing out of every corner.
So much about the standards of a hired workforce...
So much about the standards of a hired workforce...
In addition to the acquisition of more helicopters, the company has acquired a second fixed wing aircraft, a 19-seater turbo prop developed specifically for operations with limited runway access.
You better start polishing those pointy boots!
Greetings,
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The Twinned Ootter at Last
Apparently the new Twin Otter will be the new Viking DHC-6-400, truly a Twinned Ootter
Maybe they're getting all these helicopters because the've won the fabled Agbami contract
Maybe they're getting all these helicopters because the've won the fabled Agbami contract
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I stand ready to serve...
Boots polished, Twinned Ooter knowledge fully up to date, excellence centred (last effort scored by the judges as: 9.0, 9.0, 8.5, 8.0, right down the middle but a bit of splashing so beat that if you can) all that remains is fully agreement implemented re: terms and conditions, Bajaj, company uniforms, etcetera.
Thanks to my late, ex-Navy father I now have a set of gold-plated wings to show my excellence plus warn other traffic approaching said Bajaj head-on in conditions of darkness. That and some Kevlar curtains and what could possibly go wrong this time around?
Yes, coming soon to a bush strip near you so keep that TCAS turned on and your transponders squawking, my little low-level rotary-wing brethren. Aviator, me! Well, sort of...
You know, I once had one of the Dornier demi-gods ask me, "So where is this Warri Air Strip I keep hearing about?" (He thought the runway at the NAF Base Port Harcourt was a bit tight.) So I showed him. He thought I was having a joke, there.
Thanks to my late, ex-Navy father I now have a set of gold-plated wings to show my excellence plus warn other traffic approaching said Bajaj head-on in conditions of darkness. That and some Kevlar curtains and what could possibly go wrong this time around?
Yes, coming soon to a bush strip near you so keep that TCAS turned on and your transponders squawking, my little low-level rotary-wing brethren. Aviator, me! Well, sort of...
You know, I once had one of the Dornier demi-gods ask me, "So where is this Warri Air Strip I keep hearing about?" (He thought the runway at the NAF Base Port Harcourt was a bit tight.) So I showed him. He thought I was having a joke, there.
Nigerian In Law
Warri
Similar story, different location: I was flying with a new FO (now an ACN Dauphin or S-76 Captain I think) and pointed out the old Warri Texaco yard at Effurun near the road to Steel Town.
He couldn't believe we used to have two 212s in there and fly them 75 miles or so with 11 passengers !! Never told him about the second hand 355s.........
Those were the days. Aunties Kitchen for cooling down or heating up depending on one's preference, Abraka on Sundays. Don't suppose we'll ever see the like of those times again.
NEO
He couldn't believe we used to have two 212s in there and fly them 75 miles or so with 11 passengers !! Never told him about the second hand 355s.........
Those were the days. Aunties Kitchen for cooling down or heating up depending on one's preference, Abraka on Sundays. Don't suppose we'll ever see the like of those times again.
NEO
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Not forgetting the bush meat barbies on a Sunday and many 'Tree, trees' followed by a good 'fanning' in house 17 when the Warri surf team got home . Then making sure the burst tyre continued with his initiation into the ZZ Top society with a few rousing repeats of Velcro Fly
Night autos to the yard were interesting too weren't they; rather on a par with the interesting radar/NDB approach using Delta steel on radar to help with the positioning.
Sadly, I think you're right about not seeing the like of those times: now it's just airfields and lock down
. Then making sure the burst tyre continued with his initiation into the ZZ Top society with a few rousing repeats of Velcro Fly Night autos to the yard were interesting too weren't they; rather on a par with the interesting radar/NDB approach using Delta steel on radar to help with the positioning.
Sadly, I think you're right about not seeing the like of those times: now it's just airfields and lock down
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A rumour from Sweden...
I was just visiting a former colleague up in Sweden, when he told me something interesting:
He said that he had heard that Shell was pulling out of Nigeria. He wouldn't tell me where he heard that but he keeps in touch with many more people than I do, mostly on the engineering side of things. He said it had to do with the new trend of attacks far off-shore, such as the one on the Bonga.
Just something to float out there. Nothing much to do with me, of course, since I plan to get dual-rated on a Bajaj and carry on as a metropolitan cowboy in the greater Lagos conurbation. Coming soon to a go-slow near you...
He said that he had heard that Shell was pulling out of Nigeria. He wouldn't tell me where he heard that but he keeps in touch with many more people than I do, mostly on the engineering side of things. He said it had to do with the new trend of attacks far off-shore, such as the one on the Bonga.
Just something to float out there. Nothing much to do with me, of course, since I plan to get dual-rated on a Bajaj and carry on as a metropolitan cowboy in the greater Lagos conurbation. Coming soon to a go-slow near you...
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STOP PRESS - Femi Collins on drugs!
Not content with all the other **** happening, now the BHNL HR Lunacy team is proposing that CLA is going to be paid in $$ or ££'s into bank accounts rather than handed over in cash.
The first person to come up with three hundred reasons why this is the most stupid idea to come out of the "Tail wagging Dog Factory" in recent memory wins a free all expenses paid 2 weeks in Darrels (Expenses will be paid in $$ or ££'s into your account in arrears in October)
Why don't they apply the old American adage - "If it ain't broke - don't try to fix it!)
Wankers!
Trog
The first person to come up with three hundred reasons why this is the most stupid idea to come out of the "Tail wagging Dog Factory" in recent memory wins a free all expenses paid 2 weeks in Darrels (Expenses will be paid in $$ or ££'s into your account in arrears in October)
Why don't they apply the old American adage - "If it ain't broke - don't try to fix it!)
Wankers!
Trog